The Long Awaited Barn

My most recent project has been getting this 139 yr. old barn up to the task of being used as a studio. A studio for painting, drawing, printmaking, welding, classes, workshops, and maybe an occasional party!  I have waited, worked toward, and prayed for my own barn and it is still surreal.  

At the age of 22, I was offered a job as a carpenter. Working for a friend one summer framing houses, I fell in love with all things carpentry and applied to the apprentice program through the Carpenter's union. It took many tries to get a local to sponsor me since most places weren't too enthusiastic about females in the trades. This was in the 1980's, and it was still pretty rare to see a female construction worker, especially one not just holding a road sign. Going through apprentice school was one of the best decisions I ever made, gaining skills and confidence and lifelong capabilities I cannot credit to any other experience.   Skills  I used to renovate an old house and then build a 1000 sq' addition to that same house.  However, one of the main reasons I became a carpenter was to renovate my own barn. I had plans for one that included living space as well as for a studio, (I even included a pool).  Now, I am happy to have a barn for just the studio. It is really something, after all these years, to have a barn of my OWN.