the ARTery

the ARTery studio is an exploratory kids art studio and cooperative art space coming to 31 South Main Street in Medford, NJ (the former site of the Medford Florist). Inspired by the need for an outlet for young children to get messy and creative, this concept was derived from similar art studios for children all over the country. Pushing children to focus on process instead of outcome, we are designing it to be a space full of light and color to help creativity flow. We hope the ARTery studio is place where children and adults alike can come and inspire creative thinking and exploration of various mediums of art.

Art is important for childhood development which is why the bulk of our programming is focused on children. Our children's programming includes developmentally appropriate toddler art and sensory play groups, art classes for children over 2 years of age, Mommy and me classes, storytime yoga, toddler movement classes, creative storytimes and music classes. We are creating classes that will benefit kids with special needs, including cerebral palsy and autism. We will offer drop in art studio time for all ages. We will be hosting art-centric birthday parties and will support our local boy and girl scout troops with obtaining their art badges. All of our instructors have an art background. Our mantra is that we have to let creativity flow through our body and we do that by playing, exploring, creating and GROWING. Hence our name--the ARTery (get it?).

Our adult programming will include hosting baby showers and evening workshops. Baby showers will allow attendees to make onesies, bows, and bibs. Workshops we have been working to book include calligraphy, lettering, basketry, photography, weaving, knitting, crocheting, furniture refinishing, leather working, and ceramics (to name a few). We hope to offer both conventional and offbeat programming to spur and bring back interest and allow exploration of various types of mediums.

The space will also be available to rent for private parties, events and community gatherings.