Heart to Art Creative Corner, a new studio located at 2A E. Liberty St. in Martinsville, was the site of a ribbon cutting on July 21. The studio offers an accessible and welcoming space where visitors can create various types of art on-site. Guests can enjoy activities such as ceramics painting, mosaics, a splatter room, and other creative classes.
The studio is operated by Christina Tisdale and her partner Monica Rogers. Tisdale has lived in the area for 30 years, and the pair had often discussed creating a fun space for locals.
“Monica actually said, you know, this area could benefit from the same things we’re interested in and it would be a fun place to go and not have to leave town,” Tisdale said.
“We are excited to bring a creative outlet to the Martinsville community,” said Tisdale. “Our studio is designed to be a fun and safe space for individuals to express themselves, learn new skills, and connect with others,” said Rogers.
Tisdale also believes there are mental health benefits to art. “I think it’s very relaxing. It’s kind of a mental health benefit to create art and stuff like that.”
The pair chose the location near the mall in order to accommodate a splatter room. In that room, customers can throw paint under a black light for a fun, messy, and unique experience. “We were really sold on this little spot based on having that room available to us to work with,” Tisdale said.
The studio will include shelves stocked with ceramic pieces for customers to paint. Brushes, glaze, and a kiln to fire the pottery are available on-site. There will also be mosaic tiles, guided or unguided canvas stations, crafting tables, and a small section with ready-made gifts.
Studio rentals for events will be available, though there are currently no plans for mobile paint parties.
“We are really flexible to any suggestions people might have or requests people have,” Tisdale said. “We’ve already had a grandparent ask if her daughter could come for lessons since she can’t fit an art elective into her schedule.”
Tisdale and Rogers said the process of opening the business was smooth. “The city has been very welcoming and made the process quite easy to open a new business,” they said.
The studio will offer a different experience from what’s available at Studio 107 or Piedmont Arts.
“This is a different twist and different accessibility point. This is for everybody and anybody,” said Tisdale. “I can’t express how excited we are with this new adventure. And I’m really hoping that we’re gonna be offering Martinsville something new, important, and fun.”
For more information about Heart to Art Creative Corner, contact Tisdale or Rogers at (276) 618-1499 or heart2artcreative@gmail.com.
