How a Creative Space Starts: One Year of Building That Creative Space
A little over a year ago, That Creative Space was still mostly an idea.
Before signing a lease or setting up worktables, I started with a simple question:
What do people in this community want to make—and what kind of space would they need to do it?
So I sent out a survey asking two things: whether people were interested in shared studio space, and what kinds of workshops or creative subjects they’d be excited to explore.
The responses helped shape the earliest version of the studio—from the kinds of workshops we launched with, to the way the space itself was organized. They also helped inform the first iteration of the membership structure, creating different ways for people to participate depending on how often they wanted to work in the studio.
A year later, That Creative Space has become a small but growing art studio in Beacon, New York, where people gather to take workshops, experiment with materials, and spend time making things together.
It Started With a Question
Before opening the doors, the first survey helped shape the initial vision for the studio.
Six months after opening, I asked again.
Because a creative space shouldn’t just reflect one person’s vision. It should evolve with the people who use it.
Forty people from my email list responded this time around, and I read every single one.
Their responses offered a helpful snapshot of what people in the community were curious about learning next.
What People Asked For
Across the responses, a few themes appeared again and again.
People wanted:
More workshops at different times, so creativity can fit into busy schedules
More foundational classes that build skills over time
More guided social creative gatherings, where people can make alongside others
More intergenerational workshops, where families can experience creativity together
These responses reinforced something I’ve felt since opening the studio:
People are looking for places where they can slow down, learn something new, and spend time making things with others.
Collage & Mixed Media
Collage and mixed media were the most requested category overall.
I’ll admit, that surprised me a little. Some of our previous collage workshops weren’t the most attended, but clearly the curiosity is there.
Upcoming workshops include:
Intro to Collage: The History & the Magic
Collage with Image Transfers
These classes introduce both the history and possibilities of collage while giving people time to experiment with materials and ideas.
Botanical Design
Nature-inspired workshops were another strong theme in the responses.
Upcoming workshops include:
Tree of Life Botanical Design Workshop with Botanical Designs by Tina
Mother’s Day Painted Pots with Botanical Designs by Tina
These workshops bring natural materials and seasonal inspiration into the studio.
Stained Glass & Mosaics
This category generated a lot of excitement.
Stained glass is something I’ve wanted to bring into the studio since the beginning, and the survey responses made it clear that many people are excited about it too.
Stained glass workshops are currently in development, and mosaic workshops are planned for June.
Natural Processes
Many people expressed interest in workshops that explore traditional or natural creative processes.
This summer I’m working on a lineup that may include:
Indigo and Shibori dyeing
Cyanotype printing
Making watercolor paints from natural pigments
These kinds of workshops focus on slower processes and deeper material exploration.
Basketry & Weaving
Fiber arts also ranked high in the survey responses.
Upcoming workshops include:
Heirloom Handbrooms
Mini Loom Weaving with Botanicals
Coil Basket Workshops
These workshops connect participants to traditional craft techniques while leaving room for creativity and experimentation.
Where the Studio Is Growing
One of the things I love most about running the studio is that it continues to evolve.
New workshops are added throughout the year as new ideas emerge, teaching artists reach out, and the community shares what they’re excited about learning.
That Creative Space is also always open to:
Workshop proposals from passionate teaching artists
Renting the studio for independently run classes and workshops
Some of the most interesting things that happen here start with someone simply reaching out and saying:
"I’ve been thinking about teaching something like this…"
Where We’re Going Next
If the past year has taught me anything, it’s that creative spaces grow best when they grow alongside the community around them.
So if you’ve been curious about trying a workshop, exploring a new medium, or even teaching something yourself—I hope you’ll step into the studio sometime soon.
New workshops are added regularly, and there’s always something new taking shape.