Gorse Mill Studios up for Auction

The Needham Bank will auction off studio space at the Gorse Mill Studios at a date to be determined, following the recent foreclosure on the studio development.

Gorse Mill Studios, which began construction in Nov. 2007 and opened a year later in 2008, is the brainchild of artist Steven Branfman and his business partner, Louis Cohen. Of the 33 operational studios offered, 18 have already been sold, not including the two occupied by Branfman and Cohen.

Studio prices are range from $72,000 to $229,000. According to current owners, they provide an ideal working space for artists in any medium, as well as those in fields outside of the visual arts. The studios are available to individuals, as well as businesses such as design firms or art schools.

Located in a historic mill building, the development operates according to a condominium structure, meaning that studio owners have a share of the building and grounds and take part in governing Gorse Mill Studios as a whole. Artists may come and go at unrestricted hours.

Gorse Mill Studios was foreclosed upon last fall due to a legal dispute between Branfman and Cohen over the future of the unsold studios, after which they were unable to pay their bank loan.

"It's the bank's auction," says Branfman. "I am hoping the auction does not take place."

Branfman, who runs The Potters Shop and School from his studio, is hosting a Raku exhibit in the building until April 17. Another event in the works is Needham Open Studios on May 1 and 2, when interested members of the public are welcome to see the studios for themselves.

"This was my idea," Branfman says of Gorse Mill Studios. "I've devoted three years of my life to making this project happen."