Jim Great Elk Waters takes his brush and creates a Native American scene from the heart of his culture, while operatic music permeates the room on a peaceful Saturday afternoon.

It’s the atmosphere of the newly-opened Artaffects, located in the former Emporium building on Chillicothe Street in downtown Portsmouth.

“Right now I’m doing a Native American triple scene for a framed piece of artwork for a residence, for a decorator piece,” Waters said. “They are water colored prints, hand-colored prints. They are part of my series in fine art of Native American art.”

Michael and Nancy Clark recently opened the studio to allow local artists a venue where their art can be seen and purchased.

The regional arts center is operated in cooperation with the Portsmouth Area Arts Council. Nancy Clark serves on that board.

“We actually had our soft opening Friday, the 27th, and next Sunday, the 6th we will be having our formal grand opening,” Michael Clark said. “We will have live music performed by local artists. We will have light refreshments and light hors d’ouvres served by Bill Shaffer of Haute Stuff. Bill will be here on hand serving food.”

Michael Clark said 23 artists are on hand now at the studio/gallery, and the public can not only come in and view the art, but many times will find the artists at work.

“Many of the artists are here, off and on, throughout the days we are open,” Michael Clark said. “Throughout the operating hours we’re going to be here, that’s the one unique thing that we will have here. While Artaffects itself maintains all of the direct sales of everyone’s works, the artists will and do come in here. And they are here a lot. So that’s the unique opportunity that the public will have.”

Clark said they are always looking for more artists to participate.

“And we are looking for more,” Michael Clark said. “We’re looking for glass, ceramics, we’re looking for metal work, and maybe a little more woodworking in here also. So any of those artists who are out there looking for a space to lease through us and have their work represented, they’re more than welcome and we’re open for them if they would like to come in and support us.”

Michael Clark said the opening of the center is in response to a need by local artists.

“Remember, when you buy art by a local artist, it stays here in the community,” Waters said. “If it is from a big box store, or maybe made in China and mass-produced, that money goes away. But when you purchase art from a local artist it goes around the local economy six times.”

Nancy Clark said the need is there because there are a lot of artists in the community.

“I believe there’s a lot of talent in this area,” Nancy Clark said. “I think a lot of people don’t give themselves enough credit for what they do. A lot of times people have their own craft, and the things they have been passed on through traditions and heritage that needs to be preserved. And it needs for the public to be able to purchase it, and to see their beautiful work. I think it could be something that someone wants to purchase for their home.

Artaffects is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., and the grand opening Sunday will begin at noon.

“We are open now. Open and ready for them to come in and participate,” Michael Clark said.

A glance around the room reveals some holiday decorations to fit the season as well.

“We have some of the garland and lights up,” Michael Clark said. “We’re trying to encourage the spending obviously, but also create the atmosphere. We do have local scents and aromas that we are burning here that are made by local workers. We try to bring in the music, and of course, we are going to have the live music throughout the holiday season.”

The Clarks have also spoken to area schools about making the center available for the display and sale of art by students.

“We will have spaces that will be held for them,” Michael Clark said. “So parents can come in and actually have the opportunity to see their own student-artist’s work on display for the public at large. And those works will be for sale.”

For more information on rental space or other questions, people may contact Michael Clark at (740) 456-4362 or the Portsmouth Area Arts Council at (740) 351-3642.