The brainchild of longtime Golden Isles resident Harlan Hambright, Brunswick Stewdio has recently opened up at 1407 Newcastle Street. Hambright, in sudden need of downtown work and storage space, acquired the use of 5000 square feet of what was part of the old Altman’s department store. How to use excess space generated the idea of shared artist work and exhibit space. Within a month the project acquired 34 enthusiastic artist-tenants, including several painters and watercolorists, a noted illustrator, a video company. a weaver, a web designer, a puppet maker, and a seamstress. There is large classroom space available (for a nominal fee) for workshops, presentations and meetings. "The energy generated by so many people working in proximity is amazing,” said Hambright. “What was a whim, created out of sudden, unexpected necessity, has developed into an amazing center of creativity. Its impact on the downtown renaissance should be formidable.” The Brunswick Stewdio welcomes visitors.