Is it a studio? A store? A gallery? A classroom?

In a word, yes. 

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While there are artists who have done amazing work within their specific niches, it is hard to label Mitchell Loper as anything other than 'artist'. His career has spanned over 25 years and is still going strong. Despite creating for over a quarter of a century, his work can't be narrowed down to just one niche. Award winning photography? Check.  Award winning videography? Check. Painting? Mixed media? Sculpture? Check. Check. Check. Mitchell can, and has, done it all. 

           

The studio is not just a place where his works can be seen and purchased. Mitchell's dream is to have a place where he can create and can allow others to create with him. Within his eternal search for inspiration and beauty, he discovered a love of teaching (from kids to adults). With this space, he decided to create a community accessible spot where artists of all kinds can find support, inspiration, and knowledge. Is that a tall order? Definitely. But if there is anyone who can make that happen, it is definitely Mitchell. 

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So why Oneonta? Where is it? 

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Oneonta is a small town in the Southern Tier of New York State, nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains (hence it's nickname "City of the Hills"). It is considered one of the northern most cities of Appalachia (which itself goes up into Newfoundland). Oneonta sits on the ancestral lands of the Haudenosaunee, the confederacy of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and later, the Tuscarora nations (also referred to as the Five Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy). Oneonta has less that 16,000 when the college kids leave for holidays but is quickly becoming known for its art and culinary scenes. Oneonta is surrounded on all sides by nature and has a main street that rolls up for the most part at 9pm. Which is a bonus for Mitchell and his wife who prefer the quiet.

                   

Since Mitchell was born and raised in Houston, Texas, people are initially confused how he ended up in New York state. He could tell you that his wife dragged him here (she's from the Saratoga area) but she didn't. He could say that it was for her health and his own, which is somewhat true. He could also tell you that he got tired of his wife bursting into sobs every time she saw Upstate New York or snow on television (allegedly). If you ask him, and you really want to know, he'll tell you; 

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"It was time."

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Mitchell has always found his peace, his center, and his inspirations in nature.  He wanted the newness of a place he had never been combined with the grounded calm of the Appalachian's. He wanted to be able to walk out of his house and see stars. Or jump into his truck and find a place to do astral photography. As much as he loved and still loves Houston, he also wanted a place where you could go outside and the sun isn't trying to kill you. With that said, maybe, just maybe, it also had a little something to do with the wistful note in his wife's voice when she would talk about "home".  Whatever it was, he's finally home too.