News - A new habitat for artists - A new habitat for artists

                My fellow Camdenites, say “Hello” to Duane Atter, resident and business owner in the Victory neighborhood. Atter’s partner, Robert Jacoby, a Noran Clinic neurologist, bought the home in 1995 and Duane moved in in May 2003. Just last December, they acquired the old Mathies & Peters building at 44th and Penn, and have opened “The Warren an artist habitat.” The Northside’s newest art gallery currently features Atter’s nature and wild life photography prints and cards but there are lots of plans for future expansion. In an earlier lifetime, the building was home to an auto repair shop and the former repair bays offer unique space for artists working in large scale mediums. Other nooks and crannies will offer exhibit space and an online resource center, among other things. Duane hopes to establish a gathering place for artists to network, research and even work, or just a place to hang out!

    Duane’s mother is a wildlife artist so it’s no wonder he became an artist himself. He always liked landscapes and architecture in school and eventually drifted into photography. He dabbled until five years ago when he started getting some good feedback on his work. He decided to take himself more seriously and set about exhibiting his work at places like Vera’s Café and Patrick’s Cabaret.

     “I love shooting outdoor photos catching little bits of urban nature that you don’t normally see in the city.” We’re always in such a hurry, we rush by our own gardens rarely taking time to stop and notice the beauty around us. Duane finds great release in his work because he can walk around Theodore Wirth Park’s quiet woods or along the river all day. It’s not like work at all! “The pictures, to me, are a bonus to bring back.” Bringing back a part of that serenity to share with us is what it’s all about for Duane Atter.    Robert and Duane like their community for the peace and quiet and friendly neighbors. They’re especially excited about what they see as a movement towards a more upscale atmosphere for Victory. They’re active community members who frequent our fine neighborhood eateries and participate in the Victory Neighborhood Association and GLBT Northsiders Group.