Articipate Community Art Space Opens in August in Berkley

One woman will live her dream, both literally and figuratively, at the Articipate art studio slated to open by the end of August in Berkley.

Owner Debby Kobayashi of Berkley said the space at 3833 12 Mile Road will provide open studio time for artists, as well as classes and workshops.

"This is going to be Berkley's open center art studio," she said. "I want the opportunity for artists to come in and teach art classes of a variety of mediums. I want it to be for adults and children. I just want people to know art is a great entertainment."

So far, Kobayashi will be joined by three other instructors, who will teach children a variety of mediums based on the work of master artists; adult water color; and papier-mâché, she said.

"I want to teach a class called 'Dream Vision,' because I like talking about dreams and I think it would be impactful to make visual art about dreams," Kobayashi said.

The social worker by trade - who has dabbled in print making, oil paints, ceramics and a variety of other mediums - said her parents also were artists.

She was inspired to launch Articipate after beginning to take art therapy at Wayne State University and used the proceeds from the sale of her father William Wagoner's home in Troy after he passed away in February at age 87, Kobayashi said.

"I saw the building was for sale and I thought, 'I want to try that,' " she said. "I've never been an entrepreneur before and, I must admit, I'm scared."

Kobayashi said teachers will pay her 25 to 35 percent of the profits from the class fees they collect; in return, she will provide them with advertising and studio space.

The cost of open art space and class fees have yet to be determined, but will be similar to those charged by the Huntington Woods Parks & Recreation Department and The Community House in Birmingham, Kobayashi said.

"If no one shows up, at least I'll have an art studio," she said with a gentle smile.

Visit articipate.us for more information or contact Kobayashi if you are interested in teaching at Articipate.