An art teacher who turned her passion for creativity into a community business is preparing to open the doors at a new studio in the heart of town.
Lynn Adams, who lives in Bilsthorpe and runs ArtSmart, will host an open evening at the business’ new premises at 33-35 Cartergate in Newark on Thursday, July 3, from 5.30-8.30pm.
The move comes seven years after Lynn launched ArtSmart from Unit 4 on Manners Road, where the business has grown from around 15 students to more than 100 adults and children.
Lynn Adams, the owner of ArtSmart. Photo by Iliffe Media/ David Dawson.
The majority of children in the classes are around the age of six, with her oldest student being nearly 90.
“It’s a safe place to come and paint, and everybody’s so encouraging and it’s all about encouraging that creativity,” Lynn said.
“A lot of my adult students come as much for the relaxation and a way of just calming the world down a little bit as much as learning to paint.
ArtSmart. Photo by Iliffe Media/ David Dawson.
“It doesn’t feel so much like a business; it’s more like a community, so I have got the best job in the world. I love every minute of it.”
A qualified primary school teacher, artist and illustrator, Lynn set up ArtSmart while still working in education as she believes opportunities for creative activities have reduced in schools.
The idea behind ArtSmart was not only to teach drawing and painting skills but also to help people develop confidence and creative thinking, and she wanted to provide a space where people of all ages and abilities could express themselves through art.
The decision to relocate was due to the need for a larger and more accessible venue, as the current studio is located up a flight of metal stairs, which can be challenging for some students.
Lynn Adams, the owner of ArtSmart. Photo by Iliffe Media/ David Dawson.
The new Cartergate premises will offer additional space for workshops, exhibitions and community projects — and Lynn is hoping to use part of the building as a gallery area where local artists can display their work.
She added: “We’ve got a lot of galleries in Newark, but sometimes it can be quite intimidating if you’re a beginner artist.
“It will be nice for people to put up a bit of work and show off what they do without the pressure of having to sell it.”
The open evening will allow residents to explore the new studio, view artwork created by students and learn more about the classes on offer.
Lynn will collect the keys to the new premises on July 1 and plans to begin classes there that same weekend.
“My ultimate goal is that people feel they belong, that they’re in a safe space and can do what they enjoy without pressure,” she said.
“That’s what ArtSmart is all about.”