ETA for the new Wild Ozark Gallery & Studio sometime in July 2026, possibly later if delivery of the building is delayed. This post is about my concept of a floor plan. Join my newsletter to get updates by email regarding events like open studio dates, workshops, and plein air invitations.

The other night I couldn’t sleep because an idea occurred to me and wouldn’t get out of my thoughts. Our old wood-fired cook stove would look great in my upcoming studio/gallery. So I had to get out of bed to do some drawings to see if my concept plan would work.

Unfortunately, it might not. The stove would take up a lot of room in what is already going to be a small space. Interior floor space will be about 19.5′ x 9.5′ (longer than it is wide).

The outside

The total size will be equivalent to two of my market booths at 10 x 20′. It’s not a large building, but will still be more space than I normally get for events. And since I want to create the ‘events’ at home now, rather than travel to them, it’s going to be nice to have a permanent structure.

I used photoshop to put the signage on the creation concept image I got from Crestwood.

It’ll sit about a foot off the ground, so I’ll use some of the large slab rocks from the creek to make the steps. In my optimistic dreams, there are rock paved paths and terrace outside, with an herb and flower garden all around. I seriously do want to put a zipline to go across the creek, too. For fun and to keep my feet dry when the water’s up.

When you walk in the door, you’ll walk into the gallery side. I will put a short wall to separate the studio side. On the studio side will be my work benches and shelving for supplies.

All the lighting will come in through the windows on the front. I can set up my easel to paint either in the studio side or the gallery side, depending on how large I’m working and whether I need the extra space for the floor easel.

Rough Idea for Floor plans on the Wild Ozark Gallery & Studio

The two 3′ lines represent two of the grid-wall panels I have that I used to use in my booths. I’m not sure if I’ll need them, but if I need more wall space for hanging paintings, they’re on hand.

With the door and windows on the front (tallest) wall, there’s no space for hanging anything on that wall. So I might need the panels eventually.

The old stove is that large rectangular block on the left side. I need to make up my mind about that because it’s too heavy to take it down there just to try it out, lol. I can already hear Rob’s groan at the idea of bringing it to begin with… but the reaction would be stronger if I said ‘nah, that’s not going to work, let’s bring it back’. So I need to decide.

Why do I want the stove in there? Dual purpose

It’s functional, I just need to put new fire bricks. So during winter, it could be a source of heat. But a propane wall heater would take up a lot less space.

Decorative. I love the way it looks and could put easels with small works or other crafts or things on it during the rest of the year. This is the main reason I want it in there. I like the way it looks.

It just might not be very practical. So, I’m undecided. But I’m leaning towards putting it in there, lol.