One of the coolest places downtown is a small studio located on Main Street, The Artist Studio. Owner and artist, Judy Barks-Westrich, has designed a simple and elegant gallery that is very down to earth. I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with my friend and neighbor to get the inside scoop on how to bring art into our every day lives.

Claire: Thank you Judy for sitting down with me. So first question: Why did you open The Artist Studio?

Judy: When I was teaching, parents would comment "wish I had art class like this when I was in high school"...thus, in March 2005 I opened The Artist Studio. One of my goals - workshops geared towards adults with little or not training in the arts to experience creative pleasure.

Claire: It is a good point that you can learn to paint or draw at any age. Why do you feel that it is important for people to have art in their lives?

Judy: Art is important for people because it fulfills simple pleasure. Art entertains, enlightens and educated! It also affects your health, mood and emotion. There is no language barrier in art - it is universal. People don't have to necessarily like art; that is the aesthetic taste and the beauty of art because there are so many different styles. But awareness of art gives people visibility into the imagination and it is inspiring.

Claire: One of my favorite things here are your mini abstract paintings. For folks who don't know about them, why do they make such a great gift?

Judy: The minis make a perfect give because of their convenient size, lower price-point and appealing design to young and old. The minis are miniature fine acrylic paintings and they are totally abstract but give the illusion of landscapes - they're colorful, textural and dramatic. Each is beautifully honored with a custom frame just waiting for a new home. They are great accents for anyone's décor! As a gift, the mini may add to one's original fine art collection or actually help them start one.

Claire: So now that folks are inspired how can they get involved in creating art? Can people schedule a workshop or take a class?

Judy: Yes, workshops are available and the best way to get involved is for people to simply talk to me...whether that's by visiting the studio's Facebook page or calling me at 573-450-2816. Appreciations starts with awareness!