Over the last ten years, Courtney Evans has fallen in love with the small-town feel of Snohomish, an area rich in history and culture. As that love has grown, so has Courtney’s desire to establish deep roots and relationships in the community. When the opportunity arose to relocate Board & Brush Creative Studio to historic downtown Snohomish, Courtney jumped at the chance to make the move happen and create deeper community bonds.
“I feel like it's every business owner's dream to get downtown because it is the heart of Snohomish. I wanted to be downtown with all the people, buzz, and events happening and be part of that,” shared Courtney. “There are so many cool things throughout downtown Snohomish that I think a lot of people don't know about. Every time I'm down there, and I'm down there frequently, I see something different that I might not have seen before.”
With the vast antique shopping downtown, Board & Brush’s signature rustic farmhouse style blends well with the area’s feel while contributing a unique activity-based shop to the mix. At the studio, patrons complete personalized projects with the direction of trained staff in a relaxing and friendly environment.
“All our projects are things you can use in your home such as trays, porch signs, boxes, doormats…things that you actually would utilize,” she explained. “You pick which project you want to do and then we walk step by step through the process. No matter if it is a box or a porch sign, it's the same instruction and the same steps.”
The process includes distressing the piece to add character, sanding, choosing and applying stain, and then adding details using stencils and paint. Workshops vary in length, but most allow three hours for completing projects. The time frame leaves plenty of time for sipping on wine or beer and socializing while working, which makes a session at Board & Brush a perfect ladies' night out or date night destination.
“A lot of people think that this kind of business is geared towards women and although a majority of our customers are women, men are incredibly good at these projects,” said Courtney. “Their projects turn out great, likely because they don't overthink it.”
Patrons can join one of many workshops hosted by Board & Brush, schedule private workshops at the studio or off-site at a non-residential venue, or stop in on farmers market days to complete a small project.
“The farmers market is right on the corner by my studio, and I have all these tables. So, I tell people to go get food from the farmers market, bring it here into the studio, sit down at a table, and eat,” she explained. “And if your kids need something to do, we've got lots of little projects that can keep them entertained for a short period of time. Or even if you don’t want to paint or do anything, just come into the studio, enjoy your food, and see what we’re all about.”
Courtney and her team look forward to greeting you at the studio, which is located at 119 Glen Avenue in downtown Snohomish. For more information on projects and to register for a workshop or book a private event, visit http://boardandbrush.com/Snohomish or call 360-355-3328. Completed customized pieces are also available.
“I feel like it's every business owner's dream to get downtown because it is the heart of Snohomish. I wanted to be downtown with all the people, buzz, and events happening and be part of that,” shared Courtney. “There are so many cool things throughout downtown Snohomish that I think a lot of people don't know about."