When Mark Freeman first got the keys to his new Overland Park studio space, it was just bare white walls inside.
But that’s not what Studio 80’s first guests will see when they enter the studio when it opens early next month. With the help of his paintings, Freeman has been making the space much more colorful.
It’s not the first time Freeman’s art has been on display. His abstract paintings have been featured in various local galleries, including the 80 Santa Fe Gallery in downtown Overland Park.
But after years of showing his work at local galleries and painting out of his home studio, he said his own new gallery space down the street holds new promise.
“This way, I can kind of control my own destiny,” he said. “This is the future, so I’m ready to run full-speed ahead.”
Studio 80, Freeman’s new studio and gallery, will officially open its doors in downtown Overland Park on Nov. 7.
Studio 80 is opening at 7139 W. 80th St.
The gallery moved into a space just off 80th Street and Metcalf Avenue, near Homer’s Coffee House.
A hair salon previously occupied that space.
Initially, Studio 80 will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. It will be open on a by-appointment basis for the rest of the week.
Mark Freeman hangs a painting in his new gallery, Studio 80. Photo credit Lucie Krisman.
Studio 80 will offer abstract art for viewing and for sale
Studio 80 will double as a gallery where people can view and purchase art, as well as a working studio for Freeman to create more art.
The walls at Studio 80 will be adorned with a mix of abstract and figurative pieces — many of which have local themes like Kansas City area musicians, nature and landmarks.
Aside from his own art, Freeman also plans to feature a local “Artist of the Month” at Studio 80.
Beyond the walls of the gallery, he also intends to continue partnering with local nonprofits and organizations to donate art and the proceeds from their sale to causes like cancer research and anti-human trafficking initiatives.
“Giving back is a huge thing for me,” he said. “I think, again, being down here in the community, in the heart of Overland Park, I’ll be able to do more of that.”
The studio is a passion project for Freeman
Freeman said his creative streak goes back to his early teenage years. He says he was inspired by straying off the beaten path in art class.
“While everyone else was drawing birds or whatever they were supposed to be drawing, I was doing abstract and just painting wild stuff,” he said. “But my teacher was kind, and she encouraged me.”
Though he’s always loved art, Freeman said he didn’t start to consider painting as more than a side interest until 2017, having previously made a career in sales and marketing up to that point.
His pivot into making painting more of a priority was inspired by his friend and fellow painter, John Cessna, who he said pushed him to take the leap. Then, when COVID-19 slowed everything down five years ago, he had something to keep him busy.
“I just painted all during (the pandemic),” he said. “I didn’t care if I sold one or not. I just kept painting.”
Freeman said he’s been eyeing downtown Overland Park as the launch point for his gallery for years. With multiple other galleries already nearby, he said he envisioned the area becoming a bit of a destination for local art.
By opening Studio 80, he said he’s looking forward to hopefully being a part of that. But that’s not all that’s on his mind.
He said the new space also serves as an ode to his late wife, Kristi Freeman. Before she died of lung cancer in September 2024, she was an avid supporter of Freeman’s art.
In that sense, he said, Studio 80 isn’t just his. It’s Kristi’s, too.
“She was my biggest fan, and she supported me in every way you can imagine,” he said. “It’s been my dream, but she really fueled it.”
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