Surely, you’ve stopped and gawked at Stan Mulllins’ art studio—housed in the former Southern Cotton Oil Company refinery off Pulaski St.—a towering, rust-colored barn-like building centered in a garden strewn with marble sculptures in various stages of construction. Undoubtedly one of the most surreal art environments in Athens, the grounds have played host to various creative endeavors like the Athens Fashion Collective’s runway shows, Kishi Bashi’s “Bright Whites” music video and the “Heads Will Roll” benefit party this past Halloween. For the first time in quite a while, Mullins will display works outside of his home studio in “Archives,” an appropriately titled exhibit of paintings created over the past decade, displayed alongside information regarding a few of his larger forthcoming projects. Mullins, who works primarily as a professional sculptor, says, “It seems as of late, all of my time is consumed in sculpture, from busting rocks to forming plastaline into bronze. It is very labor and time intensive. Commissions are a wonderful blessing, enabling me to earn a living while honing my craft. That being said, it is very easy to slip into a mode of passivity in any endeavor. As an artist, my calling chose me for a reason: to create.” While inspired by travels to Italy, Japan and Africa, Mullins’ major influence comes from Renaissance masters. He says, “For me, they sum up the role of the artist as an innovative thinker, creator and philosopher. They also lived a life of passion for their creativity and joy of living.” Epitomizing versatility, Mullins’ works range from marble, bronze and metal sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, graphic illustration and set designs. “I am grateful for this opportunity to share with Athens some works never shown outside of my studio. Art is a song or dance of sorts—it can be done in solitude, but it’s best when shared.” This free opening reception lasts from 6–9 p.m.