Open Studio Days at The Arts Collaborative in Meredith

The new studio is waiting for you!

Many artists say the best way to approach creating art is to let go of expectations, be like a child, and play. Get ready to do just that at a new Lakes Region studio where the emphasis is on imagination and fun—and the possibilities are endless—during Open Studio Days this summer.

On Tuesdays in August, budding artists of all ages and experience are encouraged to visit The Arts Collaborative in Meredith, NH, a joint venture and creative collaboration between David Little of Winnipesaukee Forge and Steven Hayden of Hayden Arts. This gallery of fine furnishings and original artwork also has creative studio space, including the new downstairs teaching studio of Eco Art a la Carte and ArtsEnlight. For Open Studio Days, the space and plenty of materials are available for folks to come and “relax, play, explore, and create!” The vast array of art materials include traditional paints as well as natural and repurposed materials for collage and beyond! Experienced teaching artists Cynthia Robinson and Heidi Little will be on hand to lend some support if needed.

“The teaching studio is a result of an amazing intersection of energies, ideas, timing, and creativity!” says Cynthia Robinson of Eco Art a la Carte. “Both Heidi and I are visual artists who have been teaching in different places—schools, after school programs, summer programs—and we wanted to create a space where all kinds of arts learning could take place, often making connections to our own artwork.”

Cynthia says the studio will be hosting workshops, programs, and events year-round. “Some will be for kids, some for adults, some for teachers.” The fall schedule will be coming out soon, and the pair expect to offer workshops such as After School Art for Kids, No Experience Necessary: Painting for Grown Ups Evenings, Repurposed Furniture, Found Object Art Creations, Art Retreat Weekends, Professional Development for Teachers: Integrating Art into Core Standards, and Come Talk, Share—a Network for Artists.

Open Studio Days are August 7, 14, 21, and 28, from 10:00am – 12:00pm or 1:00pm – 3:00pm, for only $10 per session. No experience is necessary, and all ages are encouraged to attend. Interested parties can make a reservation, but drop-ins are also welcome. “We have plenty of space!” says Cynthia. For more information, call the studio at 603-707-1631, or email Cynthia at cynthia@ecoartalacarte.com. Also check out The Arts Collaborative on Facebook for updates on specials and events, and let your inner artist bloom!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team