Artbox Studio & Gallery on Kingston Road a welcoming and creative space for everyone
By JACK SKINNER
The Artbox Studio & Gallery on Kingston Road in southwest Scarborough is establishing a reputation as a place to be for those interested in creating, exploring and learning more about local art.
Located at 1226 Kingston Rd., close to the intersection of Fallingbrook and Kingston roads, the gallery and studio officially opened its doors earlier this year.
Natasha Fernandes-Aird, founder and co-owner (along with her husband Marlon Aird) of Artbox Studio & Gallery, has been involved with art for pretty much her whole life.
She graduated from the Art Fundamentals program at Sheridan College which helped build the path to her honing her different creative skills in various mediums including acrylic and oil painting.
“I have been in the hospitality industry for over a decade which allowed me to connect with people and learn how to cater to their experiences,” said Fernandes-Aird.
Fernandes-Aird was inspired by her mother Carla to begin hosting Artbox Events in 2016.
“In 2016, Artbox Events was born because my mother, Carla Fernandes, motivated me to show my work by hosting an exhibition,” said Fernandes-Aird. “She inspired me and gave me ideas on how to make them great.”
“I was an artist who hid my work and I noticed a lot of others did the same. I wanted to create a space for artists to show and sell their work with the aim of it being approachable for guests to come have fun with art, no experience needed,” she said of the philosophy behind Artbox.
“Our goal is to connect our guests to their inner artist while enjoying themselves in a fun yet relaxed environment,” she said.
Fernandes-Aird said her mother was an inspiration to her, and she has opened the Artbox & Studio Gallery in her memory.
“My mother added unique elements to elevate Artbox and went to every event before she unfortunately lost her battle to cancer last summer. In April 2024 we opened Artbox Studio Gallery in honour of Carla Fernandes as she inspired it to be the welcoming, open and creative space that it is today”.
Artbox is a place where anyone can display their art, create pieces and sell their art.
Workshops for artists and those looking to learn about their inner artist are a key part of what Artbox offers.
“That is our main focus as we host weekly workshops that include glow-in-the-dark sensory painting, and other themed paint nights as well as sculpting, candle making and so much more,” said Fernandes-Aird.
Monthly exhibition evening gatherings with new art displays, create opportunities for local artists to sell their work at Artbox. The space can also be a venue for weddings, birthday parties, and other private events.
For more information on Artbox Studio & Gallery, please visit https://www.artboxstudiogallery.com/
