Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Gunderson
Hi Erin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Staub Art Studio started back in 1960 when Cecilia Staub began offering art lessons to neighborhood children on Saturdays in the basement of her row house. One of her four children, Maria Staub Goebel, grew up loving art and majored in art ed in college. She then taught art lessons herself in her basement on Saturdays before finding a place to rent in Catonsville. She and her husband, George Goebel then moved to the current location. buying the building at 1709 Edmondson Ave. They both taught classes and her husband did framing, 1999-2020. When covid hit, they decided to close the business. It was like a death in the community.
My daughter and I had taken art there for years and were very upset. I was telling a friend about it, lamenting that no one was taking it over, and she said, “You’re the one to do it”! After thinking about it, I decided to reach out to the Goebels and explore the idea. Everything fell into place, and I decided to take a leap of faith and go for it! I had a teaching degree in secondary ed in French but hadn’t taught since taking time off to raise by four kids. For the past ten years, I had a small business helping people with paint colors and decorating/rehab. I love history, restoring old places, and gardening, so the building had an appeal as well.
It’s been the best decision that I’ve ever made. It has always felt right and good to keep this special place in the community going. The students and wider community have been so supportive and grateful. Maria and George gave me all the support that I needed while getting my feet on the ground.
During the first two years, my family and I worked hard to peel back layers from the building to reveal its original character and bones. We removed drop ceilings, 1960s paneling, old carpet, etc. Doors and trim were added to copy what was originally there (there were a few remaining clues). The art students have responded favorably to the changes and say that the space offers inspiration for creativity. We have added gardens to the exterior, a Little Free library, and have other updates and plans in mind.
The business has grown in 4 years in include school’s out and summer camps, along with other various workshops. We offer weekly art classes from ages 5+, based on the original model from Mrs. Staub.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a small business is hard work! Initially the challenges were the legal details/agreements, and then learning all of the ropes (insurance, accounting, sales tax, ordering supplies, payroll etc.).
Also, Maria Goebel didn’t offer online registration, so I had to create that system, especially important because it was during Covid.
We also had to follow strict covid safety protocol to convince students to try coming back to the studio in-person. We limited classes to a size of 8, spread everyone out and required masks and temperature checks. We also opened the windows and had HEPA air filters, and disinfected before and after each class. As a mom, I knew that parents were looking for social opportunities for their children (at the time, most schools were still doing virtual learning). Also, older adults were thankful to have something to look forward to doing each week. It was worth it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We offer weekly art classes to students of all ages. In addition, there are art day camps when schools are closed, weekly summer camps and other workshops throughout the year.
Staub Art Studio is known for providing art opportunities to the community for 64 years! Most everyone in the area knows someone who has attended classes in the past.
The best part about us is the comfortable atmosphere. Many people are shy about putting themselves out there in public to practice art, especially as adults. Our teachers are supportive and allow students to choose the skills they’d like to develop. Instruction is individualized, so students work on different mediums and projects as the teacher circulates to offer guidance and help. Someone might have high school art experience and would like to get back to watercolors, so that’s where they start. If someone is brand new to art, we suggest starting with charcoal sketching to work on basic art skills.
For me, creating art is about finding joy and escaping from everyday stresses. Just the act of creating is therapeutic. I’m proud of encouraging that – it’s not just about the product you produce, but enjoying the process.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I hope that the community continues to support our studio. Hopefully even more people will become aware of what we offer. With technology, digital art and animation is becoming more and more popular. We currently offer two classes, but I expect that to grow in the coming years. However, the value of traditional fine art will remain. People might even turn to that more – it’s a nice break from our phones, tablets and screens, especially for kids!
Pricing:
- Weekly Camps start at $235
- Packages of weekly classes start at $200
- Art Day Camps: $50-80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.staubartstudio.com
- Instagram: @staub_art_studio
- Facebook: Staub Art Studio
