05/25/2026
today marks seven years of The Copper Easel, but sadly, it’s also time to start saying goodbye 🫶🏼
first, i want to start by thanking everyone who reached out today. your kind words reminded me why i love the community that i serve. this place holds so many memories for myself, and others, and i will never tire of hearing those stories. i apologize that i was unable host a celebration but i still very much appreciate the heartfelt messages.
now, onto the hard part. (this is a long post so buckle in.)
in May of 2019, i started The Copper Easel to support artists and my community. everything i did was to put local artists on the map and give them a launching pad to pursue bigger and better things. we started as a small collective of artists, with as many art supplies as i could afford to stock, and as many art classes as we could fit into a month. the early years during the pandemic were extremely difficult but along the way it became clear that Rome was desperate for a place where people felt safe to be themselves and express their creativity. it quickly became a community hub: a place for folks from all walks of life to feel accepted. a place for me to feel accepted.
over the years, many changes have occurred with the hopes that this mission could continue and grow. as some of you know, for years i have had to take on multiple “outside” jobs to keep up with the growing expenses of the space. as i put more and more money into the shop, and added tens of thousands of dollars in debt, The Copper Easel also saw a steady decline in sales. you could blame the economy, or the tornado, or the arrival of a big box store across the street - but ultimately it came down to many compounding factors taking a toll on my ability to be there as much as i needed to be.
thus, i am left with no choice but to close the gallery and focus on serving my community in other ways.
i don’t want you to think i am coming to this decision in haste. by all accounts, any rational person would’ve done this a long time ago, but i couldn’t seem to find the courage to walk away and potentially lose the dream i fought so hard to build. even now as i write this with tears in my eyes, this is the hardest decision i have ever had to make. despite all of the hardships and struggles, the huge expenses and personal losses, i would do it all over again if it meant this community had a place to feel safe and loved. i will never forget the amazing people that i have met here and i hope you all continue to support each other.
now, for the details: The Copper Easel’s last day open will be Sunday, June 28th. gift cards can be used through that date. there is still plenty of amazing artists on display and i implore you to support them. we will do a few more pop-ups before we close, and have no fear, all of our Pride events will go on as planned.
i know that many of you will have questions, and i will try to respond to them when i have time and emotional strength. i don’t know exactly what the future looks like after The Copper Easel’s physical gallery closes but i do know one thing: i will always continue to fight for artists and this community.
please remember to buy local and love one another 🤟🏻
with gratitude,
Adam
