Sometimes creativity does not disappear because someone stops loving it.
Sometimes creativity gets buried.
Not because the ideas are gone.
Not because the passion disappeared.
But because access disappears.
Access to materials.
Access to space.
Access to encouragement.
Access to people who understand why creating matters.
Many artists know the feeling of having ideas but not having everything they need to bring those ideas into reality.
Maybe they do not have room at home for a creative space.
Maybe supplies are too expensive.
Maybe they want to experiment with something new but cannot justify buying all the tools before knowing if they enjoy it.
Maybe they simply need somewhere they can show up exactly as they are and create.
Because creativity is not only about making finished artwork.
It is also about exploration.
Discovery.
Expression.
Connection.
As someone with a background in art education, I have always believed creativity belongs to everyone.
Art is not only for professional artists.
It is not only for galleries.
It is not only for people with expensive supplies, years of training, or perfectly polished ideas.
Creativity is one of the most human things we do.
We tell stories.
We process experiences.
We experiment.
We communicate.
We take something that did not exist before and bring it into the world.
Recently, I have been exploring creative resources throughout St. Louis that make art more accessible, affordable, and community-centered.
I have been especially interested in places that remove barriers and remind people that creativity is something everyone deserves the opportunity to experience.
That journey led me to Artists First.
What is Artists First?
Artists First is an inclusive art studio located in St. Louis, Missouri.
Their mission centers around providing a welcoming creative environment where artists of all abilities can explore, create, and share their work.
And one of the things that immediately stood out to me:
The studio is truly designed for creating.
Walking into a space filled with possibilities is a special feeling.
Shelves of materials.
Different supplies.
Different mediums.
Different tools waiting to be explored.
Instead of needing to purchase everything yourself before starting a project, Artists First provides access to a wide variety of creative materials.
For many artists, that kind of access can make a huge difference.
Because sometimes the hardest part of creating is not a lack of imagination.
Sometimes it is simply not having the resources needed to begin.
Artists First helps bridge that gap.
Their open studio gives creators access to materials, workspace, and knowledgeable staff who can help artists explore different techniques.
It creates an environment where experimentation is encouraged.
You can come in with a specific idea.
You can come in wanting to try something completely new.
You can come in unsure where to start.
The important part is simply showing up.
Quick Details: Artists First Open Studio
- Location: Maplewood, Missouri
- Program: Open Art Studio
- Materials: Provided
- Support: Art facilitators available
- Experience needed: Beginner friendly
- Cost: $15/hour (funding options may be available for eligible participants)
- Creative areas you can explore include (but are not limited to):
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Mixed media
- Fiber arts
- Jewelry
- Button making
- Experimental projects
Why Accessible Art Spaces Matter
One of the biggest misconceptions about creativity is that creating starts with having everything figured out.
The perfect idea.
The perfect supplies.
The perfect skill level.
The perfect plan.
But creativity usually does not work that way.
Creativity grows through practice.
Through curiosity.
Through trying.
Through making something and asking: “What happens if I try this?”
Accessible creative spaces matter because they give people permission to explore without needing to have everything first.
When supplies, support, and community are available, creating becomes less intimidating.
There is room to experiment.
Room to make mistakes.
Room to discover.
And sometimes discovering a new material or technique opens a door you did not even know existed.
That is exactly what started happening during my time at Artists First.
My Experience Creating at Artists First
Before officially using the open studio, I first visited Artists First for a tour with Catie.
Walking into a new creative space can sometimes feel intimidating.
You do not always know what to expect.
- Will there be enough materials?
- Will you know where things are?
- Will you feel comfortable creating there?
Thankfully, the tour helped answer those questions.
During my first visit, the studio was on the quieter side, but it was definitely not empty. There were still artists creating, working on projects, and using the space.
And during later visits, I was able to experience busier studio days with many different artists coming and going.
That is one of the interesting things about open studio spaces:
Every day can feel a little different.
During the tour, Catie walked me through the different areas available to artists.
There was the main studio area where artists can spread out and create.
There was a jewelry, mosaic, and cardmaking area filled with opportunities for smaller detailed projects.
There was a fabric and textile space, complete with sewing machines and a reference library for inspiration and learning.
There was a ceramics area with specialized equipment like a kiln and pottery wheel.
There was a storefront showcasing artists’ creations.
There was a large supply area where artists could find different materials and tools for their projects.
There were cubbies and drying racks where artists could safely store works in progress.
There was even a kitchenette and refrigerator available so artists spending longer periods creating could store or heat up food during their studio time.
What amazed me most was realizing just how many possibilities existed in one space.
It was not only traditional art supplies like:
- Markers
- Pencils
- Crayons
- Paint
Although those are wonderful too.
There were also materials and tools that can be harder for individual artists to access on their own:
- Sewing machines
- Ceramics equipment
- Jewelry supplies
- Mixed media materials
- Specialized tools
That was one of the moments where I really understood the importance of spaces like Artists First.
Because access changes what feels possible.
Someone may be interested in ceramics but not have access to a kiln.
Someone may want to learn sewing but not own a machine.
Someone may want to experiment with different mediums but not have the budget or space to collect everything themselves.
Shared creative spaces open doors.
After showing me around, Catie also helped me complete the application process to become an artist and use the studio, as well as helping me navigate the financial aid application.
That support mattered.
Because sometimes accessing resources is not only about whether resources exist.
It is also about having someone help you understand how to reach them.
From the very beginning, Artists First felt less like: “Here are some supplies. Figure it out.”
And more like: “You are welcome here. Let’s help you create.”
Discovering the Button Maker
One of my favorite discoveries at Artists First has been their button maker.
Sometimes the most exciting creative tools are the ones you finally get the opportunity to try. Making button pins/badges had actually been something I’d wanted to explore for a long time.
I started experimenting with making button pins/badges, testing different ideas and seeing what was possible.
Before I knew it, I had created around 80 buttons — giving me plenty of opportunities to share them as gifts, experiment with designs, and even explore selling my creations.
That might sound like a lot.
But that is one of the magical things about finding a creative process that clicks.
Ideas start flowing.
One design sparks another.
A small experiment becomes: “What if I try this?”
And then: “What else could I make?”
The button maker became a reminder that creativity does not always need to start with a huge, complicated project.
Sometimes creativity starts small.
A little circle.
A tiny design.
A simple idea.
And from there, it grows.
One of the most meaningful moments was hearing from staff that my excitement had inspired other creators in the studio to start making their own buttons, too, after I showed them how to use the machine.
That is one of my favorite things about shared creative spaces: creativity spreads.
Someone tries something.
Someone else gets curious.
Ideas bounce from person to person.
Inspiration multiplies.
You might walk in thinking you are just making something for yourself.
But without even realizing it, your creativity can encourage someone else to explore, too.
Exploring Different Materials
Beyond button making, I have also been using Artists First as a place to experiment with different forms of art.
I have created abstract artwork, mostly through drawing, but also by combining materials, like paint, through mixed media.
One of the beautiful things about abstract art is the freedom.
It does not always have to represent something recognizable.
It does not have to follow strict rules.
Sometimes creating is simply about:
Exploring colors.
Following movement.
Making marks.
Seeing what happens.
There is something freeing about letting a piece unfold instead of needing to control every step.
Having access to different materials encourages that kind of exploration.
Maybe a drawing needs paint.
Maybe a painting needs texture.
Maybe a project becomes something completely different than what you originally imagined.
And that is okay.
Sometimes the unexpected moments become the best parts.
Creating a Symbol of Strength
Another project I explored at Artists First was sculpture.
Using materials like wire and beads, I created small wire trees.
One of those trees became especially meaningful.
I found an inspirational rock with one simple word written on it: “Strength.”
I decided to have one of the wire trees growing out of the rock.
The image reminded me of a scene from A Bug’s Life where Flik explains seeds to Dot, telling her to pretend a rock was a seed.
At first, a seed may look tiny.
It may not look impressive.
It may not look like much is happening.
But inside that little seed is the possibility of something much bigger.
A tree.
Growth.
Transformation.
That idea felt connected to creativity too.
Sometimes growth starts quietly.
Sometimes ideas begin small.
Sometimes strength is not about never facing challenges.
Sometimes strength is continuing to grow anyway.
And that little wire tree growing from a rock became a reminder of what spaces like Artists First help nurture: the possibility that already exists inside people.
Sometimes creativity just needs the right environment to grow.
Who Would Enjoy Artists First?
One of the beautiful things about Artists First is that creativity looks different for everyone.
There is no single type of artist who belongs there.
You do not need to have everything figured out.
You do not need a perfect portfolio.
You do not need years of experience.
You simply need curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Artists First may be a wonderful fit for someone who:
- Wants access to art supplies without needing to purchase everything individually
- Wants dedicated space outside their home to create
- Enjoys experimenting with different materials
- Wants to try new mediums before investing in expensive tools
- Likes creating alongside other artists
- Wants opportunities to learn from knowledgeable staff
- Is returning to creativity after time away
- Enjoys a supportive community environment
- Wants opportunities to exhibit or sell artwork
Whether someone considers themselves an experienced artist or a complete beginner, having a place where creativity is encouraged can make a huge difference.
Sometimes people do not need more talent.
They need more opportunity.
More access.
More encouragement.
More room to explore.
And that is exactly why creative spaces like Artists First matter.
More Than a Studio: Creating in Community
One of the biggest things I have learned from spending time at Artists First is that a creative space is about so much more than the supplies inside it.
The materials matter.
The tools matter.
The workspace matters.
But the people are what bring the space to life.
Art can absolutely be a personal, individual experience.
Sometimes creating alone is exactly what we need.
But there is something special about being surrounded by other people who are exploring, experimenting, and bringing their own ideas into existence.
Creativity has a way of connecting people.
During my first time creating in the studio, another artist started chatting with me while we worked.
They shared stories.
They talked about their ideas.
They even created a piece of artwork for me.
It was such a simple moment, but it represented something much bigger about the environment Artists First creates.
People are not just sitting near each other.
They are sharing.
Encouraging.
Connecting.
Inspiring.
Everyone comes in with different experiences, different interests, different artistic styles, and different ways of seeing the world.
And when those differences exist together, creativity grows.
One of my favorite things about creative spaces is how inspiration naturally spreads.
Sometimes we underestimate how much our creativity impacts the people around us.
We may think: “I am just making something.”
But someone else might see what we are doing and think: “I want to try that, too.”
That is something I experienced firsthand with the button maker.
After spending time experimenting and creating my own buttons, staff shared with me that my excitement had inspired other artists in the studio to start creating their own buttons as well.
I even had the opportunity to show others how to use the machine.
That moment meant a lot.
Because creativity is not something that runs out when it is shared.
It grows.
Someone else’s idea does not take away from yours.
Someone else’s success does not diminish your own.
Creative communities thrive because people inspire each other.
One person experiments.
Another person gets curious.
Someone teaches a technique.
Someone adds their own twist.
And suddenly one small idea creates a ripple effect.
You might walk in thinking you are just making something for yourself.
But without even realizing it, your creativity can encourage someone else to explore too.
If you're interested in contributing to the wonderful community of Artists First, you can also volunteer there!
Having Support When You Get Stuck
Another thing I deeply appreciate about Artists First is the support available from staff.
Creating is not always a perfectly smooth process.
Sometimes you have an idea but are not sure how to make it happen.
Sometimes a material does not behave the way you expected.
Sometimes a project requires some creative problem-solving.
That is where having knowledgeable people nearby makes such a difference.
Artists First’s team brings together people with backgrounds in art, community support, education, creative practices, and different artistic mediums.
The staff members are not just supervising the space.
They understand creativity.
They understand materials.
They understand the process of figuring things out.
During my time in the studio, Catie and Aaron have both been incredibly helpful whenever I needed another perspective.
Sometimes that means brainstorming how to approach a project.
Sometimes that means troubleshooting materials.
Sometimes that means helping with a stubborn button maker.
After making so many button pins, there have definitely been moments where the backs did not line up quite right or needed some extra adjusting.
Aaron has patiently helped me fix those little technical challenges so I could keep creating.
And honestly, those moments matter.
Because frustration is often where people stop.
Having someone there who can say: “Let’s figure this out!”
can be the difference between giving up and continuing.
When Art Gets Messy
Of course, creativity does not always go exactly according to plan.
Sometimes literally.
After taking my copper jewelry class at Perennial, I brought in the bracelet I made because I wanted to add a bead and secure it.
Catie and Aaron helped me find E6000 glue so I could attach the piece.
There was just one problem: the bottle was stuck.
Aaron worked on getting it unjammed, and for a moment, it seemed fixed.
Until the back of the tube unexpectedly burst open.
And suddenly there was glue everywhere.
Including my shirt.
It was one of those moments where everyone just looked at the situation like: “Well... that was unexpected.”
Aaron apologized, even as I left the studio when it closed, but honestly, I did not blame him at all.
None of us knew the tube was going to do that.
Sometimes art gets messy.
Sometimes experiments do not go as planned.
Sometimes the glue explodes.
Thankfully, after some quick internet searching, I discovered acetone from nail polish remover could help remove E6000 from clothing, and my shirt survived the adventure.
But honestly?
The whole situation became another reminder of what creativity really looks like.
It is not always perfectly organized.
It is not always predictable.
Sometimes creating means problem-solving.
Adjusting.
Laughing.
Cleaning things up.
Trying again.
The unexpected moments are part of the process too.
The Creative Team Behind Artists First
A strong creative community does not happen by accident.
It happens because people intentionally build spaces where others feel welcomed and supported.
One of the things that makes Artists First special is that the people supporting the studio are creatives, problem-solvers, and community builders themselves.
The staff members are not just supervising the space.
They understand creativity.
They understand materials.
They understand the process of figuring things out.
Artists First is guided by a team that brings together backgrounds in art, social work, education, community engagement, creative practice, and nonprofit experience.
Executive Director Sheila Suderwalla brings decades of experience working with communities and incorporating creativity as a tool for connection and support.
Program Manager Catie Deck is a ceramic artist, painter, instructor, and facilitator who focuses on process-based creativity and helping people use art as a pathway for exploration and growth.
During my time at Artists First, Catie has been a constant source of support, whether helping me navigate opportunities to sell artwork, brainstorm ideas, or figure out the next steps in a project.
Studio Manager Aaron Underwood brings experience across multiple creative areas, including mixed media, photography, woodworking, and metalwork.
He has also been incredibly helpful when projects require some creative problem-solving — whether adjusting button backs, troubleshooting materials, or figuring out unexpected studio challenges.
And, in possibly one of my favorite staff fun facts: Aaron also rides a unicycle.
Which feels perfectly fitting for someone who spends time balancing creativity, problem-solving, and helping artists bring unusual ideas to life.
Community Engagement and Marketing Coordinator Janessa Williams brings experience in painting, digital illustration, graphic design, teaching, and community-based art projects.
Operations Manager Leticia Brock helps support the behind-the-scenes work that allows creative spaces like Artists First to continue serving the community.
Together, the team helps create something bigger than just an art studio.
Because sometimes the most powerful thing an artist needs is not someone telling them exactly what to create.
Sometimes they need:
- Access
- Encouragement
- Support
- A place where their ideas are taken seriously
- A place where creativity belongs
Sharing the Space With Others
After experiencing Artists First myself, I was excited to introduce someone else to the studio.
I recently brought a friend for a tour, and seeing someone else discover the space reminded me of my own first impression.
The excitement of seeing all the materials.
The possibilities.
The realization of: “Wait, I can create here?”
She loved the space and wanted to come back for a creating session.
And that is one of the beautiful things about places like Artists First.
They do not only provide supplies.
They create invitations.
Invitations to try.
To explore.
To reconnect with creativity.
Sometimes people do not need someone to convince them they are creative.
They just need somewhere that allows that creativity to come forward.
My friend was excited to come back and start working on creative projects!
Making Creativity More Accessible: Recreation Council Support
Accessibility is an important part of keeping creativity open to everyone.
Because the truth is:
Talent and creativity are everywhere.
Opportunity is not always equally available.
Supplies cost money.
Studio space costs money.
Classes cost money.
Those barriers can prevent people from exploring something they may truly love.
Thankfully, community resources can help bridge that gap.
Through the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis, I was able to receive funding support toward open studio time at Artists First.
The funding provides $350 toward the studio fee, helping make continued access possible.
Support like this matters.
Because creativity should not only be available to people who already have every resource they need.
Sometimes giving someone access to materials, space, and encouragement opens doors they were waiting for.
Helping Artists Be Seen
Another meaningful part of Artists First is that support does not stop once the artwork is finished.
Artists also have opportunities to share their creations with others.
Artists First hosts exhibitions featuring artists’ work, including themed shows throughout the year.
Artists may also have opportunities to sell their creations through exhibitions, the Artists First store, and community events where Artists First participates.
Many artists create privately for years but struggle with the question: “How do I actually share my work?”
Creating artwork is one skill.
Putting it into the world is another.
Exhibits, shops, and community events help bridge that gap by giving artists opportunities to experience their work being seen and appreciated.
For emerging artists especially, having a supportive first step into displaying or selling artwork can make the process feel much more approachable.
It creates opportunities not only to make art, but to begin seeing yourself as an artist.
This matters because creating artwork is one part of the journey.
Being seen is another.
Having someone look at something you created and recognize the time, imagination, and effort behind it can be incredibly meaningful.
Artists First does not just create space for artwork.
It creates space for artists.
Interested in Visiting Artists First?
- Check current open studio hours
- Reach out for a tour
- Ask about funding/support options
- Explore exhibitions/events
- Follow current opportunities
Jessica Carey
The Strength to Grow
Out of everything I have created at Artists First so far, one piece unexpectedly became the perfect symbol of what this space represents to me.
A little wire tree growing from a rock with one word written on it: strength.
When I first started creating it, I was simply experimenting.
Playing with materials.
Trying an idea.
Seeing where curiosity would lead.
But the more I looked at it, the more meaning it seemed to hold.
It reminded me of a scene from A Bug’s Life where Flik tries to explain growth to Dot.
Dot looks at a tiny seed and struggles to understand how something so small could ever become something as big as a tree.
But Flik explains that everything that makes a tree a tree is already inside.
It just needs time to grow.
And I think creativity can be like that too.
Sometimes people believe they are not creative because their creativity has not had the right environment to flourish.
Maybe they were never encouraged.
Maybe they did not have access to materials.
Maybe they were afraid of making mistakes.
Maybe somewhere along the way, they started believing creativity was something they lost.
But maybe creativity does not truly disappear.
Maybe sometimes it is simply waiting.
Waiting for space.
Waiting for support.
Waiting for encouragement.
Waiting for someone to say:
- “Try.”
- “Explore.”
- “See what happens.”
That is why spaces like Artists First matter.
Because they provide more than tables, tools, and art supplies.
They provide possibility.
A blank piece of paper becomes a drawing.
A pile of beads and wire becomes a sculpture.
A small circle of paper becomes a button.
A simple idea becomes something real.
And sometimes, through the process of creating something else, we reconnect with pieces of ourselves too.
Creativity Belongs Here
After spending time at Artists First, what stands out to me most is not only the amount of artwork being created.
It is the environment that allows that creativity to happen.
The encouragement.
The problem-solving.
The conversations.
The little moments of inspiration moving from one person to another.
Someone teaching another artist a technique.
Someone helping solve a creative challenge.
Someone trying something they have never done before.
Someone realizing: “I can make this.”
That realization matters.
Because art is not only about the finished piece.
It is about the process.
The discovery.
The confidence built along the way.
Artists First creates a place where people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and creative styles can come together around a shared truth:
Creativity belongs to everyone.
Not because every piece has to be perfect.
Not because every person has to create the same way.
But because every person deserves the opportunity to explore what they are capable of.
A seed does not become a tree overnight.
Growth takes time.
Creativity takes nurturing.
And sometimes, all something needs in order to bloom is the right place to grow.
A place with support.
A place with encouragement.
A place where possibility is recognized before it is fully visible.
A place where artists come first.
Want even more content about creativity and art?
Be sure to check out all of our creative chronicles!
If you'd like to see drawings made with oil pastel and other media, you can find some of my art and creations at Redbubble and Gumroad!
Want to check out other St. Louis art spaces?
Check out some of these articles:
-Hidden Gems for St. Louis Artists
-Perennial Copper Jewelry Class
Jessica Carey
