Tapping Into the Artist in Every Child
Local business owner Colleen Cassidy-Murch and Oscar Wilde must be kindred spirits. No other example of “life imitating art” could be more true for this artist-turned-entrepreneur. Armed with her sunny disposition and warm smile, Colleen owns and operates Picket Fence Studio, and hosts children’s creative art classes for parties and groups. She also specializes in customized art and murals for nurseries and children’s rooms that feature bright colors and whimsical designs, as vibrant as Colleen is herself.
When it comes to giving advice to her fellow small business owners, Colleen keeps it simple and direct: ” My biggest and most honest advice would be to pursue your passion. If you use your energy doing what you love, you will be successful – if by no other measure than you will have joy!” As for any mom who works she has to prioritize. “I manage to make sure to stay true to my first and most important job – taking care of my family and finding a balance.”
Colleen’s studio is in historic downtown Madison and is surrounded by a white picket fence. Inspiration struck when she decided to branch out from murals and start offering group classes, and Picket Fence was born. Color and creativity are key at her workshops, and the end result is always something wonderful. “I love everything about the creative process! I love exploring ideas, and I especially love seeing children feel like they accomplished something when they complete a project and knowing that 1 hour before they had a blank canvas. I love being able to build kids confidence through something as simple as paint.”
Picket Fence Studio Art parties are great for birthdays, scouts, preschools, playgroups, church groups, fund raisers – the possibilities are vast. There are workshops for ages 5+, toddle-art (ages 2-5), and art birthday parties for ages 2-12. For parties of 10 kids, the charge is $20 per painter and includes all the materials. Colleen likes to keep groups no larger than that so all the kids can get one-on-one attention, but larger groups can be accommodated as well. She’s preparing to expand her business to include special bead & jewelry parties for girls this summer.
Don’t want to wait for a party invitation? Picket Fence also hosts workshops open at The Play Place in Madison, as well as your home, subdivision clubhouse, or Dublin Park. Have art, will travel!
My daughter LOVED the mermaid painting workshop! She attended with her best friend, and both girls have their paintings hanging in their rooms. They talked about it for days and even played “art teacher”. Can’t wait to come to another girly workshop! It really shows how much you LOVE what you do! – Deana A.
Picket Fence is offering the biggest Small Business Saturday giveaway of the year to a lucky RCM reader! Enter to win below one free in-home Art Party with the theme of your choice for up to 10 kids – a $200 value!
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