Website: https://thegritshop.com/
The Grit Shop is an artistic fabrication studio based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. The studio describes itself as “an artistic fabrication studio that specializes in making adventurous ideas of any scale a reality.” Founded in 2018 by Brian Somerville and Molly Somerville, the studio designs, fabricates, and installs sculpture, themed environments, characters, and large-scale creative projects. The Grit Shop, LLC builds on “over 20 years of experience in themed construction and commissioned sculpture,” and its portfolio centers on three-dimensional artwork and immersive installations for cultural, entertainment, and commercial clients.
Services
The studio offers design, fabrication, and installation services spanning a wide range of materials and project types. Work categories presented on the site include:
- Sculpture and commissioned three-dimensional artwork
- Set and character design for productions and themed venues
- Interactive installations
- Molds and maquettes
- Two-dimensional work
- Fabrication in materials including styrofoam, wood, concrete, composites, metal, and ceramics
The studio frames its capability around taking concepts and crafting them into physical objects at any scale, from individual sculptural pieces to full themed builds and gateway installations.
About
The Grit Shop is led by owner and artist Brian Somerville, who also works under the name Claybeast. According to the site, Somerville holds a BFA from the University of Evansville in Indiana and an MFA from Florida Atlantic University. His prior experience includes work for institutions and venues such as Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, Great Wolf Lodge, Six Flags, and The Grand Ole Opry, along with various zoos. The studio was founded in 2018 with co-founder Molly Somerville.
The website features endorsements from collaborators and curators in the Nashville arts community. Tim Ozgener, Co-founder and President of OZ Arts Nashville, is quoted calling Somerville “a brilliant and imaginative artist” who is “meticulous” with “a keen attention to detail and quality.” Mary Grissim, Curator at Nashville International Airport, describes him as “one of the most original creatives working in Nashville today.” Sculptor and curator Herb Williams calls him “an outstanding sculptor and artist.” Additional praise comes from Lauren Snelling, Sheri Oneal, Cory Basil, and Duncan Ragsdale.
Location & Contact
The studio operates in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Project and collaborator references on the site include OZ Arts Nashville, Nashville International Airport, and the Donelson Gateway Arch, all in the Nashville region. The website does not publish a street address or phone number; it directs visitors to a contact page and links to the studio’s Instagram and LinkedIn profiles.
Additional Information
Named projects and collaborations featured on the site include OZ Arts Nashville, Nashville International Airport, the Donelson Gateway Arch, Epiclog Island, OTHERWORLD, and TANK 615. The studio’s portfolio is organized by discipline and material, with dedicated sections for sculpture, ceramics, concrete, metal, composites, molds, maquettes, interactive work, and two-dimensional pieces. The Grit Shop positions itself as a resource for clients seeking custom fabrication for themed attractions, public art, brand activations, and entertainment installations.
Profile compiled from the company’s official website (thegritshop.com).