Brush Strokes Art Studio Offers Creative Outlet For Children and Adults Alike

For owner Sandy Bova, Brush Strokes Art Studio began as a place for kids to come and turn their own ideas and creativity into a high quality piece of art.

"Brush Strokes is a place I want kids to be able to come and do their own piece, work on their own ideas, their own creativity, without anyone being able to tell them what to do or direct them," Bova said. 

For children, Bova said she feels there are few outlets like Brush Strokes that offer a place for kids to use their imagination to create art.

"I want them to come and just get started and just be able to make their own art," Bova said. "There's no place they're able to do that and it's important for kids that they can do that."

Bova opened Brush Strokes at 1445 Main Street a year ago this April, but the idea behind the business goes back further than that to when Bova started teaching art to Tewksbury students as part of the elementary schools enrichment programs. 

"The kids loved it so when the school year ended moms come to me and asked me if I was interested in doing it from home over the summer because the kids wanted to stay with it," Bova said. 

Bova turned her basement into a studio and filled two classes that summer, with that success leading her to opening Brush Strokes last year. 

In March, Bova met Tewksbury resident Tracy Barchard when she brought her daughter in for a class Bova was running for a girl scouts troop.

Barchard has since joined Bova at Brush Strokes, helping with both children and adult classes.

This past April, Bova and Barchard started offering two and a half hour Paint and Pour classes both in their studio and at local restaurants including T.J. Callahan's, the Skybox, the 99 and Focaccia in Wilmington.

These classes allow painters to receive step-by-step instruction from Bova and Barchard on how to paint a piece the two have previously collaborated on.

Barchard said the Paint and Pour classes are a great way to interact with and support local restaurants and businesses. 

"We try to keep it right around here and keep it local," Barchard said. "We try to do it a night they're not busy so it brings them business which is really nice. They enjoy that because they're keeping busy on a Monday or Tuesday when they're usually quiet."

Bova said her classes are meant more so for those who have no background in art, but are interested in painting a professional piece.

"This is more so for someone who can't paint, would love to, but thinks there's no way they can do it," Bova said. "It's a time to get together with your friends, relax, drink have fun, and have a wonderful experience."

Brush Strokes also offers booking for kids birthday parties, painting parties for any group or organization as well as private lessons. You can learn more about the Brush Strokes programs here.

Interested in signing up for a class at Brush Strokes? Check out their website for more information.