Knowing her intentions to share the space with the community, Cagle created a GoFundMe online profile to raise money. She used the site to share updates on the project and future dreams for the space. “After the studio is completed, I will not only have a place to work and show my art, but I can invite other artists to use the space to teach and do workshops,” she wrote. “Visitors would not only be able to enjoy my art, but they could see the gardens, visit the chickens and pet the goats. They’d see many of the same views that inspire my paintings, and they’d come away with a unique art experience that I think they’d remember for a long time.” Her 600-square-foot (she prefers to say 600-round-foot) studio is nearing completion now. The 12-foot-high walls are covered in drywall and painted a soft off-white color. Windows welcome sunlight to bounce off of the white canvas ceiling, and the plywood floor looks “jazzy” thanks to a pattern of colorfully painted triangles. A reading loft filled with books and pillows adds a cozy touch. Ace the cat has claimed the comfortable seating area, prancing in and out of the studio throughout the day. Cagle’s paintings on the walls, and a row of handmade, three-dimensional mice standing under a window, capture the purpose of the space. In a display of respect and admiration for the unique culture and history of Brown County, Cagle used poplar wood, milled in Helmsburg, for her window sills, shelves, and an eye-catching live-edge wood counter. While she only recently moved into the space and has had little time to work on her craft, Cagle said it already feels like the perfect fit. “The light is really nice in here. That helps a lot with painting,” she said. “There is a good energy in here. I like to think that all of the people who have helped with this project have left their positive energy.” Cagle is looking forward to sharing her new, beautiful grain bin studio.
”There is a good energy in here. I like to think that all of the people who have helped with this project have left their positive energy.” —Monique Cagle
photo by Paige Langenderfer
“Slowly the story is getting out there, about the crazy cat lady chicken farmer artist who wants to turn an empty old metal grain bin into an art studio so all can come from far and wide to learn a little about art and be an artist, maybe just for a day, maybe for the rest of their lives.” To learn more about the grain bin studio project, visit Cagle’s GoFundMe page at <www.gofundme.com/grainbinstudio>. You can learn more about Cagle and her art by searching for Sleepy Cat Studio on Facebook or email <cagle@sleepycatstudio.com>.
July/August 2017 • Our Brown County 17