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The SCENE Magazine

The Artist Within.org: Family Owned, Eco-Friendly, Creative Fun for All Ages

May 04, 2013 11:57AM ● By Corinne Moore
Join The Artist Within.org, an art studio located at 1023 W. Bay Area Blvd. in Webster, on Wednesday May 8, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. for their Open House. Seize the opportunity to get a first look at the contemporary studio, peruse the paintings on display, enjoy dinner and drinks, and even register for classes.

The Artist Within.org offers painting classes taught by professional local artists within a fun and relaxing environment where you are encouraged to bring your favorite wines, beverages and snacks. All supplies are provided with the cost of the class. No art experience is necessary. The two- to three- hour classes are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Classes are 21 and up, except for the Saturday afternoon classes, which are family oriented.

Local residents Shane and Cindy Hamilton created The Artist Within.org with the primary focus of building a true family-owned and operated business. “Three generations of both sides of our family participate in the day-to-day activities required to put this show on each night,” said Shane Hamilton.

“Everything related to this company, from the name, logo, gallery of paintings, website, etc., has been created and designed by members of our family and friends. We even built out the studio ourselves!” adds his wife Cindy.

Besides being family-owned, the studio is “locally oriented” too. “Everything possible is purchased locally, and we support small businesses in our area,” said Cindy.

The studio also strives to minimize their carbon footprint by using eco-friendly material when available.

“At The Artist Within.org, we recognize that all natural resources are limited and if not used sparingly will run out one day,” said Shane. “With this in mind, we have designed our company and studio to be as environmentally friendly as possible and to utilize “reduce/reuse/recycle” in all aspects of our operation.”

This means all the consumable items used in the studio are made from recycled materials or new unconventional products. Because you can’t recycle paper that has acrylic paint all over it, the paint palette’s they use are made from recycled corn stalks, the forks and knives available in the kitchen area are made from corn starch not plastic, and the aprons used in the studio are manufactured from recycled polyester fibers. “Even the cleaning supplies we use are environmentally friendly and made from natural products,” said Cindy.

The Hamiltons also believe in giving back to the community and host an ongoing food drive at their location.  “Please bring something each time you come,” said Cindy. “One hundred percent of all donations go to Interfaith Caring Ministries Food Pantry.” Also, paintings will be donated to area hospitals and non-profit organizations in an effort to share beauty with the world.

On Friday, May 10, The Artist Within.org will celebrate their Grand Opening and very first painting class. It will be an evening of wine and creativity from 7 to 10 p.m. as the inaugural class paints "Brewtiful Cups" with local artist Sherry McClendon.

In addition to McClendon, instructors Amy Herrmann, Brenda Bell, Fontaine Jacobs, as well as Cindy Hamilton will be providing step by step instructional classes on a rotating schedule to assist you in discovering your inner artist and creating a masterpiece that is unique.

Learn to paint gardens, mansions, oceans, trees, Monet, Van Gogh, T. Kincaide, Cezanne, and many other subjects and objects. Some themes in May are: Vincent Van Gogh inspired "Boats," "Wine Down," "Goldfish Bowl," Claude Monet’s "Study of a Figure Outdoors Facing Right," "Cherry Blossoms," Vincent Van Gogh inspired "Irises," and "Island Breeze.”

Hosting an event has never been easier. “No matter what the occasion your visit to the studio is,” said Shane. “One thing for certain is that it will spark your inner creativity that will flow over into all areas of your life.”

Summer camp information will be available soon. Gift Certificates are available. To register for a class, visit TheArtistWithin.org, or for more information, call 281-701-2821.

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