Open Studio

Do you have a desire to create-- but need the space, supplies, or encouragement to move toward that desire?

Join us every FIRST and THIRD* Saturday morning for Open Studio! 

Whether you are needing time to play, decompress, work on a specific project, or try out some new art supplies, we welcome you to join us and to use the open studio time/space as you need!

What makes Open Studio special?

When you come to Open Studio, you will have access to...

• a wide rage of art supplies, including lesser known supplies like water-soluble pastels, gouache paint, and more!
  
• 3 hours of uninterrupted studio time
  
• complimentary beverages and snacks 
• a friendly and positive group environment
• a warm and beautiful studio space

Additionally...

Each month, we feature one lesser known art material, offering a short instructor-led demo session on that art material along with a short list of project ideas for anyone who would benefit from it. (NOTE: Demo-sessions take place on the 1st Saturday of the month ONLY.) 

The Monthly Featured Art Materials** for 2025 are:

• March: Water-soluble pastels
• April: Watercolor and inks
• May: Gold heat-embossing
• June: Gouache paint
• July: Sumi ink (traditional Japanese ink) and rice paper
• August and beyond: TBD

*Note: There will no be NO Open Studio on the third Saturday in April: April 19.

**Note: The schedule of featured art materials is subject to change. For the most up-to-date schedule, please send us a private message.

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What is the cost for Open Studio?

The cost is $25/session. Purchase the "5-Session Pack" at checkout and get one drop-in session FREE! (That's 5 sessions for the price of 4!) 

What is the "5-Session Pack" and how does it work?

The 5-Session Pack is a unique package deal that allows you to access a total of 5 Open Studio drop-in sessions at a discounted rate. Here is how to access that special deal:

1. First, select your start date (your first Open Studio session date).
2. Then, select "5-Session Pack" as your ticket choice at checkout. 
3. After you complete your checkout and your order goes through, we will email you instructions for how to schedule your remaining 4 sessions. Please give us at least 24 hours to send you that email! 
4. IMPORTANT NOTE: The 5-Session Pack expires on July 19, 2024, meaning all sessions purchased under that deal will need to be booked and redeemed by July 19, 2024. Any unredeemed sessions after that date will be void and cannot be carried over to the next season.

Can I leave a project I'm working on at the studio?

Most likely yes! We anticipate there being sufficient space to house all work-in-progress projects; but this policy is subject to change depending on how many people end up leaving their projects behind with us.

Can I bring in outside food/drink?

Yes! We have a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and kettle if you want to bring food/drink for yourself. 

Do you have a sliding scale rate?

Yes! We have a sliding scale rate of $15/session, and an Accessibility Fund that makes this rate possible. We simply ask that interested folks self-assess their need as well determine how many sessions they would like to purchase at the sliding scale rate. (Note that each participant is allowed a max of 5 sessions at this rate.) To access this rate, enter ACCESS in the promo code section at checkout.

What's your refund/cancellation policy?

• Refunds are available up to 1 day prior to the event at 75% of the original purchasing price. 
• There are NO refunds for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session start time.

Final Notes:

• Open Studio has a minimum number of participants. In the event the minimum is not met and the event is canceled, all participants will receive a full refund.
• Nakai Photography Studios is located on the second floor of a two-flat building without access to an elevator.