From east to west, art studio moves closer to downtown Batavia

by Joanne Beck, The Daily News

BATAVIA — Kim Argenta knew she wanted to get closer to downtown to help boost her Art a la Carte business and in turn help fellow merchants.

Now at 39 Jackson St., she has made the move to double the space of her Harvester Avenue digs.

“I wanted to come downtown to be part of downtown Batavia,” she said. “I’m hoping it starts to feel like a little family. I like my space here.”

Argenta has carved out a nook with spotlights to showcase local artists’ works in a gallery. That space will be used to “show off artists” from youths to adults, she said.

She has noticed a trend that people are really into the arts, and hopes to carry forward the momentum. She is recruiting artists for a three-dimensional art show of stone carvings, metal works, ceramics and other materials.

Argenta has hosted charity events and is planning for her next one in January.

Her Monet and Merlot paint night will benefit Habitat for Humanity and runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 31. There will be a gift basket auction, and 50 percent of the proceeds will go to Habitat.

Her mixed media classes have been “crazy” busy from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. As always, she crafts her hours to accommodate students, she said.

The gallery will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. Fridays. She can be flexible and therefore asks that people call to book an appointment or to get more information about other events, classes and requests, Her son will be teaching sculpting some time in the future.

Call her at (585) 245-1655.