Today we’d like to introduce you to Jan Whitted.
Artbeat is New England’s first walk-in art studio. Opened in 1996, as a store and studio Artbeat has consistently offered quality craft supplies, gifts, kits, games and toys for children and adults. The studio provides hands-on art experiences. Guests may try their hand at sand art, painting, decoupaging, mosaics, doll making, candle rolling and decorating along with a variety of new art forms that are introduced monthly.
Jan, with an MBA and a career in higher education, left it all to follow her dream of providing a creative space for people to experience various art forms. She wanted to create a space where customers did not have to invest time in an 8 – 10 week class or excessive amounts of money in materials to “try” a new art form. Her studio concept allowed the customer the opportunity to experiment at their leisure. The mission was to assist people in being comfortable learning new things and she truly believes as they learn something new they change and as they change the world changes!
The same mission is alive and well today and has proven visionary as the craft market has evolved to become a billion dollar industry and the “maker movement” is exploding.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As with all retail business, the road is never smooth, it is a direct reflection of the current economy.
Over the last 2 years there were two physical obstructions for the business. The town of Arlington widened the sidewalks and did extensive road repair directly in front of the store. Making “lemons out of lemonade”, Jan provided plastic construction hats for all of the children who came to the store and developed a Construction Challenge game as well as a passport program for the entire Capitol Square neighborhood.
Immediately following the road construction, the building that has housed Artbeat for 20+ years underwent extensive renovation. Scaffolding covered the windows and suspended over the doorway for months. The Artbeat staff created a fairy entryway by stringing silk flowers up and down the metal scaffolding and hanging colorful signs promoting their Fairy House & Garden Workshops.
Artbeat – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Artbeat is a unique and creative entity. The Boston Globe once wrote “you feel creative as soon as you walk in the door”. We are most proud of the quality and thoughtfulness devoted to the items for sale in the retail section of the store as well as the studio. We are sensitive to being eco-friendly. There is no WIFI password for guests in the studio as everyone is encouraged to “unplug” at Artbeat.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is defined by one creative experience at a time. Creating successful events for children and adults define Artbeat’s success.
An adult may come in with a child intending to simply watch the child “make art” but with some Artbeat staff encouragement they may become inspired to create something of their own. That adult may return the following week in the evening with a friend and encourage their friend to create something.
The 5000+ returning members of our Artbeat Rewards program define our success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 212A Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474
- Website: www.artbeatonline.com
- Phone: 781-646-2200
- Email: Jan@artbeatonline.com
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