Bandera’s creative side has stretched all the way to Hondo, thanks to Ashleigh Thompson, a former Bandera resident and graduate of Bandera High School.
Partnered with Susan Baker — an artist who shows her work at Boerne’s Carriage House Art Gallery — the two women moved to Hondo to open The Art Space 830.
But this isn’t an ordinary art studio. Thompson’s specialty is actually in plants, and she teaches classes on the many creative activities families can do with plants. From building fairy gardens to dinosaur terrariums, the studio offers the Hondo community (and beyond) the opportunity to explore their GreenThumb abilities.
“We started a summer camp called Camped Rooted,” Thompson said. “Last year, we built insect hotels, painted with leaves, and even built the community’s own fairy garden.”
Camp Rooted will be making a return this Summer; with 4 days at $125.
Thompson’s inspiration for working with plants came from having children of her own.
“My boys loved playing with the dirt,” she said. “We decorated pots and soon our windowsill was full of plants.”
Seven years later, Thompson now sells kits for families to start their own little gardens, with themes ranging from fairies to safaris — and you aren’t required to use a regular pot, either.
“You name it we can put a plant in it,” Thompson said. “We’ve built a terrarium out of a gumball machine.”
The kits, also sold at Boerne’s Handmade on Main, are a popular sell, but just as popular are the courses the studio offers.
Baker, an experienced painter who is known for incorporating textiles in her pieces, also offers painting classes.
“We’re always on the lookout for other teachers,” Baker said.
The studio has been known for clay works classes, painting classes and a hugely popular event – plant bingo.
“We had thirty-four people at our last bingo,” Thompson said. “We didn’t realize how popular it would be.”
The studio features local artists, bringing an artsy side to the widely athletic community of Hondo.
“We learned not to have classes on Fridays,” Baker said. “That’s game night.”
Although only a year into its establishment, the studio has received two recognitions: One from the Hondo Area Chamber of Commerce after a nomination from someone in the community; and an award from Medina, for best new business.
In celebration of Earth Day on April 11, the studio sold seed bombs. Art enthusiasts can check The Space schedule for other upcoming events: https:// www.theartspace830.com/ classes The Art Space, at 1713 Ave M in Hondo, is also available for private rentals and parties.
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