Dawn Wagner, owner of 1533 designs, sits at the easel with her next creation while previously painted pieces adorn the studio walls.
by Bridget Weishaar
Have a friend who is hard to buy for or perhaps just looking for an eclectic one-of-a-kind piece to adorn your wall? Look no further than 1533 designs.
1533 designs is an art studio located just outside of Winchester at 15330 134th Street and is owned and operated by Dawn Wagner.
“I first picked up a paint brush at the age of just 6 or 7 years old,” Wagner said. “It’s just a passion that I have and have had since I was a kid.”
Wagner’s art can be considered unique. She paints from her heart and no two pieces she creates are ever the same. She considers herself to be a freestyle artist and insists she has no plan when painting, stating “I just paint whatever comes out.”
The 2,100 square-foot space is home to over 200 pieces. Wagner paints abstract, modern, realism, contemporary, and anything in between.
She dabbles in all kinds of mixed media, but prefers acrylics, spray paint, and oils. Although most pieces in the studio are painted on canvas, Wagner has also painted statues, wine bottles, and wood. Wagner said, “There’s nothing I probably would not paint on.”
When the studio first opened, the pieces in Wagner’s collection were for viewing only. Now, two years later, items may be purchased from the website or the gallery. Prices range from $20 to $1,200. “I have something for everyone,” Wagner said.
The most expensive piece in Wagner’s studio is a 2½ foot by 3½ foot gallery wrap painted with Colour Shift paint. Colour Shift contains advanced light interference pigments that change color depending on the light source.
The primary goal of the studio isn’t one from a financial perspective but more of a way for Wagner to share her love of art with the world.
Besides the pieces for sale, Wagner also donates her artwork to local charity events. Her works have gone to the American Legion and the Jefferson County Humane Society Fall Fest, to name a few.
The idea of creating a studio came to fruition when her son, Levi, built a website to showcase her art as a Christmas present. Wagner said, “I have a fairly large house, and my basement makes a perfect studio/gallery.”
While no formal painting classes happen at the studio, Wagner does offer free “private parties.” “It’s just a private event with groups of friends that come out, drink wine, eat cheese, and walk through the gallery.” A 50% discount is offered to the host of the event and smaller discounts to others in attendance.
Stepping outside the realm of Jefferson County, Wagner has accepted her first offer to showcase her pieces at Coffman ArtWorks, Tonganoxie. Coffman ArtWorks is a fine art gallery and mural painting business.
Dawn was born in Kansas, spent her childhood in Fairbanks, Alaska, and then returned home at the age of 15. Her husband, Doug, is a foremen for Jayhawk Fire Sprinkler, Topeka. The couple has one son, Levi, and two grandchildren.
The 1533 designs studio is open to the public most Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arrangements for private viewings can also be made with Wagner in advance. The studio has its own webpage, www.1533designs.com, and can also be found on Instagram.
Interested persons can also reach Dawn on her personal Facebook page or by calling 785-217-6879.