Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Ferguson and Ramona Harper.
Adam and Ramona, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I sacrificed to spend 10 years in college to become an artist but as happens to many life intervened and I somehow wound up managing country clubs and restaurants the past 30 years. Spending 90 hours on average working resulted in eventually moving completely away from my dream and I hadn’t painted in 25 years. All of that changed in 2016 when I met Ramona. Realizing we had similar dreams and interests and her background was in PR, marketing and as an entrepreneur, it seemed the right thing to combine our skills and talents in a new venture.
Adam and Madam was born as a way to combine art and food. To support local artists with gallery designs, to bring more of their art to both homes and the business community instead of mass produced. To establish classes that inspire young talent by having them learn from established talent and be able to showcase in a gallery. To provide an environment where everyone can enjoy great conversation, food, music, art and good old fashion fun like charades and chess nites and film Noir Nites. To create a brand of Adam and Madam products utilizing local talent that help form a successful business model to launch or franchise in other communities.
Adam and Madam is located in old town spring a historical area with over 100 small shops built around a former railroad town. Legend has it filled with stories that include Bonnie and Clyde robbing the local bank and is the perfect creative community for our new gallery bistro and gift shop.
Has it been a smooth road?
We had just purchased a home and part of our business plan was to borrow money to add to our investment. I also planned to continue working for the first 6 months but everything changed when we were hit by Hurricane Harvey and I lost my job. In addition construction on the site was delayed and the process for getting permits and licenses delayed us by 3 months. Three months without generating income in a new start up is devastating as you can imagine.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Adam and Madam – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
There are cafes and bistros that may have art on the walls however we have a separate gallery for curated Featured Artist installations that change monthly. On the walls of the bistro itself we hang newer artists many of whom we give a chance to be showcased for the first time. We also feature local jewelry, sculptures and other handcrafted gifts.
The bistro specialized in paninis made with fresh baked artisan breads and Italian meats and cheeses, homemade soups, salads all named after famous artists. There are healthy shakes, vegan and gluten free choices and selected teas and coffees.
Upstairs is seating for playing chess or internet access as well as sofa and lounge chairs for private parties or meetings.
We are very proud of our plans for the young art community and plans for creating a Youth Scholarship. Classes for 12-18 years old taught by established artists start in February and we will have a major reception after 12 weeks showcasing 6 projects for their friends and family to enjoy.
Eventually Adam and Madam will have an extensive online presence with a Virtual Catalog to help local businesses select art that supports local artists and keeps money in the community.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Both of us are transplants from Chicago and Montclair NJ but have been here for years and absolutely love the weather and the people. No where are the people more gracious and hospitable. Neither of us can think of a trip even to the grocery story that doesn’t include a chat with a stranger. The housing market is phenomenal and our friends from the north are always in disbelief at the price for a lovely home.
The biggest challenge is probably the traffic but the new highways are a big help.
Pricing:
- Lunch average is under $10
- Art Gifts start at $35
- Gemstone Jewelry starts at $20
- Commissioned Art $200 and Up
- Corprate Art $500 and Up
- Paint Party classes $35
- Art Classes $25
- 12 week Student Art $375
Contact Info:
- Address: 209a Midway
Spring Tx 77373
Old Town Spring - Website: www.adamandmadam.com
- Phone: 281-771-5152
- Email: adamandmadams@gmail.com
- Instagram: Adamandmadams
- Facebook: Fb.me/adamandmadams
Image Credit:
Adam Ferguson, Ramona Harper, Teresa Staley, Lisa Hilton, Cherie Kelly Salinas and Mona Ghazi
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
toby picker
February 15, 2018 at 12:52 am
congratulations great article.