Long idle and empty, The iconic Aby's Feed and Seed on Fifth Street in downtown Rapid City is abuzz with activity as it transforms into a kind of a coop for local artists.

The old feed silo and adjoining buildings have been transformed into an eclectic environment with a gallery for contemporary Native American art up front and artist studios in back. There are also common areas for artists needing extra space for a project and a classroom area for artists to offer classes.

“We're really looking to focus on all this amazing local art that’s here both Native and non–Native,” said Peter strong who is the owner of the new Racing Magpie space at Aby's Feed and Seed.

Artists are already grabbing up space, including Photographer Alice Bailey.

“Just to have a place that has all of your stuff, a place to go to focus on your work makes a big difference for me as an artist,” said Bailey as she hung pictures in her new 100 square feet of studio space.

And Strong? he's just plain excited with what he calls the vibe in the building.

“We feel just so at home here in the space,” he said.

Added Bailey: “I think it's great. It's exactly what Rapid City needs.”

And that’s not all. Rapid City's Historic Preservation Commission this week recognized Aby's owners, M.J. Adams and Walter Albasi, for their work restoring the building.