Bringing art and finding a spring board for Mapleton’s creative voice has not only been a goal but also an accomplishment for Donna Hirtle of Studio Factor. In only three-and-a-half years Hirtle has established a creative niche in the community, offering “artsy” and not so “artsy” locals an opportunity to explore and develop the inner artist that resides, in some form or another, in everyone. Not only is her locale a studio, it is, in its truest form, “a safe place for messy ideas.” Studio Factor has a little bit of everything in the creative realm. Whether its high quality art supplies, gift items or cards they have it (or know how to get it) and customers will probably find odd and interesting gift items along the way. The studio’s latest offerings feature new home-dyed scarves and play silks, hand warmer mugs – excellent stocking stuffers – and a selection of Christian literature. Hirtle also offers graphic designs for promotional and print material including logo designs. For anyone not quite sure what to buy that “artsy” person in their life, Studio Factor also offers gift certificates.
Hirtles’ vision “to create visual free-thinkers” has provided local emerging artists a venue to keep the “big gray wall” rotating for those who are looking to show and sell their work. Throughout the months of November and December the sudio is home to an ongoing 5×7 Silent Auction. Local and not-so-local artists (Listowel, K-W, and Mississauga) were invited to submit a 5×7 creation to be offered up as a fundraiser for the charity of their choice. The show is another example of how Hirtle continues to test the waters with new ideas. She has been fascinated with the response from both the community and artists. Over 80 “works of art” are on display untill the end of December by artists eight years old and up. Everyone is welcome to come in and bid on their favourite piece of work.
The art store has become a focal point of the studio, and facilitates the creative workshops offered by Hirtle. Tuesdays at the studio includes a morning session of water colour classes and afternoons “Dive into Drawing” class for ages 8-12. The drawing class explores various tools, styles and fun within the basics of proportions and techniques of drawing. In the past, junior artists as young as three-years-old have finger painted and crafted seasonal arts. Hirtle recognizes children are naturally creative, but notes that sometimes they just need the room to make a mess and explore ways for creating outside of the box – which is exactly what Studio Factor prides itself on. The local home-schoolers meet weekly and have had fun experimenting with clay and plaster sculpting. A Saturday session exploring ceramic glazes and firing is also offered at the studio.
Another ongoing workshop is the energetic and contagious “Writers Unite” group led by local author Glynis Belec. They explore creative writing techniques and ideas for getting published.
Studio Factor also hosts birthday parties. Parents welcome the idea of leaving the mess at the studio: and that is what a studio is – “a safe place for messy ideas…”
As the studio evolves and changes, Hirtle is always open to new ideas. Basically if you have an idea for a creative workshop, she will offer it based on interest.
Currently, Hirtle is examining new ways to use her space and is therefore offering to retrofit a portion of the studio for commercial use to rent. For the right entrepreneur, the location has potential to be an ideal place to grow your business from.
A quote from Christian author Chuck Swindoll’s book Bed Time Blessings encapsulates Hirtle’s goals for Studio Factor. “Memories…Want to have something meaningful to look back on for the rest of your life? Want a scrapbook of scattered pictures filled with smiling faces? Do yourself and your family a favor. Paint some watercolor memories together this winter or spring. People who do that are not just sentimental, they’re smart.”
Drop by the studio at 24 Wood Street, Drayton, Ontario 519-638-0888 or email:studio.factor@bellnet.ca. It’s a place for the artsy and not-so-artsy.
