involved with the art community at Berry College. Chaffin has done work with the Rome Area Council for the Arts and lent her skill to many local galleries, including the Magic Factory and the Art Center, both formerly located on Broad Street. “I tried to get a job outside of the arts after I left the Magic Factory, which was a gallery opened by Kay Clark who had moved here from New York,” Chaffin says. “I worked in an office cubicle. I made it a week. I knew it was just not for me. No way! From there, I continued to work in the art community and I have never looked back. Swerve is a goal that both Val and I have had for quite some time now.” “For me, art was not my first love,” Featherston laughs, “until I signed up for a clay class at Berry with Jere Lykins. I’m pretty sure I failed, because I had no experience with art. But, it was one of those transitional periods in my life. After I touched the clay and began to create with it, I knew I was home.” This clay class has led to a life defined by art for Featherston. Now, she sees it as her calling and has been active in the local art community for decades. Patrons are welcome to book Swerve for parties, office get-togethers or simply an afternoon of fun. From mosaics to beadwork, almost anything one wishes to learn about art is possible. Also, for less structured time, you can walk in and work whenever their doors are open. Swerve can also bring the art to you. With appropriate notice, Chaffin and Featherston will arrange for your group to create at your desired location. They handle all the supplies, the set up and the instruction for your entire group. Holly Chaffin and Val Featherston
And after the kiddos are fast asleep, or for a romantic evening, adults are welcome to bring wine or beer to enjoy while creating something beautiful. Catering can be paired with your party as well. Although Swerve does not serve food, they are happy to assist in getting your favorite eats to the table, just in time to unwind.
Workshops ranging from sculpting to mosaics are available at Swerve as they seek to make a place for all things art. Pottery, altered books, printmaking, fairy homes and furniture are also areas that they are happy to assist you with. Local artists should note that Swerve does not charge a fee to use the space for workshops and they can display their work in the gallery to sell for a specified length of time. Their aim is to share something that has meant the world to them, and they want to involve the community as much as they can. “Val and I had always talked about opening a space for art. We’ve known each other for a while, and during our Friday night dinners at Schroeder’s Deli, we would dream about this place,” Chaffin smiles. “We are both very happy to be a part of Rome’s art community, and we hope to be able to provide a place where all can feel comfortable creating.”
To make an appointment or to book a party for the upcoming holiday season, call at 706-346-5429 or visit swervearts.com for more information. Be sure to like “Swerve: Off the Path” on Facebook.
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v3 magazine