Elk’s Eye Endeavors Creates New Art Market
Carol Bridwell and her daughters wanted to provide a place for Muskingum County and all Southeastern Ohio artists and artisans to display and sell their creations. Carol began looking for the right place for this venture several years ago and knew she wanted an old building as she especially likes those from the early 1900s.
While she checked out several buildings, her interest was piqued when she saw an ad for the Old Elks building in Zanesville being sold at auction. This building was erected in 1913 so fit the type of building she was looking for. Some thought it should be torn down for a parking lot. Although Carol did not see inside the building, she did in fact purchase it at auction in July 2021. “I was taking a chance.” Then the work began!
Since that time, the family has worked long hours to lovingly revitalize it and make it the new home for The Elk’s Eye Art Market at 22 S. 4th Street. That name was chosen because, in the Indian language of the Lenape, the Muskingum River (mus weshkinkw) is translated traditionally as “Elk’s Eye.”
Everything of value had been sold from the building by the Elks in a 2010 auction. That included kitchen equipment, all the furniture in the building, chandeliers, and even stained glass windows.
First things that needed attention were the bricks on parts of the outside of the building, which required the help of a mason. There was no electricity, water, or heat in the building so those issues all had to be solved.
Carol and her daughters are list makers so had page after page filled with the sheer volume of what needed to be done. But when Carol starts any project, she is determined to give her best all the way to the finish. Her great organizational skills make this possible.
New electrical wiring had to be installed along with a new breaker box and light switches. Every light in the place is new. New water lines and a new furnace required outside help.
While renovating the building, Carol and her family have made many interesting discoveries hidden within including a dedication book from 1913, certificates from local names of note, and contracts. There was even a book with costs of building the 1913 Elks Lodge.
When peeling back from the walls layer after layer of paneling, paint, and furring strips, they found walls with beautiful hand detailing in what will be the center room on the main floor. Unfortunately, the design could not be saved; however, Carol did take pictures and is hoping to restore that pattern in the future.
The building is very well structured with walls three bricks thick and every floor is constructed of thick concrete and steel beams. It includes a basement, two floors, and a roof which was said to have been a Beer Garden used for parties during the prohibition era.
Beautiful brick is now exposed as well as awesome tile and hardwood floors. Multiple fireplaces are adorned with locally produced Weller tile, which adds a lovely, historic touch.
Carol has never required much sleep as her mind is always busy with new ideas. First thing in the morning she takes a mile walk with her dog, Clyde. After that, she heads downtown Zanesville to work on another task on her list.
The family with the help of talented friends works almost daily and full force on the weekends to make this a great art venue in downtown Zanesville. Weekends are filled with a little bit of art, a little bit of architecture, a whole lot of Zanesville history, and dreaming of what could be.
Elk’s Eye Art Market is the first venture of Elk’s Eye Endeavors, LLC. The market is the brainchild of Carol Bridwell and her two daughters, Stephanie Bridwell and Alicia Snider. They have all been involved in the local art community for the last six years and want to bring new opportunities to the artist community.
While working at festivals throughout the area, Carol realized that artists needed another place to display their creations throughout the year instead of just a few days here and there. She said, “If artists don’t have a place to display their work, they miss out on opportunities to sell.”
Many local artists, sixteen so far in June, will be displaying their media in this retail showcase. Some of those include Maddy Fraioli, Carol Bridwell, Marilyn Knell, Myron Knell, Kathy German, and John Taylor-Lehman. Watch their Facebook page @ Elks Eye Endeavors as new artists are added. Carol wants, “ A place with a variety of kinds of art where everyone feels comfortable coming in to view the art and visit.”
Carol wanted to have a place that was accessible with regular hours. Therefore, the Elk’s Eye Art Market will be open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10-6. While Muskingum County art will be featured, all artists from Southeastern Ohio are welcome to display their works. The only fee artists pay is a commission when they sell a piece. If you have any questions or would like to display and sell your art, email elkseyezville@gmail.com.
It turns out that Carol’s family had an experience in this same building several years ago when Carol and her husband were celebrating their 25th anniversary. At that time, the family had a reception for them in the basement of the Elks Lodge. No wonder she was attracted to the building.
The old structure has been revitalized inside and out in the hopes of bringing new opportunities to the area art community. Stop by Elk’s Eye Art Market at 22 S. 4th Street in Zanesville and see the beauty of the building as well as the great selection of local artwork.
“Art will have a home at The Elk’s Eye Art Market that will appeal to both men and women.”
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