When Robin Patterson opened the first Crayon Box Collective studio in South Glengarry eight years ago, she had no plans to create a full-fledged arts studio. She expected to teach a few students after school, as she had done privately and through classes at local schools.
But word spread, and the studio grew.
Now, Patterson is hoping that same word-of-mouth growth will happen in Alexandria, where the Crayon Box Collective opened a second studio this year. The studio is located at 213 Main Street North and officially opened on Tuesday, July 7.
The organization offers creative arts classes in eight-week seasonal sessions, allowing students to explore a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, and textiles.
The Alexandria location came about somewhat unexpectedly after interest was expressed in bringing the Crayon Box model to the community.
“I decided the leap into a second studio was worth trying,” Patterson said.
She had also received requests over the years from people in Vankleek Hill and Hawkesbury looking for art classes, but who found the South Glengarry studio too far away.
“I recognized the need for art classes—for everyone, but especially for children—in the surrounding area and thought the studio could fill that gap,” Patterson said.
The Alexandria studio had nine students registered for its summer session. Five are currently registered for the fall session, which begins in October.
Patterson said the lower enrollment is partly a result of launching during the summer, when families may be reluctant to commit to an eight-week program because of vacations. The Alexandria studio also offered just three class choices during the summer.
That will increase to five for the fall, with two classes on Tuesday (one for ages nine and up, and another for teens and adults), a Thursday class for children ages five to eight, and two Saturday classes divided between ages five to eight and ages nine and up.
“I’m hoping that the return to school and more routine will bring more numbers to register for art classes,” Patterson said.
At both locations, students will be exposed to a variety of art. Each session includes watercolour, acrylic, tempera or gouache, coloured pencil or markers, as well as three-dimensional or textile projects. Classes include art appreciation, with students introduced to different styles and artists from around the world, both historical and contemporary.
For Patterson, however, the goal extends beyond teaching artistic technique. She believes everyone should have a creative outlet, including adults who have convinced themselves they are not artistic.
“I truly, from my soul, believe that everyone should have a creative outlet,” she said.
Patterson said many people stop drawing or creating at a young age after becoming frustrated that what they produce does not look like what they imagined. Her goal is to prevent that from becoming a lifelong belief that they simply cannot draw or create.
“I want to give those kids the tools to remain creative for the rest of their lives,” she said.
The Crayon Box approach emphasizes practice, experimentation, and learning from mistakes. Students are encouraged to try new things, analyze what went wrong, and try again with what they have learned.
Patterson said the ultimate goal is to build what she calls “lifetime artists”—people who maintain a creative mindset, think innovatively, and have an expressive outlet throughout their lives.
Her own background in the arts stretches back to high school, where she focused on art and graphic arts. She graduated in 1982 as a trained graphic artist and later ran an art department for a Montréal printing company. She went on to study fine art, art history, and theatre design at university.
Patterson said her passion now comes from watching students discover new skills and approaches.
“I love that I get to experience the excitement, joy, and awe when someone conquers a new skill or thinks of a new way of doing something,” she said.
“I truly hope it will be the same in Alexandria. I’ve chosen teachers who love art and people, and want to share my vision.”
For Patterson, that vision is ultimately about giving people the confidence to be creative.
“We need more creativity in this life. Without trying new things, we stagnate and keep repeating the same old habits,” Patterson said.
