Black Walnut Studio

(PLEASE NOTE - If a space is not being actively advertised it is currently rented, and NOT AVAILABLE. We are unable to maintain interest lists at this time.)

Black Walnut studio was a farm garage built by the Carman Family in the 20th century. From 1998-2020 it served as the “Showroom” and “Office” for Durand’s Forge. For most of this period it was also the main location for the ARQ stop on the Greater Ithaca Art Trail, and the famed Mid-Winter Blast (aka The Pie Party). After Durand’s retirement in 2020, Black Walnut had a brief period as a gallery for other ARQtists including Alex Van Nostrand, Ben Marlan, and Nicole Costa. In 2023 the studio went major renovations, spearheaded by Chris Langenberg, to ready the studio for the Straffan Forge Knife Collective. The Straffan Forge Knife Collective hand hammer damascus steel blades, and have been in the studio since summer 2023.

This is a community property, as such there are shared cleaning and care-taking responsibilities for communal spaces (kitchen, bathroom, and gardens).

17 minute drive from Ithaca.
12 minute drive from Trumansburg.
15 minute drive from Hector/Burdett.
**We are not on or near a bus line, you must have your own vehicle.

The Metal Shops a.k.a. “The Nut House” include Black Walnut, Hickory, Chestnut, and Acorn spaces.

BlackWalnut Studio 3_2024.JPEG
BlackWalnut Studio 2_2024.JPEG
BlackWalnut Studio 4_2024.JPEG
BlackWalnut Studio_2024.JPEG

MEMORIES OF BLACK WALNUT

  • Chris Langenberg, Richie Stearns, and Aaron Arlinghaus in Black Walnut during a Pie Party.

  • Art Trail Sign outside Black Walnut - "Welcome to Durand's Forge"

  • Black Walnut was entirely refurbished in 2023 for the Straffan Forge Knife Collective to move their operations to ARQ.

  • David Van Nostrand mowing the fruit orchard in 1993 or 1994. You can just see the Black Walnut space behind the apple tree.

  • Pie Party display pieces. Ironwork by Durand Van Doren and Teo Aceto. Stored year long in Black Walnut space. Picture taken in 2016.

  • Black Walnut during 2023 build out.

  • Black Walnut during 2023 build out.

  • Black Walnut during 2023 build out.

  • Art Trail weekend performance. Nicole Costa artwork hanging behind. 2022

  • Black Walnut space ca. 1992

  • Winter Blast Party - ca. 2011

  • Durand's Coffee Pot collection. Photograph by Marina Delaney 2020

  • Durand's Forge Signage. Photograph by Marina Delaney 2020

  • Durand's record collection. The "Office". Photograph by Marina Delaney 2020

  • Corner of Curiosities in Durand's showroom. Photograph by Marina Delaney 2020

ARQTISTS IN THIS SPACE OVER THE YEARS

  • Black Walnut was used as the office and showroom for Durand’s Forge from the early 2000s-2021.

Hand hammered damascus steel cooking knives produced by the Straffan Forge Knife Collective in the Black Walnut Space. 2023.