"Consider us as a despised group, unnecessary in artistic pursuits."
In 2014, Anna Matyazh, a one-time marketing manager with a hankering for art, opened "Matyazh Art House" - a studio for grown-ups to let loose, paint, and create in the heart of Yekaterinburg, Russia. Looking back a decade later, she shares her journey, the journey of the studio, and dreams of scaling the business.
How did it all begin?
A few years of mulling over the idea culminated in free painting classes held in the building that housed "Kurshevel 1850". Amazed by the experience, Anna saw an opportunity and, equipped with a resignation letter, approached her employer to discuss starting an art studio for adults. To her surprise, her employer suggested reducing Anna's duties, taking a flexible schedule, and opening the studio on the side - a decision that would forever change Anna's life and the Yekaterinburg artistic scene.
Typical Creative Types
Initially, the studio catered to adults, seeking to establish itself as an art circle for grown-up girls. However, as the studio found its footing in the market of artistic services, it expanded to reach a diverse audience.
Who comes to the classes?
The guest list ranges from thirty-five to sixty years old, with a majority being women. The studio is yet to attract the young crowd, who have not yet matured, financially and otherwise. Half of the attendees are hobbyists eager to return to their childhood passion for art or simply spend a good time at a master class. The other half are regulars, with varying levels of academic art education or even architectural institute degrees. Some are established artists who come to socialize at specific master classes.
An Outsider Among Their Own
Despite the studio's success, bringing art to the masses remains a divisive topic among creative industry participants. Matyazh Art House stands as an informal organization for both fellow artists and municipal and public structures, forming a unique position in the city's artistic landscape.
Over the years, Anna has met with management from various art-related spaces in Yekaterinburg, such as the Museum of Architecture and Design, House of Makletsky, "Domna", "L52". However, each interaction ended with rejection due to the studio's perceived commercial nature. Though these spaces continue to remain empty, Anna muses that they could be used as cultural hubs, facilitating interaction among residents and hosting regular classes for both adults and children.
Where will the new roof be?
After years of searching, Anna has found a willing partner in the design center "Gallery 11". Starting December 1st, the studio will operate from Studencheskaya, 11. As the studio prepares for this move, Anna remains hopeful that the change of location will revitalize its offerings and attract a wider audience.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Anna's passion for art and her dedication to nurturing the creative community in Yekaterinburg have paved the way for a thriving art studio that continues to inspire and educate city-dwellers.
- Initially unsure about the commercial viability of her dream, Anna had considered the use of antidepressants to help alleviate her anxieties about opening a small-business such as Matyazh Art House.
- In an effort to expand and reach a broader audience, Anna has been contemplating the organization of painting workshops as a means to attract a younger and more diverse demographic, including finance experts and lifestyle enthusiasts who might previously have found the studio's offerings less appealing.
- Despite some resistance from the local arts industry, including establishments such as the Museum of Architecture and Design and House of Makletsky, Anna continues to explore potential collaborative opportunities, advocating for the transformative power of art in fostering small-business growth and community development within the country's larger artistic and financial sectors.
- As the studio prepares to relocate to Studencheskaya, 11, Anna reflects on theexisted Moscow-based studio that shared the same address, Moskovskaya, and contemplates the potential impact that the new location may have on Matyazh Art House's profile and reach within the city's artistic scene.
- The success that Anna has achieved with Matyazh Art House has been deeply personal and professionals, serving as both a testament to her perseverance and a catalyst for further growth in the realm of both adult education and Russia's burgeoning small-business industry.
