On a quiet bend in the road overlooking, the Lindo Channel and the bustle of Mangrove Ave, is an unassuming mid-century building where artists rediscover the joy in creating. These artists range from 5 years old to 80 something. Some barely recall the last time they picked up a brush, but they all have one thing in common: when they walk through the doors of The Studio 561, they remember how good it feels to paint!
“I wanted a place where artists and people, who want to create, could mingle and share the love of discovery that comes with making art. It is not about art being for the select talented few; it is about enjoying, as you learn, where your own talent lies.”
Christine Mac Shane has painted most of her life and a good many of those years here in Butte County. She has left her mark in homes and businesses with murals and decorative finishes for the past 20 years. Lately, she finished a successful run with local CBS and NBC affiliates as “The House Whisperer” and a year creating the PBS series, “Within Your Reach” with business partner and friend, Trisha Coder. The studio brings all of these together in a welcoming and relaxed way. Whether it is painting or reconstructing old furnishings, there is help at hand and a sense of accomplishment with every swish of the brush.
The Studio 561 (located on East Lindo Ave in Chico) is a working studio that offers plenty of space for classes, workshops and parties. Customers are encouraged to “drop in” and work on pieces in progress. Children’s parties and workshops, as well as group activities for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Charity Leagues, are well under way. “It’s really a versatile place that lends itself to just about any creative venture or event.” Says Mac Shane, as she sets up easels for a paint party later that evening. “I do go to homes and other locations to do the paint parties, but we have a great set-up here with a kitchen and all! It’s perfect; you don’t even have to clean up!”
Christine works with groups for fund-raising and charities, as well as private parties. The workshops range from furniture painting and faux-finishes, to intuitive painting. School vacation art camps are in the works, as well as Mom and Dad date night paint parties.
Paradise artist, Ellen Beauregard, introduces tools and tricks to textured paintings and works with Christine on the re-purposed furniture art available for sale at The Studio. Oroville artist, Julee Spohn, offers Saltillo tile painting classes every other Thursday afternoon. Her whimsical and colorful style makes this a great way to get acquainted with acrylic paint on surfaces other than canvas.
“We offer art classes for children and have noticed the trend is not necessarily for weekly classes. So, like everything we do, we watch and move with what is needed.”
If you are interested in finding out more about classes, workshops and parties offered at The Studio 561, or to set up a party of your own, it is well worth dropping by to get a feel for the space. Postings keep potential artists up to date with events through Christine Mac Shane on Facebook, as well as the websites: www.thestudio561.com and www.christinemacshane.com.
Reservations and inquiries are made by emailing Christine at christinemacshane@gmail.com or by calling (530) 370-1285.