Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Smasal.
Hi Valerie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I opened my shop in 2016 as an art supply shop and art gallery.Named after my two stepdaughters, Calamity & Grace quickly became a creative hub and a space that encompasses all art forms. I have had journaling and writing workshops, calligraphy classes, cookie decorating workshops, Dance classes and theatre and film camps, in addition to my regular art classes and art camps. My shop expanded in 2021 with a move two doors down. This allowed me to provide a wide variety of art gifts and fun educational toys. I also expanded my classes with a bigger studio to hold more students.C& G has open studio available at all times and that includes free rein of all supplies.
My slogan is ‘Creativity Happens Here’ and we welcome artists of all ages and artistic abilities.
I am proud to be the only independent art shop in the hill country for 10 years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As any small business owner knows, the road is rocky at times. Struggles with economy are always an issue in my small town. I’ve had to shift at times due to economic need, lack of tourism etc.
During Covid when we were shut down, I provided over 200 art kits to community students. In the worst of times, art still matters. I was fortunate to receive donations and grants to be able to provide art in an uncertain time.
Current economic issues have affected me, as they have everywhere. My story is not unique. I am able to provide limited scholarships and work programs to students bc I feel like everyone should have access to art.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a collage and assemblage artist. Most of the adult classes I teach are related to collage- we just had a vision board class, we’ve done assemblage classes and junk journaling classes and collage classes. I’m most proud of my ability to teach creativity. I was a theatre major in college and that has given me an artistic eye. I love sharing my knowledge with others and helping them discover and develop the creativity in them. I especially enjoy working with children because they are open to anything, and are not afraid to try a new technique.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is found in helping others in their artistic journey, whatever that looks like to them. It might be helping them select the right shade of paint or the perfect brush. It might be helping a child create a masterpiece by trying an art medium they have never tried before. It might be helping grandma select the perfect gift for her 10 year old granddaughter who likes to draw. Whatever it is, we provide one on one assistance to all and no question is a bad question. When I go home at the end of the day feeling like I’ve helped someone artistically, I feel successful.
Pricing:
- Classes- $50 for weekly classes for kids
- Classes- one time classes $25-45. Open Studio $25 for 2 hours
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @calamityandgrace
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GooqCReaC/
Image Credits:
Valerie Smasal
