I’ve heard the phrase “the universe works in mysterious way” more times than I can count, but the past several years have been extremely difficult and my belief in mystery and hope have been wavering. Last year I was teaching through a local art center and was finally finding my voice as both an artist and teacher again after being separated from my in-person art community due to the pandemic. But suddenly, the center canceled classes and ceased operations due to financial difficulty. We weren’t given much notice at all and when I inquired if my students had been notified of that weekend’s class being canceled, I did not receive a response. Since the center handled registration, I didn’t have a class list and to be sure that no one was left in the dark, I went to the center on the day of my class, just in case. And sure enough, the entire class arrived. We were locked out of the room and had no supplies, but we all gathered for over an hour and had an amazing conversation. We began by discussing the poor communication and questioning the sudden closure of the center, but soon, we were talking about the class, how sad we were that we weren’t playing with watercolors at that moment and how important art is to all of us. Each of us had a different story, different reasons for being there that day, but all of us were there for the same reason: because art made us happy, because art made us whole, because art soothed us, healed us, supported us and was always there for us when we needed it most.

We exchanged contact information and from that moment, an amazing group was formed. We began meeting once a week at a local restaurant to work on art together and share stories, supplies, laughter and tears. We found connection first through art, but then through our stories and soon realized how deep our connections ran. Bonds formed over common experiences, interests, dreams and hopes. A woman in the group, named Barbara, shared that she wanted to create a space where groups like ours could meet and connect through art and conversation and was actively exploring locations where she could bring that dream to life.

We all shared ideas for our dream creative spaces and even created a list of the wildest and most magical ideas we could think up. Each time we met, we added to the list, shared more dreams, and made more art. Then, one day, Barbara told us she had found her space. It needed work but it was the creative space she had dreamed of for so long. Before we knew it, she was opening the door and welcoming us to, Starcell Studio.

Upon entry, I was stunned. The space was gorgeous, so bright and warm and welcoming. She had two large work areas, a comfy space for conversation, a supply room busting at the seams with all types of art supplies and a nature room filled with rocks, shells, feathers and many more magical natural goodies.

It was more incredible that I could have imagined and I couldn’t believe I was standing there in that magical place, months after gathering outside of the closed art center breaking the news to my students that our class was canceled. It was a beautiful and amazing reminder of the phrase “the universe works in mysterious ways,” but not just because of the dreamy art space. It was because of Barbara.

I started this post saying that the past several years have been hard and that my hope has wavered but writing those words feels like putting a sweet candy coating on top of a foul inner concoction to mask its true identity. There are few people who I have been able to be open and honest with about my journey and my beloved art friends are some of those people. It can be hard to know what to say to someone who is struggling with extremely difficult circumstances, but Barbara always has not only heartfelt, loving, kind words to share, but also deep meaningful phrases. I always want to write down what she says so that I can read her words over and over and over again. It is with this magnificent love for others that she created Starcell Studio. It is not only a beautiful space to create, but one that welcomes you with open arms and wraps you in compassionate, non-judgmental, supportive arms as soon as you cross its threshold.

Opening the space to our group was only the first step and now she is expanding her community to include others like ours and introduce even more people to what she has magically deemed the “Collective Effervescence.” And I am so honored to share that I have been invited to teach in this incredible space. My first class, Watercolor & Collage Mandalas, will be offered on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

But before we dive into classes, I want to invite you to a very special Open House to view the space, tour the rooms, meet all the teachers, participate in make & takes, and enjoy some light refreshments. So mark your calendars and plan to join us!

Starcell Studio Open House

Saturday, September 9, 2023
1:00-3:00 pm

10525 Florida Ave S.
Suite 123
Bloomington, MN 55438
(Look for “Hyland Service Center” on the front of the building. Starcell Studio is located on the northeast corner of the building with its own entrance and convenient parking just outside the door.)

Spend the afternoon touring this beautiful studio, explore the plethora of exciting supplies, run your fingers over everything in the nature room, talk to the teachers and learn about the exciting new class offerings coming up this fall. But most of all, sit down and savor the feeling of becoming a part of this collective effervescence.

Welcome to a place where imaginations run free, creativity is never questioned, encouragement is abundant and ideas are brought to life. Give yourself permission to play, to slow down and enjoy the process and most importantly, be a part of a collaborative, creative and compassionate community.

Welcome to Starcell Studio.

A HUGE thank you to Barbara for opening this space to all of us and creating such a special studio filled with art supplies, inspiration, and love for us to gather. You are an amazing human and I am so grateful to know you. You inspire me, not just to keep making art, but to keep making the world a better place. When I first met you, I was overwhelmed with love for you because you are one of those incredible souls that sweeps in and fills a person’s heart as soon as you meet them. I told you how happy I was to meet you and you replied, “I’m worth meeting.” I have never forgotten that phrase, that moment, or the way you made me feel. You are worth meeting and you have taught me that I am too. Thank you for that gift and for all the gifts you’ve given me. I’m so very grateful for the mysterious way the universe brought us together. And another HUGE thank you to all of my art friends for your love and support and all the days of gathering to laugh, cry and make art together. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you — you are all amazing.