Hi Dear Friends-
We are writing today full of announcements and optimism. As the world around us continues to change and evolve so must we. And for us, that process came with beginning to further educate ourselves on racial, cultural and social justice as well as choosing to make a few necessary changes to our business–both in name and plan. There is much to share, so we broke it down by subject below, to hopefully help you navigate easier.
The endless support, love and especially patience, that we have received during this ever changing time have been so, so appreciated. We cannot wait to work with you again in whatever capacity that looks like. Please stay tuned as we continue to bring you new content!
Now on to those business pivots we mentioned above…
1. We Changed Our Name
Let’s start with our our name, ‘Gypsy Studios.’ Moving forward, our business name will be “Art Spot” or “Art Spot” for short. Some of you may have heard this from us last month when we shared on our social media, but if you, like us, try to avoid social media then you may have missed it. We are listening and learning more every day and have decided that since we now know better, we will do better. “Gypsy” is a derogatory term used to describe the Romani people. We never meant any harm with our name but realize that regardless of our intentions, our name can be offensive and hurtful and that is the absolute last thing we would ever want. “Gypsy” had always signified a “free spirit”… “wanderer”…. “traveler” to us and in an effort not to further the normalization of the use of this culturally offensive term, we are making the change.
If you would like to learn more about the Roma people please click HERE
2. We Have Closed Our Studio & Are Creating More Online Content
As this new world of “social distancing” continues to shift with each passing day, we made the very hard decision to close our brick-and-mortar studio and shift gears toward more outdoor custom private events, classes and online courses. We are taking this as an opportunity to become more accessible to those who otherwise might not have been able to enjoy our physical studio location. We currently have a few guided painting courses available on our website HERE and soon will have more expansive classes and varying courses online at your fingertips, no matter where you are located!
3. We Have Returned to Mobile Only & Added More Services
Interested in an in-person option? Well don’t worry, you will still be able to book a private painting party or lesson but now with more services available for all ages and interests. We take your health and safety seriously, as well as our own, and will create events with you that allow for proper social distancing of groups coming together from different households, as well as always keeping a mask on our faces.
From PRIVATE PARTIES for corporate events or family reunions, to KIDS PARTIES or ‘pandemic pod’ KIDS PRIVATE ART CLASSES, we are here to adapt to your needs. If you have something you would like to book or a question about options, please let us know and lets make a custom service just for you! Simply reply to this email or call/text us at (805) 325-8092. We are also a Heartland Charter School approved vendor.
4. We Have Created a New Online Store
Last but not least, we are excited to share that we have created an online shop to keep art supplies and projects available to you. Our online store is still being updated and project kits are coming soon but please check out what we have available today HERE (for pick-up or local delivery only). We will continue to update the shop (and you) with new merchandise and project kits soon, but please check back often.
WANT TO PAINT TODAY?
Enjoy one of our FREE* online guided painting tutorials HERE
*Many painting tutorials are free, but if you are able, please consider making a donation to help us continue to make these videos accessible to all.
VENMO @art-spot-on-wheels