Welcome to Athens Block’s Art Studio
Athens Block, LLC, and the Athens Block logo are trademarked.
Athens Block brick collectibles are handmade works of art designed and crafted by James and Erin Robinson of Athens Block’s Art Studio in Athens, OH. Re-established since 2001, James and Erin create collectible objects and craft items that represent Historic Bricks throughout the Ohio area. Whether you are a graduate of Ohio University or a new student, you will find pieces that fit your lifestyle and personality. Our brick souvenirs make great graduation presents. This website contains mostly our craft items which are the most shippable. To see the fine art we create you may visit one of our local art gallery locations in Ohio featuring fine art, gifts, collectibles and craft. For questions or purchasing you may contact the creators directly at the phone numbers listed at the top of the site.
What Sets Us Apart
We are a real company owned by real people who still live in Athens, Ohio. When you order from us you talk to us in real-time. When you email us, we the owners/creators respond directly to you. We like to do business the “old-fashioned” way because we appreciate direct contact with those who are supporting us and we think our customers appreciate that as well. We will personally put together your order and customize it by hand any way you like.
Highlighted Products
Oversize Wall Hanging featuring wine and grapes. 7” x 14”
More new products may be found on our Collectibles page.
Be sure to check it out.
Ohio University Welcomes Athens Block
Are you an Ohio University Alum? Athens Block now offers exclusive products that are only available through the Ohio University Alumni Association’s Bobcat Store. Check out our products available there now!
See James discuss Athens Block history and product
Recent Bronze Commission for Covington, KY
Commissions such as this cost between $1250 and $1600. Dimensions are 18” x 14”
More Bronze artwork, commissions and installations can be found on our Bronze Installations page.
History of the Athens Block
The Athens Block company, founded in 1891 by Fred Stadler, D.H. Doan and James Drew, left a legacy of finely fired bricks that are still a noticeable part of Southeast Ohio's landscape. With an initial investment of $50,000, $20,000 of which was loaned by the city, the three men created a company that became a large part of the economy of Athens in the early 20th century. With the exception of a year and a half in the mid-1890's, the Athens Block was manufactured continuously from 1893 until right around 1917.
During the First World War, much of the labor force for the manufacture of the bricks was called upon to serve with the American Expeditionary Force under General John J. Pershing, and the plant closed down. After the war, many communities turned to concrete and asphalt to pave their streets and sidewalks, and the Athens Block never recovered. The bricks today enjoy a new popularity as they continue to make up many of the streets of Athens, Ohio, and are the inspiration for artwork.
Studio History
Over thirty years of experience combined with ten years of education including special studies in Fine Art programs from Lumsden, Scotland, and Florence, Italy, has provided us this wonderful opportunity to provide such unique forms of art and design to Athens, Ohio. Please read more about what brought us to Athens in our Meet the Artists section.