Under construction: Fox Ridge Studio

People walking in the alley behind the Constance Court building in Madison Park may have noticed there’s a new addition coming in. Patty Gordon says her Fox Ridge Studio will not only be a place for artistic expression, but also a safe gathering space for community conversations about life and politics.

“This has been an idea that I have just been harboring for six years, seven years maybe,” Gordon said. “I wanted to do some kind of art studio but have it accessible to everyone and not be intimidating.”

Fox Ridge Studio will be the latest addition to the old Madison Park building, which the Losh family purchased from Constance Gillespie in October 2017 and has been fixing up for new tenants ever since.

“I have looked for the perfect spot for a long time. I was close to signing a lease in Kirkland and one in Bellevue,” Gordon said, “and I actually participated in the Madison Park Art Walk last year and walked by the Constance Court space and found out it was available.”

Gordon wants people to be able to come in for art workshops or friendly conversations over a glass of wine, and said the space she envisioned would be easily accessible in a safe and vibrant community.

“It was kind of kismet,” she said. “Everything clicked.”

The base component of Fox Ridge Studio will be as an urban art bar, with art kits and workshops for creating pieces of art or crafting projects.

“There will be a lot of different options at a lot of different levels that people are comfortable with,” Gordon said.

Fox Ridge will also host lectures and forums that encourage people to explore hard-to-discuss issues, said Gordon, who is using School of Life in London as inspiration. The space is meant to allow for the flow of thoughts and ideas in a non-confrontational setting.

Workshops and big talks will change monthly, with regular events to include Sunday Morning Mimosas and Makers and a Throw Back Thursday Wine and Craft Night. The space will also be available to rent for private events.

Classes and events will be posted at foxridgestudio.com in the future.

As for the name: Gordon said it’s based on the neighborhood where she grew up, which was developed on the old Fox Ridge Farm.

Gordon worked with the Loshes on designing the space at 4116 1/2 E. Madison St., and plans to open in January. She will start selling gift certificates in December.

“They’ve been super-great to work with.”