Right Around the River Blog

Rocketts Art Studios Opens at Rocketts Landing

Post Date: 11-14-2013

Rocketts Landing is home to a variety of businesses — restaurants, law firms, marketing companies — in our riverfront community along the James River. And thanks to Rocketts Landing resident, Tom Yeaman, our community now includes the new working artists studio, Rocketts Art Studios.

An avid art collector, Tom had been seeking the right location to create a collaborative effort between artists he admires, while establishing a location for his own collection. He found his art home right in his own backyard.

Located at 4401 E. Main Street, near the entrance of Rocketts Landing, Rocketts Arts Studios resides in the building that once housed the headquarters for local barbeque joint Ronnie’s Ribs, as well as Crown Petroleum. After transforming the once-vacant building into an art studio, Rocketts Art Studios is now part art studio/part gallery — featuring the original art of local artists Diane Clement and Robin Grabinska, as well as select pieces from Tom’s personal collection and art from visiting artist Bill Parrish. 

(From left: textile artist and jeweler Robin Grabinska, abstract artist Diane Clement, studio owner and art collector Tom Yeaman)

The gallery officially opened to the public this past weekend with a two-day open house, which filled the studio with art collectors and enthusiasts during a beautiful sun-filled day. Diane’s abstract art and Robin’s jewelry and textiles adorn the walls (and even the floor!) perfectly complementing one another’s artistic styles and approach.

“We have a similar mentality when we work,” explains Robin. “We both use a lot of emotion.”

(A necklace made by Robin Grabinksa and for sale at Rocketts Art Studios.)

Since the artists work out of the studio, they’re able to find inspiration in each other’s craft and company. And the unity and balance is undeniable. Whether you’re looking at Diane’s abstractions, trying on Robin’s custom-crafted jewelry (that she refers to as sculptures — a truly apt description) or simply conversing with either one of them, their passion and emotion for their craft shines.

(Abstract art by Diane Clement)

The Tom Yeaman Collection also features eclectic pieces including Nicaraguan art and ceramics, original movie posters from the Westhampton Theatre, and paintings and silks from China, among other unique items. Tom says his long-term vision for Rocketts Art Studios is to not only provide a place for their art, but to offer a creative space for hosting private events, such as board meetings and martini parties (he is otherwise known as “The Martini Man,” after all).

 

(Art from the Tom Yeaman Collection)

Rocketts Art Studios is open for visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. You can stop by during their visiting hours or arrange a private appointment by calling Rocketts Art Studios at 804.222.2033 or emailing them. You can also visit Diane Clement and Robin Grabinska online. (The Rocketts Art Studios website and Facebook page are currently in design, so be sure to check for them online, soon!)

 

(Hand-painted t-shirts for sale at the Rocketts Art Studios)

We send a huge congrats to Tom, Diane and Robin for their successful grand opening at the Rocketts Art Studios. We look forward to all that’s in store for the newest member of our Rocketts Landing family!

(At Rocketts Art Studios, even the floor is a work of art.)