H1
200 Hwy 197 N, Clarkesville
706-754-1247
www.artfullbarn.com
The Art-Full Barn is a gallery and store open 20 years. Artists Greg and Gail Kimsey and Jason and Tonya Kimsey Fowler. Specializing in oil, watercolor, and pottery. Art supplies, classes, including hobby lines, toys, comics, games, and backyard birding. Open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
About the Art-Full Barn
Greg and Gail Kimsey opened the Art-Full Barn in 1998 inside an actual old red barn that was built in the early 1920s. It began as a place for artists to sell their creations in a funky and fun atmosphere. It has evolved into much more than that. As people came in to look at the awesome art on furniture, canvas, and functional items, they would ask if we could teach them how to paint it. So we began teaching art classes in both decorative and fine art techniques. Our students were having trouble finding the art supplies for the classes. We contacted suppliers and began carrying the supplies for our students. Eventually, people heard we had art supplies and asked if we could get specific supplies. Our art supply stock grew by leaps and bounds and eventually, we realized we had one of the best art supply stores in all of North East Georgia. Our focus shifted from selling art to selling art supplies and art classes. As other art classes became available in the area in other venues we allotted more of our classroom space to art supply sales and farmed out our classes to other teachers and moved new types of product into the class space. We eventually outgrew the barn and moved into the much larger space inside Old Clarkesville Mill. Gail opened an 80,000 square foot Antique store; Old Clarkesville Mill Art & Antiques Mall. With the extremely expanded space, we brought in new products such as Melissa and Doug toys, scale model kits, and birding supplies. We have moved a couple of times, trying to tweak each move to maximize space and our offerings. We currently, and (hopefully) permanently reside at 200 Hwy 197N, the old Forest Service, DNR building. It is a quaint building with lots of character.
Tonya Kimsey Fowler moved home from Colorado and became a partner in the business, opening her own special branch; Mud Fairy Pottery. She produces and teaches pottery and her bubbly personality is a great addition to the store. Her husband, JasonFowler, is a graphic artist and world-class fine artist himself. Jason brings a new level of expertise to our enterprise. The 200 Hwy 197 location is the best we have had, and we LOVE this space. Come see us for all of your Art Supply and Pottery needs, toys, puzzles, birdseed, and any number of hobby-related items. We’ll see you soon!