To The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—The owner of a Dunnville art studio has been brought to tears more than once by the community rallying behind a massive business expansion.
On February 1, 2023, owner of Creative Barracks Art Studio & Gift Shop Lacie Williamson announced a studio expansion for their downtown Dunnville location.
The new 1,300 square foot industrial workshop will offer pottery experiences for all ages, a splatter room for large scale abstract expressionist painting and graffiti education programs, birthday party entertainment, and an open concept performance space for live music, comedy, and dancing.
¨We´ve been dreaming of growing the business for years, but to do it properly, we required additional space,” said Williamson, who was thrilled when she found out the industrial workshop at the back of their building would become available for rent.
Since the expansion wasn’t planned, Williamson quickly materialised a community fundraising campaign to renovate the space to be ventilated, fully accessible, and revitalise the industrial workshop that has never before been open to the public.
The program allowed individuals, families, and local businesses the opportunity to pre-purchase services available April 1, including discounted Pottery Punch Cards, private events, and swag. Within two weeks, Williamson received an email from a Thompson Creek Elementary student: “We just wanted to let you know that you were selected as our local organization to support this month,” said a representative of the School´s Student Council, inviting Williamson to collect their $800 contribution in early March. The students raised funds by selling hot chocolate during the month of February.
Shortly after, Williamson received an email from the President of Ontario Public Service Employees Union, Local #214, Shannon Nolan, who shared that their union voted to donate $1,000 to the project.
“OPSEU Local 214, who represents employees of Edgewater Gardens in Dunnville, voted to support this amazing, much needed safe accessible space for all,” wrote Nolan in a Facebook post announcing the donation.
So far, two local businesses, Rebounders Gymnastics and Egger Truck & Machine of Dunnville, have stepped forward to show their support on behalf of their staff and their staffs’ families, equalling another $1,500 in support.
With little time left before the Grand Opening on April 1, Williamson knows not all details of the renovation project will be complete, but the space will be ready to welcome the public and host workshops.
“We’re utilising the Haldimand County Rural Business and Tourism Community Improvement Plan funding to help with accessible renovation costs,” explained Williamson. “When grant funds are involved, things take a little longer to be approved, and most often work can’t be done prior to approval, so the new accessibility ramp most likely won’t be ready for the Grand Opening – but when it’s done, we can welcome people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to create in a safer inclusive community space.”
The community is invited to explore the new space on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 131 Lock Street East, Dunnville.
Creative Barracks Art Studio has been serving the Dunnville and Haldimand community since 2017, offering a variety of art programs for all ages. For more information visit barracksbythegrand.ca.
