rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
TROY — Discovering one’s passion and creativity is a spark that helped Michelle Blade open the Studio of Troy.
The Studio of Troy sits at 795 Canton Street in Troy. Though the top portion of the building is apartments, the bottom has been molded into an art studio for Michelle as well as others to enjoy being creative and creating their own art.
“We wanted to invest in our area. We wanted to create a space where people can come and just have fun, just chill and relax,” said Michelle. “Painting can be very therapeutic and fun. This is totally a non-judgmental space.”
Anyone any age can come paint, whether they are an amateur or professional, it does not matter.
“As long as you enjoyed what you were doing (in the studio) and you’re happy, I’m happy. There’s no wrong way to do art,” she said.
Michelle works with the public and hosts painting classes, where she teaches amateurs how to paint, using their own style and creativity.
“We offer lessons in water color, water color pencil, acrylics,” she said.
On Monday afternoons, she hosts a class for children. Once a month, she does a home school painting class on Mondays. On Friday mornings, she does painting with adults.
Upcoming Saturday Oct. 23, she will host a painting party that is Hocus Pocus themed. For painting parties, you can bring your beverage of choice and just relax and have fun. Michelle supplies everything you’ll need to paint, which is included in the cost.
“Some of the designs are mine, some are from the Art Sherpa, someone I partner with,” said Michelle.
Michelle says she is also open to do company parties with painting.
Painting isn’t the only purpose of the building. Michelle and her family love playing games.
Though not originally from here, Michelle and her husband moved to Troy after falling in love with the area and seeing how artistic the community here is.
She also likes to play games and is planning to host game nights.
“My sons were into Magic, and my husband plays Chess and Backgammon. When my children lived at home, we always had a game night,” she said “We thought that would be a fun thing for the community to have.”
Any game is welcome to come play. The cost is $5 at the door and will run from 6-9 p.m. the last Friday of the month.
The possibilities are endless for Michelle and the studio. She is always welcoming new creative ideas and things to do in her creative space.
“I’m open. We can get creative here. That’s what this is all about,” said Michelle.
She sells some of her work right in the studio and also does commission work too.
For more information or to scheduled with Michelle at the studio, call 570-529-3544. Open studio times are also available.