Discover Meadow Gold District - Q&A With Atelier MFR

TULSA, Okla. - June 30, 2020. The city’s newest art studio is located at 1344 E. 11th Street in Tulsa. Owner Michelle Reid is an esteemed local artist and offers adult workshops at her new studio. Read below as she walks us through how Atelier MFR came to be on historic Route 66 in the up-and-coming Meadow Gold District.

1. What inspired you to start your business?

I am a full time artist and have always had a studio to work from, either in my home or in the area. What is different about this current studio space, Atelier MFR, is I will be having hours open to the public as well as offering art workshops for adults.

2. How did you develop the concept for your business?

This was a natural development of my art career over time, in where I now find myself in a stage in my life where I not only have the studio time to continue focus creating my work, but also have time to engage more with the public and community at large.

3. How did you come up with the name for your business?

An atelier is a workshop and/or studio where an artist or designer creates. It is a French word, and I spent part of my childhood in France. My mother also painted often during that time so it is also a throwback for many fond memories while residing in Paris. MFR are my initials.

4. What products and services are your business known for and what makes your business unique and sets you apart?

My artwork here in Tulsa is represented at Joseph Gierek Fine Art, which is actually just two doors down from me. My atelier is set up as a triad. Upon entry, the front area has tables for workshops, to the right a gallery wall to exhibit my works, with an area for seating and conversation, and my work area is just across on the left side. I will be providing a variety of small group art workshops for adults at all skill levels (no art experience required), as well as team building workshops for organizations. These workshops are not just about leaving with a finished piece of artwork, but also focus on the experience and process of making art in a relaxing and creative environment.

5. Was being set on Historic Rt 66 an initial goal for your business?

I had been looking for space in the Meadow Gold District due to witnessing its development over time with some fantastic and creative businesses coming in. I also was wanting north light exposure for my studio, so when this space opened up, I was quite enthusiastic about it. Being along Rt 66 is also a plus, because I feel this is the next area to take off, especially once the road construction is complete.

6. What's your favorite part of being located in the Meadow Gold District area of Rt 66 in Tulsa?

The business owners in the Meadow Gold District have all been very welcoming. Though it is a district it has a neighborly feel and a sense of community.

7. What would you consider to be the biggest achievement for your business?

The biggest achievement would be the personal side which as an artist is also my full time business: I am still making art as a full time artist after close to thirty years now. Outside of this, it is many moments, particularly those in where I see my art making an impact and connection with a viewer or buyer of my work. The artwork which I create does not reach full circle of completion until viewed by someone else. That is where engagement and connection is made outside of my own process of creating.

8. What do you see in the future for your business?

Due to COVID-19 many businesses along with myself have needed to pivot and finds ways to fill in the gaps and prepare for the next normal in order to stabilize any free fall and restart growth. If not done earlier, now is the time to transition and plan across multiple possible horizons. COVID-19 is disconnecting many of us further from our human relationships, so using social media and virtual platforms to address needs while providing a relevant experience with services and classes, and making certain those who enter into my studio feel safe is a top priority for me. During this time I am looking forward to the future and making meaningful change. Once the immediate threat of the virus has passed, I will keep in mind to offer an experience people need and want.

Be sure to visit the Atelier MFR website to learn more about upcoming art workshops and artist Michelle Firment Reid.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Erik-Michael Collins, Marketing & PR
erik@erikmcollins.com