Art Grange Story

Since its founding in 1867, the National Grange has served as an advocate for family farmers and rural communities. Functioning Grange Halls were once a common site in small rural midwest towns. Built in 1952, the typical two-story concrete block Fairfield County Grange #1534 was a place for farmers to congregate with family, friends, and neighbors. Meetings and square dances were held upstairs in the open space (with hardwood floors and a stage) while country fare (hot dogs, baked beans, cakes and pies) was being served banquet style downstairs.

Unfortunately, due to urban sprawl and declining membership, the Fairfield County Grange #1534 members dissolved their chapter in 2000. Michelle & Nathaniel were living in a small house in Columbus, Ohio, and were actively looking for an interesting home (old school houses, churches, or train stations) that would allow space for their studios.

Purchased at auction in December of 2000, the Grange in Baltimore, Ohio, while somewhat simple (maybe even homely) architecturally, offered everything from the viewpoint of an artist. Light, space... and more space. Michelle and Nathaniel renovated the lower level for their living quarters and maintained the open space on the upper level for their studios.

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