Maple Street Art Space is an art studio founded by retired art teacher Tina Logan. The studio offers a wide range of creative classes for all ages, as well as summer camps and school vacation programs. Logan remains an active member of the community by participating in events such as The Train Hop and Meet Me on Main, both organized by the Essex Junction Parks and Recreation Department.
“I always had a plan to open a community art studio upon retirement,” Logan said. “I started teaching at a young age and knew that I would still feel young after my years of teaching in public schools. This was an opportunity for me to continue my love for working with people in a creative capacity and sharing my love for art with them.”
Before opening Maple Street Art Space, Logan spent 37 years teaching art; 30 of them at Albert D. Lawton Intermediate School in Essex Junction.
“I felt that it was time for me to step down and make room for the next generation of art teachers,” she said.
Logan explains that running her studio helps her stay connected to the parts of being a teacher she loves most.
“I miss aspects of working in a school, and this helps to fill that hole. I do not miss grading, though. That was always difficult for me because after all….everyone is an artist! Now I just have fun helping people develop their artistic voice!”
She describes the atmosphere of her studio as relaxed and student-centered.
“It is a cozy space with lots of color and, of course, goofy kitschy things that I love,” Logan said. “Similar to the art room that I had at ADL, but more of a cozy or homey vibe. The focus of my studio is to support fostering creativity through choice, play, and exposure to different mediums.”
Logan believes this choice-based approach makes Maple Street Art Space unique. She encourages self-expression and exploration in art instead of relying on highly structured lessons.
“I teach techniques, concepts, and plant seeds for ideas, and then let everyone make their own creative choices about what and how they’d like to make their art,” she explained. “Sometimes we base our work on a theme, and sometimes not.”
Most importantly, her hope is that her art space is accessible and welcoming for everyone, not just experienced artists.
“Everyone who chooses to take a workshop or art session knows that they don’t need to have any previous experience or preconceived ideas and just want to explore and maybe learn something new.”
To register for her classes, go to her website.
