The Studio Is Becoming the Place I Imagined It Could Be

The studio is becoming the place I imagined it could be — a vibrant space filled with creativity, connection, and people showing up to make together.

With everything going on in the world, finding small joys — and making space for creativity and connection — feels more important than ever. What’s been unfolding inside the studio this winter has been a reminder of how powerful it can be when people gather with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to try.

Here’s what that’s looked like recently at That Creative Space.

Starting the Year by Slowing Down and Looking Ahead

We kicked off the new year by sharpening our vision and making space to reflect.

Through vision board and bucket list zine workshops, people took time to think about what they want more of — and what they’re ready to leave behind. These sessions weren’t about rigid goals or resolutions. They were about pausing, looking ahead, and giving form to what matters right now using images, words, and conversation.

It felt like a thoughtful, grounded way to begin the year together.

Creating Space for Professional Connection

We also hosted a Hudson Valley Women in Business Coffee at the studio.

It was an opportunity to connect with women who have been where I am — or who are just beginning to figure out their next steps. It was inspiring to hear about their experiences and to expand my network with people working across marketing, design, health and wellness, and local entrepreneurship — including business owners who are deeply invested in the Beacon community.

The Joy of Making (and Making Together)

One of the highlights this winter has been watching people discover — or return to — creative practices together.

We learned the joys of weaving in a room full of people sharing stories and realizing how interconnected they already were. A mother and her daughters chose to celebrate one daughter’s birthday in the studio — a moment that felt both joyful and meaningful.

Another weaving workshop is scheduled for February, and if the last one is any indication, it won’t stay open for long.

Exploring Inner Wisdom Through SoulCollage®

Our first SoulCollage® workshop was another powerful moment.

Participants traveled from up to three hours away to spend the evening exploring the juxtaposition of imagery, intuition, and meaning-making. Watching people engage deeply with images, reflect inward, and share insights — all with curiosity, smiles and laughter was incredibly affirming.

We’ll be offering another SoulCollage workshop in the spring.

Sharing Work, Stories, and Creative Journeys

Our first Show & Share of the new year brought new artists into the studio and highlighted just how wide the creative spectrum can be.

One participant shared his experience recovering from corporate burnout and his desire to bring more art back into his life, showing examples of his leather work. Another was a budding young artist who shared one of his pipe cleaner creations — just one of more than 300 he’s made so far.

That’s the point of our Show & Share gatherings: to create a non-judgmental space for exploration, listening, and being together around creative work. Sharing is always optional — people are welcome to show their work, talk through ideas, or simply be present and listen. It’s an opportunity to experience creativity IRL, alongside others, without pressure or expectations.

Returning to Drawing (and to Ourselves)

We also started back our popular Classic Drawing series for adults this winter.

The class is geared toward adults who’ve always wanted to learn how to draw, or who are looking to return to a regular drawing practice after time away.

When I show up toward the end of class to help clean up the room, I always walk into a space filled with smiles, light conversation, and often laughter — a testament to both the room itself and the instructor’s engaging approach to teaching.

The Importance of Third Spaces

Listening to the connection, joy, and laughter across workshops and events has been a powerful confirmation that the studio is becoming a true third space — a place outside of home and work where people can show up, make, and connect.

That Creative Space is being shaped every day by the people who show up and the passionate teaching artists who lead with approachability. Seeing that happen in real time feels like the clearest sign that the studio is doing exactly what it was meant to do.