Evolution: Pre-opening goal: 'Show the public who we are'

Each holds a notepad and pen as they verbally rehearse their grand opening reception, held in conjunction with First Friday Art Walk on May 4.

At the time of this meeting, only 24 hours remained until an anticipated 150 people would stream through their design studio at 308 W. Commercial St.

Mitchell and Michael Mardis opened theworkshop 308 in January, but work continued on their office space as they tried to earn outside jobs. Much time had been dedicated during the last two months to making sure their grand opening went off without a hitch.

“Everything was very methodically planned out and orchestrated,” Mitchell said, calling the event their “opportunity to show the public who we are.”

Preparations included building a dozen pieces of furniture to display in their studio as “a living, breathing, working portfolio,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell and Mardis commissioned Quality Trim & Sign to make two 3-by-10-foot vinyl banners to display conceptual renderings of Heer’s Tower and the vacant land next to the Springfield Exposition Center – part of their What If series.

They dressed-up their space with photos by Twin Town Studios and 15 oil paintings by recent Evangel University graduate Laura Blumer.

And, of course, they bought food and drink: 14 platters of vegetables, cheese, dips, pastries, crackers and fruit; a 16-gallon keg of beer from Springfield Brewing Co.; 26 bottles of wine; 150 bottles of water; and coffee from fellow Commercial Street business Big Momma’s Coffee & Espresso Bar.

Not counting the furniture they built, Mitchell and Mardis stayed within their budget of $800 for the night, which also featured a 10-foot photo collage, house music, four digital slide shows and 14 plant and flower arrangements.

“Now it’s go time,” Mitchell said.