Collaborating with shops with workshops has been a fantastic way for me to step out of the studio and meet a new audience. It's inspiring to be creative with a group of people, in unusual places, and for all of us it feels like a fresh, liberating experience. We all learn from one another, I get to know a group of people who frequent a shop I feel akin to, and they learn some new watercolour techniques. Everyone comes away with something that helps them develop, something meaningful.
For Vera at Bears Ice Cream Co, our workshop has brought a unique atmosphere, where people get to 'live the brand', by learning to paint ice creams in watercolour, then creating a real one to eat:
Michelle brings her wonderful mix of bright colours into our shop and her relaxed way of teaching is a great start to our Saturday mornings. Collaborating with an artist brings in a great energy and seeing people leave after a painting class with a relaxed smile on their face and ice cream in hand makes our day.’ It has also opened up new avenues of collaboration, with gift and greeting cards designed by Michelle for the shop.
In this article on the 91 Magazine blog, I talk to five other shopkeepers to find out more about why they host workshops and how it benefits both their shop and the creatives they work with.
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