Growing up with a mother who loved doing arts and crafts, and who shared that love with her four children, it’s no wonder Lynn Harnen ended up opening an art studio. Spark Art provides great entertainment for individuals, families and groups of friends.
The studio opened in Brentwood during August 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic. Instead of that circumstance being a disadvantage, it ended up being a blessing for adults who were tired of binge watching television shows and for kids who were stuck in front of screens for large parts of most days. Here was a chance to put away the electronics and focus on making something beautiful. The concentration it takes, and the joy that's found in creating something by hand usually doesn’t leave time for minds to drift or to be distracted by phones.
In the studio, participants choose different colored sea glass, recycled glass pieces and porcelain tile pieces to arrange into pictures or designs on canvas or wood backgrounds. All skill levels are welcome.
“If you're not that creative and need something to get started, we have over 100 stencils, so you can actually stencil a design onto your canvas or wood and then go from there,” says Lynn. “We're often just blown away by the creativity of people.”
Upon entering, guests are given instructions and shown some techniques, which only takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Each project usually is completed within 1.5 to 2 hours, but participants can stay longer, if desired. Children 6 years and older also are welcome, and their projects usually take about an hour. Groups also are encouraged, and events or parties to celebrate birthdays and other occasions can be held in the studio.
Parents, mothers in particular, go into the studio with their sons and daughters. “They are thrilled to have that one-on-one time with their child,” says Lynn. “We have so many mother-son, mother-daughter groups come in. It’s a fun family outing, and one family has been in three times already.”
There are products for sale in the studio as well, such as samples of art made by Lynn and her staff. “Those are really designed to give our participants ideas about what they can do, but we also sell it. They make great hostess gifts, housewarming gifts or teacher gifts.”
Lynn's brother, RJ Chesna, is an artist who helps run the business. He creates beautiful mosaic pieces in various sizes, and a few of these are on display at the studio as well. Items are reasonably priced, with nothing selling for more than $50.
Spark Art is open until 6 p.m., but groups of six and more can reserve a later time to get together and socialize for a girls’ night out. Spark allows customers to bring in snacks and alcoholic beverages to make it even more festive.
The studio has four tables, which can each hold six people. For now, the tables are kept separate and have plexiglass between them. Mondays and Tuesdays are for reservations only, but Wednesdays through Sundays it’s open for walk-ins.
213 Franklin Road, Suite 110, Brentwood
info@sparkartbrentwood.com
615.483.9847
SparkArtBrentwood.com.
We're often just blown away by the creativity of people.