Oxfordshire art studio plans to expand with help from public

Jessie’s Art Shed (JAS) in Eynsham is hoping to have a ‘destination’ place, offering one big location for all things creative.

The studio, which opened eight years ago, hosts classes and workshops for all ages and stocks a range of art products both in shop and online.

A few upcoming events include a Hogwart's Christmas children's workshop, Meet and Make for women of all ages and a Christmas social night for those aged in their 20s and 30s.

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Founder Jessie Whealy, who moved from Essex to near Witney aged 14 and attended Henry Box, did her foundation diploma at Oxford Brookes.

She said: "I received an offer at Bournemouth Arts University to study illustration but decided to take a gap year first, which is when I began offering classes from my parents garage shed in Standlake.

"The classes grew fast so I ended up deferring my place at university to give my business a proper go. Eight years later and I never went."

At the end of 2018 Mrs Whealy married Olly who quit his job the day they got back from honeymoon to work with her as creative and administrative director.

Together they moved into their own shop in Eynsham High Street in June 2019 and three years later opened a second shop attached to Yarnton Garden Centre.

Demand for its classes and workshops has grown rapidly.

The couple and their team of four teachers want to seize the opportunity to move into the space next door which has recently become available.

The community is already rallying behind them by donating to the crowdfunder and getting kitted out with brand-new JAS merch which will help towards renovating the new space. 

Mrs Whealy said: "We've just made the tough decision to close our Yarnton shop because of the huge opportunity of taking on the space next door to our Eynsham shop.

"Our dream has always been one 'destination' place that's a real creative hub for the community.

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"Me and my team are beyond excited for this next step and to build on what is already a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

"We would like somewhere with community at the heart of it.

"Somewhere parents can gather and create with their toddlers, where children are encouraged to use their imaginations to the fullest and where young people and adults alike can forge friendships, build confidence, develop skills and most importantly have fun. 

"It truly is an Art Shop that is making a difference and with this new space it will enable us to further our vision of becoming a creative hub allowing us to spread the joy of creativity even further."

For the crowdfunder visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/jessies-art-shed-an-art-shop-with-a-difference