Kreeayt Art Studio

A little history… back in 2009 after a short time (5 years) in the corporate world I was given the opportunity to pursue my passion of art again. I had actually started my first business when I was 21 years old and a senior in college. From 2000-2004 I owned and operated an art supply store and custom frame shop where I also had a classroom space and taught art.

In 2009 after getting out into the arts community I met Jennifer Behymer, who was currently managing a local gallery space on behalf of the building owners, and offered my assistance in the way of developing programming, teaching and helping grow recognition in the community for our programming. In 2010, we started hosting our first Fun Fridays and Summer Art Camps in the space. This was a fantastic partnership. Our first Summer Camp sold out quickly… I was so thrilled at the response of the community.

Fast forward a bit to 2011 when a non-profit came in and began renting the gallery space…this lead me to eventually partnering with the non-profit as an independent contractor and continued using the space to offer my classes and then after 5 years eventually becoming their employee. Last year after hosting over 350 children in the Summer Camp programming it became apparent that the space was no longer able to maintain the sheer volume of students interested in participating in the classes and camps offered… from that knowledge sprung the inspiration for Kreeayt. In June of 2018, my husband filed for an LLC and planned for him and our teenage daughter, who loves art and plans to pursue art education as a career, to start offering community art activities, parties, classes and camps in a neighboring community.

Which brings us to present… After speaking with a representative of the non-profit towards the end of March and being told they had been surveying the artist members and decided to change the focus of the space. That it was the decision of the Board, its membership as well as the building owners that the organization focus on the Fine Art portion of the Gallery in effort to increase art sales with some workshops intended for and/or put on by the artist members. What really impacted me during this conversation was the fact that they no longer wanted the messiness of the volume childrens classes and parties taking place in the gallery.

After hearing this news I decided to take some time to contemplate what was best for everyone. I after all, had gone to college to be an art teacher. My passion was and always will be education. My salary was also supported by the various art classes and camps I had started all those years ago. I also love connecting in our community through the various art programs I have developed. After considering all that was discussed I decided that it was in the best interest of all involved if I were to spin away and continue on separately with the business model I started back in late 2009 and early 2010…only now this business model and programming will take place at our new family owned and operated studio Kreeayt LLC.

So here we are… Kreeayt has become my full time focus. Boy has this been a whirlwind of a few weeks… I feel so blessed at the response and excited for what the future holds. At Kreeayt Art Studio our classroom is a space where kids can explore art in an educational and sometimes messy way.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who has been supportive in this change and to all of you who are continuing to patronize this business. So THANK YOU!