St. Augustine has long been home to a vibrant and diverse artistic community. With its countless galleries and a liberal arts college, the historic city has no shortage of artists. But there is a need for open studio space for the community and consistent, accessible art classes where local artists, young and old alike, can share their skills and help shape the next generation.
Enter The Art House, a 2,000-square-foot space, with a grand opening 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at 3920 A1A South in St. Augustine Beach.
“I wanted to create a space that I had wanted to see available in the community,” says Melissa Noeth, owner. “I wanted to start throwing pottery again after a long absence because I recognized that even though I didn’t consider myself artistic, I would definitely benefit from a creative outlet. And after the last few years, I’m betting I’m not the only one. I realized that St. Augustine didn’t have a place where the community and visitors could just drop by on a whim and start creating.”
The Art House will focus on two main purposes. The first is offering open studio space and a gathering place for beginners and artists to experiment with creative expression. The second is to offer classes and workshops for those looking to try something new, and if they like it, utilize the open studio to practice their new skill set. The Art House will start with beginners’ classes in ceramics, watercolor painting and drawing as well as private lessons in woodburning and sewing. They will also offer multimedia classes for toddlers in the morning, older children after school and open studio time where families can paint pottery together.
Noeth said that another core reason for founding The Art House was local families.
“My husband, Jon, and I have been raising our three kids here, locally, over the past eight years,” she explained. “I wished 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.”
The Art House will also offer a small, curated collection of unique, locally made art, as well as art supplies and beverages for purchase such as cold brew coffee, kombucha, sparkling waters and, coming soon, beer and wine.
The Art House grand opening will feature demonstrations, live music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres and face painting. The studio is located at 3920 A1A South, Suite 8, St. Augustine Beach. The space will be available for private event rental on a limited basis outside of normal business hours.
The Art House offers art classes for all ages and open studio space for all experience levels. The studio is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
