10Fold Project weaves gallery space into courthouse square environs

Poised to produce a Valentine-themed kitchen towel, Margaret Leininger sits at one of the looms on display in her new 10Fold Project business at 10 W. Washington St. on the south side of the courthouse square in Greencastle.

Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE

While music has its little corner on the world on the courthouse square, thanks to the DePauw University School of Music and some major alumni donors, the south side of the square is now home to an arts and crafts movement through the new 10Fold Projects effort featuring some DePauw roots as well.

The 10Fold site is being developed as a private function by Margaret Leininger, who has been curator and director of the Peeler Art Center at DePauw since May 2020.

An open house is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Sunday at 10Fold, 10 W. Washington St., in what has largely been a vacant storefront since Lori Shuck last held tumbling and acrobatics classes there.

Sunday will serve as a Valentine’s Day celebration with craft and card-making activities in addition to some treats from Breadworks.

“It’ll be a fun, social gathering,” Leininger said. “Stop by, say hello and let us know what kind of things you’d be interested in participating in.”

On the walls of the establishment are some of Leininger’s own encaustic paintings, a combination of oil and wax in which she’s explored such patterns as sewing and quilting patterns and things associated with creative outlets.

Leininger, with her background as an artist utilizing arts as a community building tool, will provide gallery space with plans to host exhibitions of local, regional and national artists. The second part of her pursuit is providing workshop class space and hosting monthly workshops.

For example, at the end of March she is planning a book-making workshop.

Weaving looms high in Leininger’s plans as well. She plans a workshop and the sale of her creations.

“I love to weave, as you can see,” Leininger said gesturing toward the looms at the front of the shop.

“Textiles is huge,” she added. “There’s lots of room for everyone whether it’s to dabble, be functional, weave place mats and dish towels or create high-end art. There’s room in there for everyone.”

Leininger, who received her Bachelor in Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago and he MFA from Arizona State University, serves on the board of the American Tapesty Alliance, an international organization with more than 1,000 members.

In May, Leininger and 10Fold will host the Efromyson Fellows associated with DePauw in an exhibition that will illustrate what the fifth-year students have accomplished during their internships.