Tucked away in scenic Howey-in-the-Hills, a versatile professional artist is inviting locals to trade their screens for in-person tactile experiences in her new 600-square-foot sanctuary, Studio Agnew.
Lindsay Agnew, a former Disney Imagineer and published children’s book author, is opening the doors to her first creative studio – a space designed to prove that absolutely anyone can be an artist. It’s a cozy spot where Agnew affirms that people of all ages will get one-on-one guidance in the making process.
“Come slow down and take a watercolor class,” she has said to prospective attendees, adding, “You can come to Howey-in-the-Hills to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy this small town that’s right by a beautiful lake.”
Brushes and supplies are included with the cost of the lessons.
Most classes are one-off lessons, so you don’t have to worry about committing to weeks-long courses.
Getting to know the studio’s founder
Agnew’s journey to studio owner began long before her corporate graphic design career.
Growing up in a small Massachusetts town, her artistic spark caught fire at age 6 when she stepped into the basement studio of master oil painter Jeanne Reich. Handed a piece of wood, a young Agnew bypassed brushes entirely, painting six delicate lilies of the valley using only her fingers. Impressed, her teacher invited her to study permanently, kicking off a lifelong passion.
That unbridled curiosity eventually led her to the Ringling College of Art and Design, and later, a coveted contract role as a Disney Imagineer.
“Imagineering really taught me how to tell stories, how to pay attention to all the details within what you’re trying to talk about,” Agnew recalled.
“You can put art on floors, you can put art on walls, you can build signage … that really opened my eyes.”
‘It’s healthy. It’s therapy.’
But Agnew’s passion for teaching doesn’t stop with children. Earlier this year, Agnew began working as an art instructor at a local 55-plus community, an experience that heavily inspired her studio’s programming. During one of her recent interactive workshops, she guided seniors through the process of creating abstract art and writing their own accompanying stories – an activity that ultimately bonded the group as they bravely shared their personal tales.
“The first time I taught at the 55-plus community, some women came in and said, ‘Oh my God, we’re actually doing something today. This looks so fun,’ ” she said.
“It’s healthy. It’s therapy.”
Bringing hands-on art fun to Lake County
Now, after more than 15 years helping businesses tell their visual stories through graphic design, Agnew is pivoting to help individuals tap into their own imagination.
Her new open-concept studio limits classes to 12 or 15 people, ensuring an intimate, non-intimidating environment.
She provides all the materials, removing the friction for beginners who might be hesitant to invest in expensive paints.
“I want it to be welcoming and accessible for people, and all they really have to do is just come and try it because I do everything else for them,” Agnew added.
Filling an educational gap
A major driving force behind the studio is a desire to nurture the next generation of creatives. Agnew, who has self-published interactive children’s books like “Princess Anna and the Twinkling Jewels,” noticed a growing gap in local arts education.
“Parents are trying to find places for their kids for art because the school systems have been pulling out a lot of art programs,” she explained. “They don’t know where to start.”
Whether she is hosting a summer camp for kids, teaching printmaking, or running a watercolor workshop for a 55-plus community, Agnew’s teaching philosophy remains the same: she provides the foundational techniques, but the student steers the ship:
“I approach teaching by sharing everything I’ve learned throughout my career as a professional artist and art educator, helping each student develop their own artistic skills and creative voice.”
If You Go: Studio Grand Opening
As mentioned, there’s an open house celebration this weekend for Lindsay Agnew’s new creative studio.
Attendees can tour the new studio, browse original artwork and handmade creations, and check out the upcoming class schedule for creators and would-be creators of all ages and abilities.
When can you go? 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 17, and 1-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, July 17-19
Where: Studio Agnew, 107 E. Central Ave., Howey-in-the-Hills. Admission is free.
Upcoming Events: Summer Kids Camp, with morning and afternoon sessions available, runs July 20-24.
Book classes in advance: Pre-booking for future classes and workshops will be available online.
Details: studioagnew.com
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Former Disney artist opens new studio in Howey-in-the-Hills
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial | USA TODAY Network
