Gallery 111: Guy and Michele Aitchison - Small Town Big Business Podcast

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, hosts Jennifer Olson and Russ Williams speak with renowned artists Guy and Michelle Aitchison about their journey from Chicago to Southern Illinois, where they have established Hyperspace Studios. The couple discusses their multifaceted artistic careers, including tattooing, painting, and music, and their contributions to the local art scene. They share their vision for revitalizing Marion by opening Gallery One Eleven, an art gallery and Airbnb space. The conversation explores the changing acceptance of tattoos, the resurgence of downtown Marion, and the significance of community engagement and social currency in fostering an arts scene. The episode underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptation in pursuing creative enterprises. 00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business 00:58 Introducing Our Special Guests: Guy and Michelle Aitchison 01:17 The Evolution of Tattooing and Art in Southern Illinois 05:12 The Changing Landscape of Tattoo Acceptance 13:05 Community Engagement and Future Plans 20:21 Building an Arts Community 20:43 Art in the Garden: Community Outreach 22:50 Challenges in Community Engagement 23:20 The Importance of Social Currency 24:55 Inspiring the Next Generation 27:20 Collaborations and Key Influences 33:06 Revitalizing Spaces for Art 34:39 Follow Our Journey 36:32 Conclusion and Gratitude Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://www.gallery111.art/