The Islander: The Art Lounge

Interview with Hamsa & Cristina Piecuch

The Art Lounge logo, by Cristina Piecuch.

This Friday, a ribbon-cutting by the SPI Chamber of Commerce will kick off the start of a dream come to life by two Art Business Incubator (ABI) Artists, Owner Hamsa, and Manager Cristina Piecuch.

The logo of The Art Lounge was designed by Piecuch during her residency at ABI while working on a series of weird creatures. “The first one I did was a reverse mermaid.”

The name of The Art Lounge came from the idea of the location being hidden and hard to find. “It’s kind of lounge-like, very speakeasy. From the outside, it looks like nothing. It’s hidden, and then you come in, and it looks very roaring 20s.” The Art Lounge is located across the parking lot from Sea Ranch and overlooks the bay on the south side of the island.

In the past, Hamsa owned and operated a non-profit called Art to help add color and taste to underserved businesses. Opening the Lounge, Hamsa is excited to take a luxuriously different course. “I want this to be a beautiful fine art gallery for people to come in and appreciate art.”

Aside from being a part of the art community as a contemporary gallery, Hamsa has high hopes for the use of her property. “I also want it to be a place where people can have events. People can come to hang out and bring a bottle of wine and listen to music.” Striving to create a sense of community, Hamsa also plans to offer acrylic pour classes taught by herself and print-making classes taught by Piecuch. “Eventually, I’ll have a little café bar across the back.”

Inside the Art Lounge featuring art from Kristi Abbott.

Excited for what’s to come, Hamsa also mentioned Afternoon Tea events she observed after living in London for some time. “It’s just a time for people to come together and have different teas and finger sandwiches and treats.”

As the Managing Partner, Piecuch also envisions using The Art Lounge as an event space. “We hope to reach out and have yoga classes or dance classes. We want to be able to provide a space for people who need it. A creative space.”

“There’s just so much potential,” said Hamsa.

The Art Lounge’s Grand Opening will be this Friday, starting at 5:30 PM with the SPI Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. There will be live music by Jenuine Cello, food, wine, and live art performances by Hamsa and Piecuch.

The Art Lounge is located at 33256 State Park Rd 100 #102.

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