Grow your Soul at The Art House
“To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.”
The words of Kurt Vonnegut have been one of the driving forces behind Melissa Noeth’s establishment of The Art House, an open creative studio space that also offers classes in a variety of mediums for all levels.
In 2020, after a long stint working in the healthcare industry – and an even longer absence from creating art –Melissa wanted to get back behind the wheel (the pottery wheel, that is), take some lessons and begin throwing pottery again for fun. What she discovered was that regular classes were 40 minutes away and there was no where in St. Augustine that offered a no-appointment necessary environment for her to practice.
Understanding the meditative benefits of having a creative outlet, Melissa and her husband, Jon, the parents of three young kids, also wanted to provide artistic opportunities for their children. She found that while there are wonderful workshops occasionally offered by local artists, there were no regular youth classes and no open studio spaces for her kids to explore art.
Melissa’s need for a creative space and outlet during a time when the community was eager to reconnect with the world and surround themselves in a positive atmosphere set the perfect stage for establishment of The Art House, a 2,000-square-foot open studio located in St. Augustine Beach.
The Art House encourages people of all ages to come in any time to paint, build or draw with their chosen medium. On a whim, guests can stop by, sit down at the doodle bar, choose a ceramic to paint or try their hand at throwing pottery.
“An open studio space accessible to everyone, all the time, seems like a foreign concept to many people right now. However, we’d like this to become the expectation, not a novelty,” explained Melissa.
For guests craving structure and lessons, classes and workshops are available for all mediums. The beauty is that classes aren’t just a one-off, students can continue to come in and practice what they’ve learned at any time. Now students don’t have to hole away in their make-shift home studio, but can continue to grow and learn in a supportive environment while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded artists.
For moms seeking creative playdates, The Art House offers multimedia classes for toddlers in the morning, older children after school, and open studio time where families can paint pottery together. “I wish there were more opportunities for kids to get involved with art, and I hope this can be a gathering place where parents can bring their young kids to help keep them entertained and have fun,” said Melissa.
The Art House is kicking off the holiday season with a bang featuring holiday-themed art classes and projects all month, ornament painting, clay ornament making for all ages - and of course, a space for guests to create their own projects. Families and friends can come together and participate in their one-time workshops. And, if you’re looking for a venue for your corporate or personal holiday party – The Art House is available too!
Here’s a full list of all The Art House provides the St. Augustine community:
Bisque Pottery Painting
Canvas and Watercolor Painting
Drawing
Wheel Throwing
Clay Handbuilding
Wood Burning
Doodle Bar & Beverages
Adult & Kids Classes
Workshops
Party Space Rental
Mobile Services
Swing by the studio at 3920 A1A South in St. Augustine Beach Tuesdays through Sundays. Grab a latte, tea, kombucha, beer or wine from the beverage bar and release your creativity through the medium of your choice.
To find out about upcoming events, please visit The Art House on Facebook. If you have four or more participants, you can even request a custom workshop.
To book your special event or private party, please reach out to 904arthouse@gmail.com.
And finally, to learn about how The Art House can help your soul grow, visit them online.