Local wood-working artist Matt Meyung teamed up with friend and fellow wood crafter Jason Davis to establish a new work studio and gallery space in Newport called Artifact. There, the two have found a 5,000 square foot building with enough space for their creative needs as well as other studios for artists looking for a larger space to work in.

In addition to Meyung and Davis' area, six other local artists have already laid claim to the designed studios inside the building. On December 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Artifact will open its doors (at 114 East 8th Street in Newport) to the public for an artisan and craft market that will feature products from local entrepreneurs.

Gift items expected to be on hand there include things like jewelry, painting, terrariums, hand-made bath products and of course the wood working pieces that Artifact creates.

Check out The River City News podcast where Meyung explains the process of his wood-working techniques, how the space in Newport came about, and all the other cool ways that Artifact intends to use their new art-making space: