At home in the studio — Porter Mill, Beverly

When the boxes finally emptied and the floor read clean again, I took a breath and let the room tell me what it wanted. The first walks across that square of daylight became a reset.

New studio …… #cleanslate #endlesspossibilities #bringit

About the building

The history and visitor information below are summarized from Porter Mill Studios’ own “About Porter Mill” page: About Porter Mill | Porter Mill Studios.

Porter Mill was first occupied in 1895 and was associated with Beverly’s famous shoe industry. Through the years, the building has housed Decron Plastics, Superior Hat Company, Superior Real Estate, Criterion Shoe Company, Lion Leather and Plastic, and Porter Sewing Machine Corporation.

Today Porter Mill is home to a wide range of artists working in a variety of styles and media. Offerings include drawing, painting, ceramics, glass work, photography, jewelry, fashion, and more. The building hosts biannual open studios, allowing the public to tour studios, meet the artists, and purchase art where it is created. The lobby and first-floor vitrine feature rotating exhibitions of Porter Mill artists.

For current exhibitions and events, follow Porter Mill on Facebook and on Instagram @porter_mill_studios (see Porter Mill’s site for the latest handle and links).

To inquire about studio availability at the building, email studios.portermill@gmail.com.

A few in-progress pieces from the shelves—color tests, surfaces still deciding what they want to become.