NEW GALLERY GIVES ARTISTS IN THE REGION A VENUE FOR THEIR WORK.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, calliope is a Greek word that means, “beautiful-voiced.” Calliope was the most prominent of the Muses—the nine sister goddesses who, in Greek mythology, presided over poetry, song, and the arts. Red Calliope Gallery gives a voice to artists in this region to tell their stories.
“My vision for this place, first and foremost, is to create art collectors,” owner Rachel Dummeldinger said. “Art collectors continue to purchase art and promote the artists telling their stories through their work. I am not growing Red Calliope’s brand as much as I am introducing each artist here.”
Rachel started dabbling in painting when her first child was an infant. “I created something for her bedroom that I didn’t know that I knew how to create—a wall painting,” Rachel said. “Then I painted off and on for the better part of 30 years. I raised my kids…dabbled here and there, did some murals, did some other things. Then the quarantine hit.” Rachel, at that point, decided to start painting full time and start an art business. “I basically took myself to school during the quarantine, I painted 10 to 12 hours a day for two solid years—turning out upwards of five paintings a day.” Rachel practiced everything from abstract, to realism, to impressionism, to abstract impressionism. She developed a style. “When the quarantine lifted, we started doing art shows because I had so much art work it was running us out of house and home,” she said. People have commissioned Rachel to paint for them. She has sold over 100 paintings in the last three years, including commissioned works.
Two years ago, she had an experience at an art show on Marco Island in which bad weather damaged some of the frames of her paintings. “I said, ‘Enough is enough. Fine art belongs in a gallery.’” Rachel recalled. “I wanted to share the opportunity with others. So, the people who are in here now are artists I met at art shows, and artists who found me.” Red Calliope Gallery features 11 artists including Rachel. In addition to paintings, the venue displays hand-made jewelry, sculptures, and pottery.
Red Calliope is a classic gallery model. So, the art is for sale, or patrons can find featured artists they like to commission art. There is also a section set apart for works that are not for sale—a place for artists to tell their stories through their art to educate others such as home school groups, and for art talks.
At the rear of the space is Rouge Champagne Bar, which specializes in French champagne, and regional sparkling wine. It also carries still wines from around the world, some beers, and a selection of mocktails.
Rachel is also a level-two sommelier, and an event planner. So, Red Calliope will hold wine events, with hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, or dinners. In addition, the space was designed with movable walls to open up the floor for intimate wedding showers and dinners.
Red Calliope Gallery is located at 109 S. Evers Street in downtown Plant City. Its hours are:
Monday – Tuesday; by appointment only
Wednesday – Saturday; 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday; 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
