Real spaces. Real artists. Real creative messes.
There’s something quietly revealing about an artist’s workspace.
Not the polished, picture-perfect version you might see online, but the real one, where paint builds up on tabletops, tools are within arm’s reach, and half-finished ideas sit patiently alongside sudden bursts of inspiration. A creative space tends to mirror the person who works within it. It holds their habits, their rhythms, their way of seeing.
We love getting a glimpse into these spaces because they offer a deeper understanding of the artists behind the classes. The way they work, what they surround themselves with, how they make room for ideas to take shape. It all becomes part of the experience they share with their students.
This is a look inside the creative worlds of some of MUSEjar's instructors.
LISA~
"What I really love about my tiny studio beneath the stairs is that it asks so little of me and gives so much in return. In that tucked-away corner, surrounded by quiet and possibility, even the smallest spark of an idea feels like it has room to grow. From the drop-down *door* desk, to canvas holder, and even wall-mounted crates, I really feel proud of every single DIY inch. The tight quarters don't confine me - rather, it makes my creativity feel immersive."
LAURA~
"My artist studio is part of my home in Orchard Park, NY. My space is a detached second-floor space with its own entrance, which makes me feel like I am commuting to work from my back porch! I use it as a creative hub for all things LaCott Fine Art. From creating, painting, planning, and prepping, I also host one-on-one private lessons, small classes, and workshops. Seasonally, I open my space for studio shopping days so people can see the space and browse items and originals I don't have the opportunity to bring to smaller events or shows."
JENNY~
CHARMAINE~
"My studio space is a worktable in my basement, a creative catch-all where I bring all kinds of projects to life. As a self-proclaimed serial hobbyist and “Jill of all trades,” I use the space for everything from woodworking and home improvement projects to painting and even Christmas gift wrapping. What makes this space especially meaningful is that I’m surrounded by tools my father once used. He was a self-taught engineer, so the maker gene definitely runs deep in my family, and I feel connected to that every time I create something there."
EMILY~
"My creative space tends to be all over my house, but my favorite space is my hidden studio. We have an unfinished attic space above our garage that I converted into my studio. My first painting in the space was so cathartic; a huge fluid acrylic piece that splashed black paint all over the wooden floor. A mark to make it my own! You can often find me painting in my bedroom because it has epic natural light, or taking over my kitchen table to play with mosaics or bigger projects. Macrame is another story- you can find cord everywhere around my house, hanging off of various hooks or kitchen cabinet pulls. My car usually has a stash as well- I often knot away in the pick-up line at school."
HEIDI~
"All you need is a quiet corner to be creative. With a family of four, it’s hard to find a quiet space."
JUSTINE~
"Living in the village of East Aurora, I’m a victim to the old, wonky house with tiny bedrooms. Currently, my studio is also my office where I work a full time job, and it moonlights as a guest room with a pull down Murphy bed. It’s a small space that’s always messy, but has lots of windows that gave north! It’s an artist dream for daytime panting sessions."
At MUSEjar, our instructors are artists first...even if that's not their "day job". It's part of their soul. Each one brings their own perspective, process, and personality into the studio, and that doesn’t stop at what they teach. It shows up in the spaces they create for themselves. Some are layered and colorful, full of materials and movement. Others are calm and minimal, with just a few carefully chosen tools.
Every studio tells a story. What's yours?