A leap of faith led to a the start of a Bristol Borough art studio.
Abbie Devers was working at as a graphic designer for a print shop and felt unfulfilled until she started a side job hosting at-home paint and sips in 2014 under the name A Taste of Artistry. From there, she was able to grow her business into a full-fledged art studio that offers a number of events and a summer camp.
“I was at kind of a dead-end job and I wasn’t able to be as creative as I’d like to be,” she said.
Abbie grew her A Taste of Artistry paint and sip at-home event business. Her parties often were paired with at-home direct sales events and gained a following. A few social media posts led to new customers and groups interested in hosting paint and sip parties at home.
“I just started putting it out there and people began responding,” she said.
Abbie, who has an art degree, ended up quitting her day job and went full-fledged into expanding to new places where she offered paint and sip parties. In addition to at-home events, she added kids’ parties, theme-nights at bars, and then moved into festivals throughout the region.
By 2017, A Taste of Artistry had opened a storefront at 1610 Farragut Avenue in Bristol and expanded their offerings. The business offers paint and sips, craft projects, paint pouring workshops, and canvas, wood, glass painting parties for customers of all ages.
This summer, A Taste of Artistry is offering a 2019 Makers Art Camps series. The program accepts enrollment for half-day (9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), full-day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and one-day options for ages 6 and up. There are discounts for sign ups for multiple weeks and if siblings come together.
Each week, according to Abbie, features a different theme, including DIY doll house (for full-week students only), splat sculpt sparkle, around the world adventure, the sea, fiber-based projects, and a large-scale project.
The projects included in the summer camp offer options for campers to explore and test their skills, Abbie said.
“Art makes kids more intelligent and allows them to take part in opportunities they may not be able to at home,” she explained.
Using paint, paper, clay, wood, sewing materials, and other items, the campers are able to try new medias and explore their artistic abilities.
Abbie said one of the keys to her business’ success has been offering a wide variety of options and encouraging students – whether adults or children.
267-307-2481 | 1610 Farragut Avenue | ‘Like’ A Taste of Artistry on Facebook