The Art of Creating Without Pressure: My Journey to Opening an Art Café

I had a conversation with a friend the other day about money and reasons for doing business and making a living etc. We chatted about motivations and results and the how and why of all things finance. When I walked away, my brain began to chew on all the ideas and after a few days I arrived at some thoughts.

As I’ve been diving into business YouTube videos lately, I’ve noticed a recurring theme that often gets pushed: the idea that the sole trader model just doesn’t cut it for building a good business. You’ll hear things like, “It’s not sustainable,” “You won’t make millions doing it that way,” and even “When you die, your business dies with you.” It’s a pretty harsh critique, and it seems like the general consensus is that if you’re not building a business that can run without you, you’re doing it wrong. But is it really that black and white?

Well, if you need to make millions of dollars and want to create something for future generations to inherit your glorious legacy I can see their point.

But what if you’re not focused on building a massive empire? What if you just want to make an impact on the here and now. In your own life, for your own community… however far that naturally reaches. And not at the expense of time with your family or for yourself. A balanced, simple life doing your best each day without the pressure to ‘leave a legacy’.

I think that is what I am creating with my life atm. Sometimes, depending how you look at it, everything in life seems so complicated and … extra. More, more, more, consume, consume, consume… and do it fast!! I opened an art studio over a year ago now and it is so wonderful to be surrounded by people who create and make and give their time. Mindful in the way they use their art materials, many of them recycled. Generous to share their ideas with you and happy to hear each others process.

The studio in mid 2024

This nurturing environment has inspired me to revisit an idea I had before I opened the studio in 2023. My initial idea was to invite people to come to the studio on their lunch break and offer them some art materials they could play with for an hour or so. I recently came upon an instagram account by a New York studio called Happy Medium doing exactly that but not just at lunch times! Seeing a fabulous space like Happy Medium thrive on the cafe model of bringing art experiences to patrons got my head spinning on how I could incorporate this here in Australia. We had tried Paint n Sip and somehow it didn’t hit the mark anymore. Not everyone wants to paint the same picture as everyone else, and creativity isn’t just found on a canvas.

New York City’s Happy Medium

I have been a maker my whole life and there are so many ways to be creative. I began to imagine what kinds of things I would include on my own menu of art experiences. Before long I found myself trialing this idea with family and friends and our lovely art community of students and fellow artists and I am now ready to open up Art Cafe Australia to the public.

Friends and family trial run

We will open Thursdays and Fridays from midday to 9pm, and on Saturdays midday to 10pm. Just like a regular cafe or restaurant, you’ll be able to book a table, choose from a menu of art experiences such as painting, clay sculpting, embroidery, collage, jewelry making and papercrafts. We’ll provide the materials, and once you’re done, we’ll clean up the mess!

Table for two?

The space is homely, thoughtfully decorated and is right in the heart of Mittagong. There’s lots of parking and you make your own complimentary tea or coffee in our community kitchen. The studio is filled with art objects and books to give you inspiration and although the activities are fully self guided, your host is available if you need some tips.

The cozy art library

The vibe is uncompetitive, with no pressure to perform or finish something if it’s not feeling right. It’s all about enjoying the process of creativity, not obsessing over the results. Menu items range from $25 to $55 with most activities costing $35 and includes 2 hours creativity, all materials and a cuppa. Come with friends, bring a date or enjoy some much needed ‘me’ time. I can’t wait to welcome you to Australia’s first art cafe!

Date night anyone?

Art Cafe opens on Thursday 24th April. We will close for Anzac day then reopen on Saturday 26th. After that, the usual Art Cafe hours will be as follows:

Thursday and Friday: 12pm to 9pm (last booking 7pm)
Saturday: 12pm to 10pm (last booking 8pm)

Head to the Art Cafe page on the website to see the menu, read our FAQs and book your visit!