New Art Studio in Town
There’s a new art studio coming to Bridge Street! The art director of Quiet Space, Dane Klingaman, took some time to fill us in on what’s coming to 256 Bridge Street.
What is Quiet Space?
Dane: Quiet Space is a progressive art studio for individuals with intellectual, developmental and emotional disabilities. We offer space and resources for our artists to develop pathways towards personal and creative discovery through ceramics, woodworking, screen-printing, artmaking, and more. Through our parent non-profit Partners Creating Community, we have built a therapeutic environment centered around the needs of each artist and we provide mentorship for creative exploration and professional development. Our target date to open at 256 Bridge St is December 7th, 2024!
How is Quiet Space connected to 260 Bridge Cafe?
Dane: We share the same non-profit! And my wife Sarah is the pastry chef behind those insane pastries. Our other enterprises are Green Lion Bread, Pear Tree Coffee, and our agricultural program at Frog Hollow Farm. These programs intersect and collaborate in magical and unpredictable ways. For instance, the compost from the cafe comes back to the farm to help grow our botanicals. One of our artists, Luisa Barbano designed and printed the 260 shirts the baristas wear.
What will the daily operations at 256 Bridge Street look like?
Dane: Quiet Space will have a public-facing storefront and gallery featuring the work of our artists and community members and rotating window exhibitions. The first floor will house our ceramic and art studios, and an exhibition wall. The basement will house the woodshop and dark room. We will have scheduled daily programming driven by talented arts facilitators and volunteers.
How is Quiet Space participating in the Phoenixville Pottery Festival?
Dane: While we’re currently in the renovation phase at 256, we are thrilled to pop-up in front of 260 Bridge. We'll have beautiful ceramic work from our artists, and a coffee/ceramics interactive project we’re specifically hyped about.
How can the Phoenixville community get involved with Quiet Space?
Dane: Good question! Community is a huge part of our identity. QS is an active member in our vital local community and the international network of progressive art studios. We know this community extends beyond the person living with a disability. Families of loved ones, artists who have adopted themes of disability into their practice, or those wanting to join in our inclusive energy are welcome to practice in our studio. Additionally, we will feature workshops led by our artists and outside artists, fun community events, and other culturally rich opportunities to engage.
Membership information is forthcoming, and current inquiries can be emailed to
