October 14, 2024
MERRILL – A new business in Merrill aims to inspire residents and visitors alike to explore their inner artists.
The Creative Spirit (129 N. Prospect St.), with its mission to provide fun, accessible and affordable education in the arts to the Merrill community and beyond, offers artisan-led arts and craft group workshops and serves as an eclectic space for private parties and events.
Owner Kathleen Woodward said the concept for the business was sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic when a neighbor of hers struggled with isolation and a lack of opportunities in their rural location to do hands-on activities.
“We live a bit remote, and I’d go into town to get the mail for us and a neighbor,” Woodward said. “I became friendly with a couple and the woman said she wanted to go to a painting party.”
The exchange, Woodward said, sparked an idea.
“I thought, people are into doing things with their hands and people miss that,” she said. “People are yearning for crafts.”
Giving it a go
Woodward said she and her husband, Mark, had owned small businesses in the past ranging from catering to dog grooming.
Those side hustles, she said, scratched the entrepreneurial itch, and with Mark retired since 2016, and her ability to work remotely at her full-time job, Woodward said perhaps it was time to try something new that was not only profitable but fun to run.
“I thought, ‘I think I want to open up a small craft business where artisans would have a place to do their thing and be creative and we’d be the venue,’” she said.
After doing some online searching, Woodward said she learned of a vacancy on Prospect Street.
Built in 1905, she said the two-story brick building was originally home to the Merrill Monument Co.
Woodward said Owners Richard and Sharon Schmidt had restored the building, which has housed several businesses over the years, as well as a second-floor, two-bedroom, two-bath apartment.
“It’s this gorgeous, historic building and you just feel like you’re in an art studio,” Woodward said.
She said she knew it would be the perfect space for her vision of artisan-led workshops on a variety of subjects that would appeal to different audiences.
Woodward said the Creative Spirit was founded on the belief that everyone has a creative spirit within them, waiting to be unleashed.
“This is not just a ‘chicks’ place, and we want to pull in the young guys as well,” she said, adding that a fishing pole workshop, fly tying and chainsaw art demonstrations have been wildly popular with men and women alike.
Some of the other workshops the shop hosts include painting parties, centerpieces made of succulents, charcuterie boards, hat making, holiday art and wreaths, wine tasting and much more.
Though Woodward said she enjoys creating, she admits, “I’m not on the level that some of these artists are.”
“We had a sushi chef who did a gyoza (creation workshop) and (shared his eye for) detail with the charcuterie boards,” she said. “Now, those are artists. We take pride in our diverse and engaging course schedule, taught by our talented and passionate artisans.”
The Creative Spirit, Woodward said, also houses a beer and wine bar, which is open during events, as well as when events are not scheduled.
She said the space is pet-friendly and the television is tuned into Packers games when applicable.
Woodward said The Creative Spirit will host its first annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17. – which will feature handmade creations for the holidays.
Supportive landlords
Woodward said she appreciates the creative license the Schmidts have given her in creating an inviting space.
They approved a mural painted on the side of the building, and they also contributed to the cost of installing sun sails over the patio to provide some needed shade during the hot summer months.
“I think Kathleen is very happy with the building,” Richard Schmidt said. “We were so happy to have someone like her in the building. We were just about ready to give up, and along came Kathleen and Mark with their great ideas and enthusiasm, and we were more than happy to have them as an occupant. We’re trying to do all we can to make sure they have success.”
To learn more about The Creative Spirit in Merrill, visit thecreativespiritinmerrill.com.