Clientele Art Studio is an art gallery and studio space that offers an indoor/outdoor event space as well as multiple studios for rent. Artists’ works can be found throughout the building during shows.

WHEELING — Have you heard about the Clientele Art Studio in Wheeling? If you haven’t yet, you will. Located in a vintage East Wheeling property at 43 15th Street, this up and coming art scene has already developed a following of all ages and is operated with a younger generation vibe.

Owner Will Wallace purchased the property in 2015 without a real hint of its future use, although he knew it was a diamond in the rough. After two years of wrangling with infrastructure, tenants and then an empty building, Wallace got serious about renovating — an ongoing process to this date.

But it was a chance inquiry about using the space to host a book release party that got the thought process spinning to the idea of opening an art studio where artists could work and have their talents exposed to the community.

Clientele Art Studio hosted its first official show in October 2018 which has led to a whirlwind 2019 with several very successful and well-attended events. With indoor and outdoor facilities at its disposal, the studio attracted a sizable crowd of artists, artists-in-the-making and those who appreciate an opportunity to share a good time minus the stereotypical club scene.

In August, the studio held an event titled “Unladylike.” This event touted the artwork of an all-female group of artists. More than 25 art pieces made the show, each redefining the rules of feminity. The show included opportunities for the women to network and garner each other’s support in the world of art. They also were treated to a fitness expert who led them in a workout session to energize the body and soul.

Some of the names of these artists will be familiar while others are making some noise on the art scene.The Unladylike artists included: Alex Wright, Amanda Carney, Cfe Jimenez, Devin Ashmore, Jessica Broverman, Kathryn Holt, Katie Welch, Kaytlyn Snyder, Lizzy Hannah, Maelin Biondillo, Megan Jones, Mindi Yarbrough, Monica Mull Hedrick, Natalie Kovacs, Rachael Schmitt, and Sam Amberg.

The program included spoken poetry by Samantha Pearl and Nativa O’Brien of The Prosers and Sarah Clark. Songstress Sophia Rehak offered her music to cap the evening.

Not to be outdone, the fun and whimsy continued in September when Clientele hosted a Mid-’90s Blockbuster/Stone Church Video-like event where artwork consisted of old VHS sleeves. The turn-out was better than expected and the walls were filled with memories from the days of movie tape rentals. Old movies were shown to an audience that cut its teeth on technology at video rental stores.

In October, the studio hosted the “Coven,” a celebration of all things witchcraft and occult. The artwork displayed at this event included witches brooms suspended from the ceiling, the work of local artisan Oland Boles. More collage creations were displayed, the work of local artisans. The evening was fun-filled with tarot card readings, music and a great social experience for first-time visitors to the studio.

According to Wallace, the reaction to the event was overwhelming. He noted online that, “It was not just an art show, but more like a gathering of friends. Some came out that haven’t been out in public for years. People with anxiety repeatedly commented afterward how safe and comfortable they felt in the space. In a word, Coven was magical.”

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