A fresh wave of creativity is rolling through downtown Fort Wayne as three local entrepreneurs open a unique space designed to bring people together through art, self-discovery, and community connection.
A Home for Art, Spirit, and Community
Located at 1615–1619 South Calhoun Street, the Art and Awakening Center officially opened its doors Saturday with a grand opening celebration from noon to 7 p.m.
Visitors were invited to roam the bright, colorful space, chat with the visionaries behind it, and catch a first glimpse of what they hope will become a vital hub for artists, creatives, and neighbors alike.
Danielle Andersen, Clydia Early, and Seddy Driem — the trio behind the venture — say their goal is simple but powerful: create a place “where people experience art, themselves, and each other more deeply.”
What’s Inside: A Peek at the Spaces
The Art and Awakening Center isn’t your typical gallery. Step inside, and you’ll find three distinct but connected spaces:
One line here: Each offers something a little different, but all share the same heartbeat — creativity and connection.
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DNA Awakening School: A place where visitors can explore spiritual growth and holistic wellness with guidance from experts in various spiritual fields.
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BIPOCA Incubator and Gallery: A dedicated space for Black, Indigenous, and people of color artists and crafters to showcase and sell their work.
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Driem World Tattoo and Art Gallery: A private tattoo studio and gallery, home to the work of co-founder Seddy Driem.
Meet the Founders: Why This Matters
Andersen, Early, and Driem say this dream was years in the making.
Andersen, a spiritual coach, sees the DNA Awakening School as a missing piece for Fort Wayne. “There’s so much hunger for spaces where people can learn about themselves and their roots,” she said.
Early, an artist and activist, says the BIPOCA Gallery fills a long-standing gap for local artists of color who often struggle to find representation. “It’s about economic power too,” she said. “If our artists can’t find space, they can’t thrive.”
Driem, an award-winning tattoo artist, adds that art — on canvas or skin — has always been about stories. “People carry their stories with them,” he said. “We wanted this to be a place where those stories are honored.”
Community Turns Out for Grand Opening
By 1 p.m., the new space buzzed with laughter and conversation. Families milled about, neighbors hugged, artists showcased their work, and soft music floated through the air.
One paragraph here: Some came out of curiosity, others because they’d heard this corner of Calhoun Street is about to be something special.
One mom, holding her toddler’s hand, said, “It feels different — like you’re not just walking through an art gallery but through someone’s living room.”
A local poet who stopped by summed it up: “It’s a vibe. You can feel the energy shift when you walk in.”
Creating Space for Artists Who Need It
Early says the BIPOCA Incubator and Gallery was inspired by conversations with local Black and Indigenous artists who wanted more than pop-up shows or short-term booths.
One line here: They needed a permanent home to build their craft.
“There’s so much talent here that goes unseen,” Early said. “It was time to flip that.”
Andersen nods. “We didn’t just want white walls with paintings. We wanted storytelling walls — walls that speak.”
How Will This Work? Hours, Events, And More
The Art and Awakening Center will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 12 to 6 p.m.
They plan to host workshops, open mic nights, pop-up markets, and spiritual sessions. Visitors can drop in to browse art, book tattoo sessions with Driem, or connect with a spiritual guide.
One short paragraph here: Think gallery meets community center — with a dash of magic.
Here’s a quick look at what’s offered right now:
| Space | Focus | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|
| DNA Awakening School | Spiritual growth | Workshops, readings, holistic sessions |
| BIPOCA Gallery | Artist incubator | Exhibit space, sales, pop-ups |
| Driem World Tattoo | Body art & fine art | Private tattoos, custom designs, art shows |
Why Fort Wayne? Why Now?
So why plant this seed downtown?
For Andersen, it was obvious. “Downtown is the heartbeat of Fort Wayne. We wanted this to be accessible, a place you can walk into on your lunch break or after work.”
Early adds, “We’re near so many new businesses, but we’re also in the neighborhood. It’s important we’re not just serving tourists but the people who’ve always lived here.”
Driem grins: “Plus, we’re loud. Art needs a downtown stage.”
Not Just Another Business
Some say Fort Wayne’s creative scene has struggled to find footing beyond the annual festivals and occasional pop-ups.
One local artist visiting Saturday said, “A lot of artists here feel isolated. There’s not always space to show your work or connect with mentors. This could be the bridge.”
A grandmother, who lives just a few blocks away, stopped by with her granddaughter to peek inside. “This gives our kids something to see and believe in,” she said. “It’s hope on a street corner.”
“It’s For All Of Us”
As the grand opening wrapped up, Driem stood by the door, greeting each person who came in. “We know art doesn’t fix everything,” he said. “But it can remind us we belong.”
One line here: For the founders, that’s worth every ounce of paint, ink, and sweat.
