After working in more than six different job positions, Georgia Fox Hatfield has found her calling.
The owner of The Fox Gallery on DeKalb Street in Lake Station fulfilled her dream of becoming an entrepreneur 11/2 years ago, and the business has been steady as she and her company are making its mark in the community.
“As an artist in Northwest Indiana, I didn’t see many opportunities to display my work,” she said. “There are a lot of challenges to getting into a gallery. I wanted to offer a solution to my, and other regional artists’, problems. I always fantasized about having an art gallery.”
Hatfield has done just that, as she describes the open-door policy at her gallery, which she named for her parents Mary and James Fox, both of whom were. Some of their work is displayed on the walls.
In addition to art displays, the gallery offers art classes for all ages, yoga, open mic nights, vendor events and adult coloring parties. It also rents space for smaller activities.
Another event that has proved popular is the Fox Art & Music Festival, and the fifth annual incarnation recently was held at the park grounds behind the business.
In addition to vendors, live music and family-friendly activities on site, art is for sale.
“I heard the music as I was walking by and came on over,” said James Littleton, of Lake Station. “It’s really nice to have something like this. Everyone is having a good time.”
The Hobart Historical Society set up an information table for visitors, and other vendors displayed colorful items for sale.
Hatfield wants to bring people to appreciate and create art, as well as buy it.
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“My immediate community does not have any other businesses like mine,” the former human resources professional said. “My business meets a desperate need in this community, and all of Northwest Indiana. The arts are an integral part of all of our cultures and can be a bridge to understanding and acceptance of all.”
Hatfield’s resume is a list of hard-won accomplishments to the path she enjoys. The Lake Station resident received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Purdue University and a master’s degree from Keller Graduate School.
She has painted murals throughout Northwest Indiana, as well as the Hyde Park community in Chicago. The former insurance salesperson worked as an art teacher in nonprofits for more than 10 years, and also has honed her photography skills.
Hatfield describes her new storefront as a creative, safe haven for all artists — be it fine arts, musicians, poets, writers or performance artists.
“Our goal is to keep giving local artist opportunities and enhance our community in the process,” she said. “The best part of what I do is getting to be surrounded by all of these talented artists. I am always in awe of our local musicians and artists. I have gotten to enjoy some of the best concerts and performances right here in my own gallery and back yard for our festivals. These are some amazing people and they’re all local!”
For information about the Fox Gallery, call 219-433-2660.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.