Main Street Studios

Creativity and Connection in Olde Towne Elkhorn

By Brittney Ryba

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Wander historic Main Street in Olde Towne Elkhorn and you’ll find a vibrant creative hub. Built in 1915, the building first served as a garage for the Witt family business and still carries its industrial character. Today, it’s home to Main Street Studios and Art Gallery, founded in 2016 by glass artist and owner Tyler Curnes, whose journey into the world of glass began with a spark of curiosity.

 

Tyler’s story starts in Murano, Italy, where he met a glassblower whose craft left a lasting impression. When Tyler returned home, he bought a small kiln and a beadmaking set, excited to create his own art. With a business degree from UNO and a growing passion for kiln-formed glass, Tyler’s creative outlet grew to custom orders, larger projects, and eventually, a full-time artistic career. 

 

Today, the gallery is a destination featuring seven resident artists working in glass, bronze sculpture, painting, jewelry, and photography. The space is more than a place to display art; it’s a working studio environment where visitors can meet the makers, ask questions, and see creativity unfold in real time. 

 

“Not often do you get to find the artists who create the work and ask them questions,” Tyler says. “The work you’ll see being created here is local, established, and interesting.” Main Street Studio’s 10-year anniversary last August is a milestone that reflects the longevity of this inspiring creative community.

 

Running the gallery is something Tyler approaches with dedication. He manages artist schedules, gallery openings, classes, custom orders, and installations. “We all wear a lot of different hats in the gallery,” he shares. The juggling act is one of the biggest challenges of the business, but it’s also part of what makes Main Street Studios feel so personal.

 

Tyler’s philosophy is simple and deeply felt: Explore with curiosity, create with care, and make people feel welcome. It’s a guiding thread that runs through everything the studio offers, including gallery sales, custom work, classes, and intricate installation projects. 

 

Unlike many galleries, Main Street Studios encourages customers to design their own art. Tyler and the in-house artists work with designers, decorators, and homeowners to create pieces that feel cohesive and meaningful in their spaces. “The quality in the gallery is astonishing,” he says. “We consistently do projects that are intricate in nature and installation.”

 

As an artist, Tyler’s greatest reward is seeing his work become part of someone’s home and everyday life. “One of the greatest rewards is seeing something I create become meaningful to someone else,” he shares. As a business owner, he’s proud to provide a place where artists can build their businesses and where visitors can discover the people behind the artwork. Helping shape the character of Olde Towne Elkhorn is something he finds especially rewarding.

 

Main Street Studios is a place of learning, not just for visitors but for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tyler’s advice is practical: Know your numbers as well as you know your craft. “Understand your costs, value your time, and make sure there’s a customer for what you want to offer,” he said. He encourages business owners to surround themselves with people whose strengths complement theirs, build trust by following through, and create a business that leaves room for the life they want to live.

 

Visitors often praise the welcoming atmosphere. Customer Pam S. shares, “There are several different artists who showcase items set up in different rooms and themes. We enjoyed walking through and seeing the talented artists’ work, and everyone was friendly. Definitely worth stopping in!”

 

At its heart, Main Street Studios is about connection between the artists and the community. There also is versatile event space for holding meetings and private celebrations. “One of my favorite parts of traveling is discovering the local places and people that give a community its personality,” Tyler says. “I hope Main Street Studios and Art Gallery offers that experience here in Elkhorn. Everyone is welcome to come in, ask questions, and see what catches their eye. I want people to feel comfortable exploring art and getting to know the people who create it.”

 

Whether you’re an art lover, a curious passerby, or someone looking to bring a meaningful piece into your home, Main Street Studios invites you to step inside, explore, and experience the creativity located at 2610 North Main Street, in Elkhorn. Hours are Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit mainstreetstudios2610.com or call 402-452-3088.