Experience ‘Fun’ Art at the Budding Artist Studio

By Gia Gallone
“A creative mind is terrible to waste,” states Julie Presgraves, owner of the brand new Budding Artist Studio in the Villas. With a motto of “fun art, not fine art,” this studio isn’t going to let anyone’s creative side go unnoticed.
The Budding Artist brings a new kind of art studio to the Cape May area, offering private paint parties (adults may provide their own beverages!), children’s birthday parties, girls’ nights out, bachelorette parties, summer camps, paint-your-pet parties and more. Don’t worry – you don’t have to be an artist to flourish at the Budding Artist. The bright instructors provide a step-by-step process to help guide guests in creating their own masterpieces! At the moment, the studio strictly specializes in painting, but will eventually include other types of crafts.
Julie’s inspiration for the Budding Artist stems from her love of art and seeing just how much it does for the mind, especially young minds. As a single mom with a 7-year-old daughter, Julie shared that her and her daughter were often invited to the same old birthday parties. “I was tired of it, and I really wanted to provide something that’s creative but doesn’t break the bank when it comes to birthday parties, girls’ nights out and things like that,” says Julie. So the Budding Artist was born, providing a fun, unique experience that lets everyone’s artistic side shine.
With a background in business, Julie depends on her lead artist, Lizzy Frawley, to oversee the creative services at the studio. A recent graduate of Temple University with a degree in communications, Lizzy is a multi-talented artist. A skilled thespian, Lizzy performed in musicals such as “A Chorus Line” while at school, as well as understudied at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre. From performing on stage to painting a landscape, her skill set truly makes her a great creative director and art instructor. Lizzy believes the importance of having fun, especially when it comes to learning more about the arts, which is why she often sings, dances and makes people laugh while teaching a class. Her bubbly personality will keep you coming back to take her class over and over again!
Eventually, the Budding Artist would like to offer an after school program for children, allowing them to express themselves with art. “We’ll do anything to get the kids creatively involved and bring as much art to them as possible,” shares Julie. She adds, “We would like to help the local community in any way we can.” Additionally, the Budding Artist is open to fundraisers for schools, sports clubs, organizations and more.
Join the Budding Artist for a grand opening celebration on Saturday, October 15. Stop by for face painting, pumpkin painting, refreshments, freshly made popcorn and more!
The Budding Artist Studio is located at 2202 Bayshore Rd., Villas. Off-season hours of operation are Saturday from 12 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m., but you may book a party for any day of the week. To book your party, call the Budding Artist at (609) 305-7862 or email info@thebuddingartiststudio.com, and the staff will help you create your ideal party!
For more information, visit thebuddingartiststudio.com or “Like” the studio’s Facebook page, “The Budding Artist.”