About Us

“Art is what we think about constantly. How to capture that delicate wisp of a cloud with paint? How to capture the sea’s allure? How to convey a person’s or a pet’s personality in a portrait? How to please a patron with a likeness of their home, boat, or view? Unlike many of my wildly talented artist pals who list their University degrees and other accomplishments I so admire; our story is much more humble. It is my hope that it may be inspiring for you, the reader.”  

~ Constance

Constance Hipwell Vlahoulis became a professional artist in 2006 when “The Conn-Artist Studios & Co.” incorporated. The first studio location at 5th Ave and Main Street in Hendersonville, NC was a great beginning. Classes filled up with popular well-known artist-instructors that included Alan McCarter and Sarah Sneeden. Workshops with nationally known instructors filled with many local Asheville artists who have since successfully taken what they learned to the next level. 

From 2006-2015, Constance and her mother, Barbara Hipwell also offered Open Studio to local painters as a place to gather and grow in their lively second location on South Main. Open Studio was a concept first experienced by Constance under the direction of the late August Gloss, of Romeo MI. Replicating that vision became the heart and soul of her gallery as many artists spent their Wednesdays and/or Fridays happily swinging their brushes with colleagues for all those years. 

“We all grew so much in those years,” said Constance. Open Studio plus such long-running classes including, “Paint in the Style of The Old Masters” with Sharon Carlyle and “Watercolors” with Pat Wellborn kept the gallery in the black. 

All this instruction plus the Open Studio critique time kept true to Constance’s Mission, “To Become a Better Artist & Help Others Do The Same.” 

Memorable themed shows created the excitement that delighted patrons. “The Click Project” opened on a cold Valentine’s Day evening featured 14 photographers some who have since gained national notoriety. The winner of the juried, “Please Match My Sofa” show was none other than the late great Vadim Bora. Much loved Vadim was our, “Chagall of Asheville,” and a great influence and supporter for Constance in her early art years.

Still working in the Hendersonville studio/gallery till 2015, in 2012 Constance was invited to join a studio in the famed River Arts District in Asheville. “I’m so thankful to my friend Rich Nelson (former Grosse Point, Michigander), a signature artist for the Portrait Society of America, who invited me to join his Depot St. Studio.” “Another very important mentor is Karen Weihs, with current studios in Sarasota and Cashiers. When Depot St. relocated, I was blessed again to join my dear friend’s space, the Victoria Pinney Gallery victoriapinney.com  in that thriving district along the French Board River.”

Past NC Gallery Representations:

Wickwire fineartfolkart

The Design Gallery in Burnsville

Mountain Made in the Grove Arcade

Woolworth Walk

K2 Gallery

352 Depot

Victoria Pinney Gallery

Past NC Art Curations included:

Blue Water Seafood & Highland Lake Inn

Posana in Pack Square, #1 Fine Food Restaurant the heart of Asheville

“All this is important history to my growth, confidence, and skill as a professional artist.  In 2018 circumstance prompted me to make the decision to return to my beloved Michigan where my two sons resettled to raise families.” 

“In snowy January of 2019, the date 1/11 was chosen to move into my new life along Lake St. Clair in New Baltimore. My best Michigan friend of 30+ years, Loretta of Sandora Real Estate & Sandora Property Management found my new home and this location where we share space in this beautiful new gallery." 

On May 23rd, 2019 was the Grand Opening of the latest version of The Conn-Artist Studio & Gallery. This was an easy jump of faith! As New Baltimore’s First Fine Art Gallery the time is now to help build up the art community along Lake St. Clair.

Come and see our artists’ works and what makes us tick~

Painters: 

Constance Hipwell : Artist Owner, Curator, Art Collector, Artist Consultant   

Joseph Teresi : Fine Art,  Art Instruction, Faux Wood/Marble Expert  

Brady Harris : Nostalgic Great Lakes with Michigan Pride, Boat Commissions

Barbara Hipwell Collection: Many of her paintings are available as Museum Quality Fine Reproductions via Double Exposure Art.  The experts at Double Exposure captured the lovely nuances of Barbara’s dappled sunlight and light touch with her brush in different mediums. Barbara painted beauty. She lived in beauty. She is sorely missed but we celebrate her still.  Barbara Hipwell- 1930-2019 

Sculpure and Jewelry: 

Robert Hensen:  Stainless Bling Earrings (weightless + fun) + Yard & Home Copper Sculpture, Chesterfield Township

Mark Schieferstein: One of a kind Earrings from found metals, Asheville, NC

Cards and Gifts: 

Becca Verstrat : Michigan Themed Ornaments & Gifts 

Diane English: The Great Cosmic Happy Ass Card Company, AVL + Universe 

Books: 

Roger LeLievre: “Know Your Ships”, “Decades,” Author & Publisher, Ann Arbor

Area Photography: 

Coming Soon 

The Conn-Artist Studios & Co. continues to curate fine art in the community, network artists to collectors, and provide a framework for Connie Hipwell’s art business. For Connie’s work visit: www.ConstanceFineArt.com 

We are a proud member of the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce, New Baltimore Business Alliance, Board Member of New Baltimore Farmers Market, Member of Save Our South Channel Lights, And creator/sponsor of the first annual children’s art show, “Light The Lake” Opening August 7th, 2020 at Music on the Bay in Walter and Mary Burk Park, New Baltimore. 

We love to build and create community in the Heart of The Great Lakes.