When our studio first opened in 2011, we opted for a drop in model over registered art classes. At the time, this idea enabled us to reach a wider and more diverse audience and challenged us to offer art experiences to young children of varying ages, abilities, at any time, in a way that was both engaging and sustainable.
The result was an open-ended environment with a focus on play and process rather than take home art products that required instructions. In this way, anyone could drop in and start – there were no barriers to entry, as we operated in the most democratic way we could, on a first come first serve basis. The drop in model created much more consistency, flexibility and adaptability and allowed our little studio to successfully grow into the studio we are today.
The pandemic changed all of this. Our studio had to close. We pivoted to offer at home art experiences and when we were able, opened the studio to smaller groups. We could not safely offer drop ins during this time and instead we created an online booking system to manage capacity limits recommended by public health. This was a lifeline and enabled us to diversify our offerings to include age appropriate classes, camps, and workshops, which we are very proud of.
When it was safe to do so, our studio re-opened, this time with a mix of drop ins and pre-booked visitors. At first, more pre-booked visitors attended our sessions, but as restrictions began to lift and people felt safer, we began to experience more and more people wanting to drop in.
Since December, we have been overwhelmed with people wanting to drop in, and although we understand the convenience that pre-booking allows, the confusion and frustration that this two-tier system has created is no longer sustainable.
We are excited and ready to return to our roots, to go back to what made our studio so popular in the beginning: to once again be a drop in art studio for young children.
We will be ending the option for pre-booking visits online as of April 3rd, 2023.
Visits pre-booked prior to this date will be happily honoured.
Online registration will still be required for group visits, 4 week programs, art workshops, birthday parties, field trips, and camps.
We want to thank you for your support and hope to see you drop in to the studio someday soon! Check out our tips to help plan your drop in visit.
