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SUNBURY – For almost 11 years, Studio 32 has offered a space for local artists to sell their creations.

That mission will continue for a long time to come, even though there is a leadership change behind the scenes. Susan Ward, who started the art studio in Sunbury, is retiring and moving out of the area, but two of the studio’s Advisory Board members – Mary Scott and Marva Bond – have stepped up to take the reins.

“It was a compliment that Mrs. Susan handed it over to us,” said Scott. “It was scary, but it was a compliment.”

“I feel confident that it’ll go on. We’ve been here for 10 years,” Bond added, explaining that they were familiar with the ins and outs of the business, but Ward has also given them plenty of additional information needed to carry on.

Studio 32 initially got its start when the owner of the empty building on Highway 32 in Sunbury approached Ward about finding a way to use the space. At the time, Ward said she was selling some artwork on Etsy and thought that maybe the building would be a good place to sell the items instead. She also wanted to give other local artists a place to rent to work on their own projects too.

But they quickly realized that the bigger need was for a retail space.

“More people kept saying they needed a place to sell their art,” Ward explained.

So instead of renting out rooms as workspace, they filled several bookshelves, display cases, and walls of the building with all sorts of art. Now they have more than 50 artists whose work can be purchased at Studio 32.

Ward wasn’t alone in her venture. The advisory board of volunteers has helped keep the business running since the beginning.

Bond, who serves as the treasurer, was one of the original members. She joked that she didn’t know why Ward asked her to help out since she was a math teacher, not an artist. But throughout the years, Bond has helped keep up with their finances and made sure the artists get paid for what they sell.

Scott, who is also an artist focused on painting and drawing, is a more recent volunteer and advisory board member for Studio 32. She moved to the area from Nags Head and was interested in checking out the local studio.

In the Outer Banks, Scott said, there’s a plethora of art everywhere and it can be hard to find your niche. But she feels like she’s found it here in Gates County.

Seeing the studio grow and thrive over the past decade, Ward said she feels proud of it. Not only has it been a place to sell art, but it’s also served as a way to connect people in the community. She recalled many times when shoppers came to browse the art, and then they also talked with the volunteer working behind the counter too.

“This is a safe place for people to come and talk, and maybe feel better,” Ward explained.

In addition to the regular artwork retail, Studio 32 often hosts different kinds of art classes taught by local volunteers. Bond noted that some people come regularly to the classes, another way to connect with each other.

And some people come as first-timers who’ve never tried to create art before. Ward said they hope to help build confidence in new artists.

“You’re very vulnerable when you do art,” she explained. “You’re putting yourself out there. It’s good to have someone that’s in your corner.”

Ward said they tried several years ago to apply for nonprofit status for Studio 32, but were turned down. Nevertheless, they have continued to find ways to support the local art hub over the years through various fundraisers and partnerships with other organizations.

The advisory board – which includes members Bond, Scott, Margaret Steward, Adrienne Bradley, Lindy Nowlin, and Mona Rawls – has been keeping the studio running for a long time, and Bond noted that they’d started feeling a bit stretched thin. So they recently created a community board as well to help inject new ideas.

“They had an interest in what we were doing,” Bond said about the community board. “It’s worked well.”

Community board members currently include Rose Duckworth, Terri James, Trisha Lewis, Paige Lilley, Latoya Smith, and Mary Chester Wasko.

As for the future, Scott said they’re planning out more art classes and fundraiser events, getting ready for the holiday shopping season, and preparing for their 11th anniversary celebration which will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

“We just hope to keep Susan’s dream alive and keep growing,” Scott emphasized.

“I will miss it,” Ward stated. “It’s been a great adventure and something I’ve never done before.”

She also said she’s looking forward to visiting in the future and seeing what new art will be waiting on the shelves.

Studio 32 is located at 11 Hwy 32 North, Sunbury and is open from 1-5 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 1-4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit their website studio32sunbury.com or their Facebook page.