Creative Haven A Conversation with the Wall Street Journal’s Noli Novak
Interviewed by Sheri Webber
From Hallways to Galleries
Q: Congratulations on your new space. What makes this gallery different from other artist collectives?
A: Thank you. Many collectives operate like studios with long hallways and closed doors. While those workspaces are useful, they don’t allow art to be properly displayed. We wanted to do something more intentional. From the beginning, we committed to creating not just individual studios but also two dedicated gallery rooms where exhibitions could be presented professionally. Our architect, Michael Dunlap, brought invaluable expertise in art display. As the owner of Southlight Gallery, he designed and installed a state-of-the-art lighting system that not only showcases the artwork beautifully but also gives the entire gallery a distinctive and inviting atmosphere.
Meet the Resident Artists
Q: Which artists are currently working in the building?
A: We’re fortunate to have a diverse group. Corey Kolb, for example, is a photographer many people know from Art Walk. Bill Yates is a respected professional photographer with deep ties to the community. We also have Sharla Valeski, who creates sculptural pieces from fabric, two young ceramicists Mari Santana and Sonia Nowak-Vera, Hillary Hogue of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Duval Destroyer, a well-known local street artist, and then of course, my studio is upstairs. My husband George Cornwell runs his printing operation on the first floor behind the galleries.
George is an integral part of everything I do, including the UniCat. We share a rich history in both art and music and have been collaborating ever since we met in the mid-1980s when we met playing in punk bands in New York. Born and raised in Jacksonville, he began his career as a fine art screen printer shortly after moving to Manhattan. There, he honed his craft in legendary print shops that produced works by iconic artists such as Andy Warhol and Erté. This formative experience grounded his approach in both technical excellence and a deep appreciation for the legacy of contemporary art. After our band enjoyed a successful run touring the world, George wanted to be closer to his aging parents—bringing us to where we are today. He went on to found his own fine art print shop, now part of UniCat, and continues to collaborate with local artists while nurturing the city’s vibrant creative community.
The Unicat Identity
Q: I see “Grumpy Cat” takes up an entire wall and greets folks coming upstairs to your studio. Did Grumpy Cat inspire the name UniCat?
