Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Vaughn.
Alan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I credit my elementary school teachers with planting the seed that being good at making art was a socially acceptable activity to pursue. I had a sign painting business during high school and earned fine art and education degrees in college. I was a college art teacher through the 1970’s and “80’s. I established Alan Vaughn Studios in Atlanta in 1985 and have been painting and teaching since then. I specialize in the making of hand painted canvas rugs known as floor cloths. I market through local, regional, and national fine craft shows and through my annual studio show at Irvindale Studios in Chamblee, Georgia.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When you build a career through participation in juried art shows, you must be reviewed and accepted into each show each year. You compete with other artists for a limited number of “slots” in each show. The better the show, the stiffer the competition. All the while, show promoters equate new faces with better attendance. That makes it hard to do the top shows every year.
Making floor cloths can be a hard sell if people have not seen them before, don’t have friends who own them, or generally are not knowledgeable about their practicality and durability. It is hard to believe that, properly made, floor cloths are tough, low maintenance area rugs of lasting beauty.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Since 1990, Alan Vaughn Studios has specialized in making handmade canvas area rugs. These rugs are available in stock sizes from 2’x3′ to 9’x12′. Custom sizes vary with individual needs. Customers choose from existing designs and the artist matches colors and textures to the existing home decor.
Over the years, I have become known for a number of special designs that have become “best sellers”. These rugs have appeared in design magazine articles and coffee table books about floor cloths.
I am most proud of being able to stay in the difficult business of being an artist. It has to do with perseverance, the joy of loving what you do, and making a product that people want to own.
I think that the art that I make sets me apart from others. My floor cloths are durable and beautiful performers. They are very well made.
What were you like growing up?
I liked school and learning new things and day dreaming. I have always loved the out of doors. But mostly, I have always loved to make things. Making maps, embroidery, basket making, sign painting, building model planes and cars, experimenting with art supplies were constant activities for youthful me.
I enjoyed sports, particularly baseball, and have considered myself athletic. I like to play and I like to coach. I enjoy strategy and competition.
Contact Info:
- Address: Alan Vaughn Studios
3961 North Ivy Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30342 - Phone:(404) 424-6148
- Email:alanvaughn@mindspring.com
- Facebook:Alan Vaughn Studios
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
