After having children and being a stay home mama for a few years, I was looking for a way to creatively re-enter the work force. I really wanted to balance working and being a mother. As a former high school art teacher, I began to teach private art lessons out of our garage. At this time, I was also creating and marketing my own fused glass art. I adore glass–it’s so beautiful! A friend the suggested that I hold a summer art camp; (thanks Therese!) I found that I loved it. I got to plan a whole week of fun, creative activities that teach art fundamentals. Kids were happy; building confidence, making new friends, learning art. That first camp was seven kiddos, all friends’ children. The next summer I held about four weeks of camps and not all were friends’ kids! By then, I had found my passion.

I did what came natural to me, which was art and teaching. The Art Garage grew. I realized that I wanted to provide a venue that was expansive enough to cover a wide range of art formats for people of all ages and experience levels. In 2011, we opened our store front at 11190 Circle Drive. We opened offering art camps, art classes; walk-in paint-own pottery and glass fusion. We are still “The Art Garage,” but no longer in an actual garage! We have have a well educated and caring staff of teachers. And since our opening have added so much more: canvas painting, mosaics, fire and fill candles and tie-dye!

My favorite part of this journey is the people. Some of my campers have been coming since that first summer in 2008; I get to see them grow up! Customers have become friends; my children are friends with customers’ children.

My staff is like family; Miss Renai has been with us since the doors opened! We have had the opportunity to support our local schools and families and children in need. We are so appreciative to have a such a great community and a sense of belonging within it. We hope to get to know you soon!