Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Walker.
Hi Melissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Way back in 2004, I noticed a run-down building in downtown Escondido and told my then-boyfriend we should purchase and renovate it. Both of us were handy, and there is nothing I love more than a transformation project. He said, “What will we do with it?” and I said, “Turn it into an art gallery and artist studio complex. He said, “Are you sure it will be successful?” And I assured him it would. We first opened in April of 2004 as a gallery and 14 artist studios.
Over the years, we developed a strong worldwide following and an extraordinary community of artists, many of whom are still with us today.
After my husband’s untimely death from cancer in 2018, I vowed to continue our journey. Since his passing, I added three additional studios, a second escape room (now run by Cinema Escape Rooms), an Art Bar (Last Spot by Tortari), and an upstairs restroom.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running the gallery and studios has always been the easy part. Fully funding the dream has always been the hard part. This is where the continual diversification has come in, which has been our biggest asset. What started as one business has evolved into four separate entities, and not only has that increased our income, but it has also greatly increased the number of visitors in our space. After the gallery closes at 5:00, people can come in until 9 or 10 to enjoy fantastic drinks, camaraderie, and even buy art from the bar. It has been mutually beneficial.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Distinction Gallery focuses on a handful of represented artists, featuring annual solo shows by them. These include shows by Escondido-based Kelly Vivanco, Valency Genis, and Gabe Leonard, among others. We also host an annual 24-Hour Art-A-Thon, where local artists come together to create for 24 hours straight. Local favorites, including Lindy Ivey, Viralboa, Martita, and Jennifer Anichowski have participated every year! The Artworks, are auctioned off to raise money for ArtHatch’s free teen art program. We also host an annual show with our in-house ArtHatch artists. Additionally, we have the “Micro Gallery”, which features artworks under 10×10 inches – always a favorite of visitors!
ArtHatch rents both working studio space and exhibition space to local artists. Additionally, ArtHatch offers a free teen arts program for teens ages 14-18. We offer them workshops, exhibition opportunities, and a dedicated studio space. We are lucky to have a group of dedicated artists in our space, along with spaces featuring both Thumbprint Gallery and Escondido Music and Art Company, that serve as second and third locations for them.
We host receptions on the second Saturday of every month from 6-10 pm, where visitors can see the latest exhibitions, tour open studios, listen to live music, and purchase drinks from Last Spot.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
It’s been crucial to find a dedicated staff that I can really trust. All staff are also artists in the building and most teach in our teen program as well. I am incredibly grateful for them, as it would be impossible to do all of it myself. We have become a family, and that is what truly makes the complex special.
Contact Info:
- Website: distinctionart.com / arthatch.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/distinction_gallery/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/distinctionart
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-inez-walker-26b3577/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArthatchVids
Image Credits
1. Stephen Davis
2. Stephen Davis
3. 3d Gallery tour image
4. 3d Gallery tour image
5. Stephen Davis
6. 3d Gallery tour image
7. 3d Gallery tour image
8. Stephen Davis
