Studio Artists
The Hyatt Cottage in Legacy Park houses seven private work studios and one multi-room studio best for an artist collective. The Decatur Arts Alliance manages this exciting arts space with the intention of fostering a collaborative and constructive community gathering place. The Hyatt Cottage also hosts exhibitions, art events, and intergenerational art classes throughout the year.
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Learn more about the artists who currently lease the studio spaces below.Â
Find more information about the Hyatt Cottage studios here.
Artist Profiles
Laura Bell is an Atlanta artist working in mixed media. Her works reference the natural world and the astonishing, often unsettling beauty found in natural phenomena.
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She was born and raised in Seattle, WA, received a BA degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA and an MFA from the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, PA.Â
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She is represented by Whitespace Gallery in Atlanta.Â
In addition to working as an artist, Laura Bell is a professor of Fine Art at Georgia State University, Perimeter College.
Bio to come…
I am an interdisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, originally from New Jersey. After graduating from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a BA in Visual Art and an Art Education degree, I later received my MFA in Sculpture from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Currently, I am a professor of Art in Foundations at Kennesaw State University.
My works consist of materials ranging from metals to textiles, often incorporating sewing and weaving techniques. I draw inspiration from forms found in nature, with many of my pieces mimicking chrysalis or nest formations, as well as the feminine qualities found in tree structures. My subject matter addresses feminism, societal pressures, and the human experience. The new work I am creating focuses on root formations, exploring the connections between natural forms and the fibers that link humanity.
Shoe laces, mud, roof lines, flower stems, windows, grass, an old wooden fence, rust, and rocks are all objects that we take for granted. As an artist I am endlessly curious about all of these and much more. By looking slowly, closely, and carefully, I find endless excitement and wonder in my environment, which compels me to paint it and share it in hopes that someone else may see something they’ve never noticed before in a world that is often overlooked.
‘Catlanta’ aka Rory Hawkins, is an Atlanta based artist primarily known for his colorful and fun paintings of cats. Rory attended Georgia State University as a Berner Scholarship recipient where he received a B.A. in Studio Art in 2010 primarily focusing on printmaking during his studies.Â
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Rory transitioned from painting cats on walls to creating small hand painted wooden cutouts of his iconic three-legged cat (called kittens) which he hides around town for anyone to find. Since he began hiding art pieces in 2011, Rory has shared over 1,000 pieces of art via photo scavenger hunt.
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Rory is also an accomplished muralist with large outdoor works in Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Costa Rica. He has worked with several local and national brands on a variety of projects from label designs to chalkboard art and has volunteered with organizations like One Love Generation and Paint Love to lead art workshops for Atlanta area students.
Studio Artist Events
Sunday, October 27, 2024 • 3-6pm
Friday, January 31, 2025 • 6-9pm
Saturday, April 26, 2025 • 10-2pm
Friday, July 18, 2025 • 6-9pm
Enjoy light refreshments and good community during the open studio events. Visit with the artists and learn more about their techniques and experiences. You might find a fabulous artwork to take home or commission your next favorite work.
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Studio Artists'
Collective Exhibition
Exhibition Run: Fri, July 18 – Sun, August 24
Gallery Hours: Thursday – Sunday • 1-5pm
Opening Reception: Fri. July 18 • 6:30-9pm
Curated by the studio artists themselves, come experience a showcase of the impressive range of talent comprising the 2024-2025 lease session. Looking to support free art experiences? Volunteer as a gallery sitter!
