Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Gordon
Hi Amber, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I’m Amber and ArtBarnATX is the result of a full host of dreams and determination. Let me tell you how it all started.
It began with a lofty dream to live by the lake. Thinking this would be nearly impossible to figure out with twin boys, a full-time job as an Art Educator and our lovable, but curious pup, luck was on our side!
It was in the midst of a horrible drought; parts of the lake were near rock beds, but it’s here we found our 3 acres with the most beautiful, unobstructed view of Lake Travis.
In addition to the main house, the property included a 2-story barn once owned by a wood and mill worker, who used the barn to bring in numerous large logs for his craft.
Slowly we pulled back the curtains of years of neglect on the property, but all the labor fell on my husband’s two hands, …oh and his crew which consists of our twin boys, and myself. I LOVE My Gordon Boys!
As we continued to clean up, work on and remodel our new space, I couldn’t stop thinking about how magical it would be to make a space where people can freely create unique art pieces out of glass, paper, paint, and clay; every kind of medium we can think of.
I kept talking to my husband about it, who suggested I put a plan together. I dreamed out loud to my childhood best friend and found encouragement from friends & family. I also worked with an AMAZING staff of teachers at Bush Elementary in Steiner Ranch who are incredibly supportive of my new venture. With their support and the love from the families I teach, my heart is filled with overflowing LOVE that pushes me forward.
DELIGHTFUL TIMES AHEAD!
ArtBarnATX became a beautiful reality in 2018, with heaps of love and support from my husband, family, friends and co-workers.
We started hosting summer camps and offering birthday party options that we expand upon every year. Since the start of the studio in 2018, ArtBarnATX has seen it all, from slime to splatter paint and clay and smashed glass and even retro arcade games!
I can’t wait to continue our journey at ArtBarnATX where we’ll always continue to grow and foster each person’s unique creative spirit.
n 2024 I announced my retirement from a 25 year career in private & public education as a Certified Art Educator to all ages. I’m so grateful for my time in public education and for the families I’ve created art with over the years.
Now I am focused on expanding my crazy ideas even further with ArtBarnATX. I Look forward to sharing my tornado Rainbow Glitter Brain with you.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am not in a commercial space. I am by appointment for parties and events. Guests struggle with this concept.
However that is what sets us apart…we are tucked in the Hills of Lake Travis. When you book a party, it is a private party experience. Everyone loves that once they realize that you don’t have to book parties in commercial space to have a fun memorable Party.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The past seven years I have been host to unique birthday parties that celebrate creative happiness to all that enter. I have also hosted amazing summer camps , so amazing that the parents and relatives of my students actually inspired me to create an art retreat for just adults. The children were having these amazing creative experiences, and the parents kept asking, “What about us?” And just like that, the adult art retreat was in the making. In November of 2024 was what would be my first annual Adult Retreat.
In November of 2024 I hosted my first Adult Successful Retreat. Everyone that attended is begging me to make this a yearly retreat of Art fellowship. I have agreed and have already started planning the new Art projects and food menu for 2025. It’s 3 days of Art, with lots of food, chocolate, and coffee.
I meticulously curated what art projects the guests would be creating based on all skill levels, variety of interests, and all supplies would be included.
One of the most unique aspects of the adult art retreat is the freedom of choice I offer my guests. From the start, guests are presented with a menu of art projects to choose from, each with its own detailed instructions with all materials provided. I encourage guests to pick the projects that resonate with them continuing their ideas, throughout the 3 days of creating art. Balancing guidance with freedom to ensure everyone stays on track while allowing plenty of room for individual creativity. Allowing them choices to connect with people in their lives, or maybe creating because a subject resonates deep with oneself, and or just having fun and letting your imagination PLAY.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The Biggest risk was leaving a full time Art teaching position in at a great School. I loved the families and kiddos, it truly was the best Public school I had ever worked at in my 25 years of teaching public & private education. However, I needed to focus more time with my own children as they do grow up fast. Focusing on my family and only the studio allowed me to do this.
I do miss my school families, however I am only 20 minutes from the school and many of the families and kiddos come out Camps & Parties. I get extra hugs:)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artbarnatx.com
- Instagram: artbarnatx512
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbarnatx/
