Arty Party brings local arts, events to Downtown Okemos

If you like art and having a good time, it's hard to think of anything that would sound more fun than an Arty Party. Artist Vivian Dwyer and her partners Susie Brewster and Leslie Raven are hoping Lansing area residents and visitors will agree when visiting their new Arty Party Studio in Downtown Okemos. 

 

"It's very homey here," says Dwyer. "It doesn’t look like a store. It's very bright and cheery."

 

Arty Party will feature both handmade art for sale, and art events including classes and art parties, during which guests will enjoy catered foods and learn how to make their own piece of art.

 

"A lot of things can be ordered," says Dwyer. "Everything in here is handmade."

 

The idea for Arty Party began when Dwyer, a painter, outgrew her home studio, from which she worked since 1980. Her search for outside space led to a partnership with Brewster, a multi-media artist, and Raven, who draws, paints, and teaches art. 

 

The 928 square foot studio opened in early February. Classes will begin soon, and those interested in attending can see upcoming offerings on the Arty Party website.