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 class 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.
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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! Once it was safe to meet inside again, teens became the core of Open Art Space, offering monthly open studio time just for teens, and outdoor summer camps.
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In 2024, Open Art Space is pivoting once again. One of the common issues many artists face is the lack of space to create. Dark basements, kitchen tables, and cramped closets are often the only option for artists on a budget, making it difficult to sustain consistent creative time. OAS provides affordable monthly and hourly studio rental for people who just need a place to create outside their home. Art materials are expensive! In order to ease the risk of buying art materials which may or may not get used, Open Art Space also provides art kits to play with and experiment in the studio. Messes can be made here, and your space is saved for everyday living!
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 houses Laura's personal art studio. Laura works primarily in encaustic and mixed media painting. She is a 2013 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, a 2023 Emerging Artist grant for International Encaustic Artists, and a 2024 Next Step grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. You can view her work in the studio, at an upcoming event, or at www.laurapereira.com