Scrappy Art Lab, the newest addition to downtown Winslow’s vibrant arts scene, is hosting its grand opening with reuse art activities, live music and light refreshments from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21.
All are welcome; admission is free.
The studio is located one block south of Winslow Way near the intersection of Madison Street and Bjune Drive (123 Bjune Drive SE, Suite 109).
Scrappy Art Lab offers a range of services and special programming including open lab hours for people of all ages to drop in to work on their own projects Tuesday through Saturday.
There is a variety of materials and tools available in a bright and organized studio space, with facilitators on-hand to help guide a participant’s creative journey.
Scrappy Art Lab founder and creative director Rachel Mari Knudson has 20 years of experience in arts education and facilitation. She founded a sister studio, Berkeley’s Sticky Art Lab, in 2011, which continues to offer similar services.
On Bainbridge Island, she has been a teacher or facilitator at Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network, Peacock Family Services, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and, through the parks department, the Summer Concert Series at Battlepoint Park.
This time, though, her mission is even more timely.
Scrappy Art Lab’s goal, Knudsen said, is to unleash messy and creative freedom through material investigation. Why not reuse more of the materials that are all around us every day, instead of buying them new and wrapped in plastic? Scrappy will collect your leftovers and organize them to make them fun to use again (and again).
“The earth is asking us to be more resourceful,” Knudson said. “My wish is that people can enjoy the freedom to innovate here, build their creative confidence, have a chance to collaborate in a positive workspace and conserve resources at the same time. That’s what it’s all about.”
Knudson’s style has received praise from others in the local art world.
Kristin Tollefson, education director at BIMA said, “Rachel’s craft-positive creativity shines in her work with youth. She seamlessly fuses a deep awareness of ecology together with design learning and fun, student-led projects. Her triple-bottom line practice cultivates community, wonder and celebration of resource innovation. We’re so fortunate to have her in our midst!”
Programs serving children and teens, ages 6 and up, at Scrappy Art Lab allow parents to work, have dinner, shop or run errands.
These programs include: After School Sessions (Tuesday through Friday, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.); Kid Drop Off (by reservation on Friday evenings and midday Saturday); theme-based Summer and Seasonal Camps with structured mornings and self-directed afternoons, including time at Waterfront Park.
A range of workshops by in-house and community artists will be offered throughout the year, and Scrappy Art Lab can be reserved for parties and special events with facilitated activities for people of all ages, including for corporate gatherings.
Call 206-451-4655, email info@scrappyartlab.com or visit www.Scrappyartlab.com to learn more.
