The ribbon has been cut, the studio is ready, and registration is now open for iArt Studios, a brand new art studio for children that will host classes, events and parties.
Sandra Fariss and her daughter, Samantha Brand-Embry, have opened the studio at 303 E. 14th Street (facing JR Miller), offering art lessons for children and young adults, afterschool programs, summer and holiday art camps, parties, open studio and individual lessons.
Fariss says she decided to open a studio for a couple of reasons. She will be retiring from full time National Guard in six months, which affords Sandra the chance to realize her long time dream of opening a studio. But inspiration was the deeper reason for starting her own studio.
“I think studios are just more inspiring. This building is bright and fun-filled. Artists like to be in a studio so they can mingle while they draw and constantly learn from each other,” Fariss said. The studio will also be a space for local artists to hold workshops.
The initial vision had adults in mind, but Fariss said the idea carried over to include children too. “Art inspires creativity,” she said. “This studio is going to be awesome for kids.”
Whether it’s an art-themed birthday party, an after school class, an art camp, or a workshop, Fariss and Embry hope both children and adults will discover their inner artist at iArt Studio.
The studio is now doing interviews for more instructors. They’ve already hired local artist John Schartung. John has previously been an art instructor at Kentucky Wesleyan College, Brescia University and Owensboro Community & Technical College.
“This semester we will focus on very general basics,” said Samantha Brand-Embry. “Next semester we will break it down and offer more things.”
Courses will be held once a week. 10-week courses begin September 14th and 12-week courses begin August 31st.
For a full schedule and course descriptions, visit iArtstudios.com.
