Kristin Mitchell is spunky, funky, and sweet. A southern belle native of Charlotte, there’s not much she doesn’t love about her hometown of Waxhaw. But when she saw a way to make her dreams come true while bringing something new to her neighbors, she just couldn’t resist.
On August 2, ART BOX opened its doors to the public inside Eight Legs Gallery. The creative space reflects the personality of it’s leading-lady, brightly colored and full of fun. The walls are hung with carefully created examples of Mitchell’s own artwork, and the shelves are stocked with ceramic pieces awaiting personalized attention from eager customers.
Whether you’re big or small, artistically experienced or a novice, the ART BOX has something for you.
Divided into two main media, the paint spot features canvases and ceramics – each providing a variety of creative options.
Paint-your-own-pottery is a trend that has blown up in the last decade as a great way to get hands-on while making something special for yourself or someone else. With a breadth of pre-fab ceramic options on her shelves, Mitchell helps to guide little hands as they turn lifeless clay shapes into beautiful shows of individuality. What better way to capture a moment in childhood than to preserve it in a colorful keepsake?
Canvases come to life on Tuesday nights in the ART BOX with the ever-popular Paint N Sip. During these two-hour sessions, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Mitchell leads a class of artists-for-the-evening in a step-by-step process of replicating one of her own original pieces. With a reputation for creating optimistic and lively work, it’s easy to see why anyone would be enthusiastic to paint their own rendition of Mitchell’s images. The welcome addition of an opportunity to bring your own bottle of wine or favorite snack turns a class about brush strokes into a roaring social event.
With a reputation for creating optimistic and lively work, it’s easy to see why anyone would be enthusiastic to paint their own rendition of Mitchell’s images. The welcome addition of an opportunity to bring your own bottle of wine or favorite snack turns a class about brush strokes into a roaring social event.
“All the connections I have made in the community and lives I have gotten to positively influence through art (make the ART BOX more than just a business),” Mitchell said. “When you paint with people, you get to know their heart – what they love and fear, their dreams and accomplishments. I almost called the business Art Connection because of the goodness and kindness art has the potential to bring out in people.”
The talkative little blonde is keenly aware of the power that the arts hold over people and she has come to relish that side of her business as much as the possibility of sharing her skills with others.
Being such an inviting social setting, it was only natural that the ART BOX spun off in the direction of party hosting. Mitchell the party planner is flexible with options to host in her space or yours. The ART BOX is available for nearly any type of event you may be looking to add some special sparkle to through custom creations.
Whether you’ve got a special event coming up, looking for a spot for a Ladies’ Night Paint N Sip, or you’re just ready to check the ART BOX out for yourself, wander on down to Eight Leg Gallery at 310 East South Main St in Waxhaw. The store space is open Wednesday through Saturday, 12 p.m.to 5 p.m. or by appointment with Kristin.
