A spark for art

Judy Macomber loves making art of all kinds. She has shown her work locally at places like Has Beans Coffee and Tea, and she recently made her art dreams come true by opening her own art studio where she says anything goes. With the just-opened Judy’s Creative Impulse Studio” (2155 Park Ave.), Macomber’s plan is to provide a place to feature works by her and other local artists, as well as a space where instructors of painting, music, dance and more can present classes in any medium of art. She’s taking suggestions from those in the community who might be interested, and she can be reached on Facebook (search “Judy’s Creative Impulse Studio”) or by phone at 636-3111.

What inspired you to open a studio?

I don’t have any place at home to work creatively, so my partner, John Ed Francia, found this place. He’s helped with everything like ideas, bringing in the furniture, and he’s my main financier. With the economy the way it is, you kind of have to create your own venue to get by, so I’d like to do that here.

What classes do you have planned?

We intend to have a huge variety of classes and projects eventually, but right now we are starting out with a teacher of piano and basket weaving, plus a masseuse who practices Tui na and Qigong massage. I want to have instructors teach groups and hold workshops on any activity, such as clay, dance, music, watercolor painting, even chess—whatever people are inspired by at the moment. And I don’t have to be in charge of everything that goes on.

What’s the size of your studio?

It’s 400 square feet, with a small kitchen where we serve coffee, tea and snacks. There’s an adjoining business the same size with nice hardwood floors that we can also use for things like yoga classes or dance lessons. Plus, we have a nice outside lot where I’d like to hold little craft fairs or other outdoor activities.

What type of art do you like creating most?

Right now, it’s painting. I’ve done 16 paintings this past year. I used to always paint using a model or picture, but one day my daughter said, “Mom, you need to do some abstract painting,” so I did. I mostly use acrylic, but I’m also getting into playing with pastels and watercolors.

What other art forms do you work on?

My mediums have always been sporadic, but I always have to be doing something. It’s kind of like processing or interpreting parts of life. I did these two [lifelike turtle and bird] soapstone sculptures last year. I also make beads for bracelets and necklaces using pieces of tightly rolled and glued magazines and gift wrap.