About Open Art Space
Open Art Space is a small art studio in the heart of the Creative Enterprise Zone in St. Paul, MN. Through a flexible pricing system that relies on people to pay what they can, Open Art Space helps make quality art experiences accessible for everyone. For some, this may mean paying a bit more, and others a bit less. In the end, we all get what we need — space and time to create together.
Founded in the Fall of 2019, OAS had to pivot quickly when COVID-19 hit just a few months after the space was acquired. Throughout the pandemic restrictions, a teen art group continued to meet outdoors at various natural sites throughout the twin cities area. We met once a month in all weather! Teen artists are the core of Open Art Space, and motivated teens are invited to help form a future vision for Open Art Space in post-pandemic times.
Laura Pereira has been an art educator for nearly thirty years as a classroom teacher, a museum educator, and an independent contract artist. Working with people of all ages to find meaning through making art has been a focus throughout her career. Currently, she is the Visual Arts Specialist at The Friends School of Minnesota.
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Open Art Space also serves as Laura's personal art studio. Laura works primarily in encaustic and mixed media painting, and is a 2013 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. See her work at www.laurapereira.com