Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Simon. She and her team shared their story with us below:
Amy Simon is an educator, artist, activist, curator, and gallery owner of ALLURE ART STUDIO in Hollis, Queens. Her passion with art started at 11, but it took her almost 20 years to actually call herself an artist and share her art with the world. After doing so, many opportunities found her. Her artwork has been featured in 13 art shows throughout NYC, including an exhibition at the Kings Manor Museum and during The Fearless Artist Exhibition at Miami Art Basel. Amy was also an artist chosen to paint the Black Lives Matter mural on Jamaica Ave and has since merged her love of art, teaching, and activism to create her own lane as an ARTrepreneur. As a native of Queens, Amy realized there was a strong need in the Jamaica community for a local art space where people could go to learn, be inspired, and network with like-minded creatives. During her time as an elementary school teacher, she created a detailed business plan and in April 2019, with the help of her father, opened ALLURE Art Studio, a creative arts space where people go to learn, be inspired, and network with like-minded creatives.
Since opening the studio, Amy has been featured on PIX11 News and the Queens Courier and QNS news site for her work impacting the Queens art community. Currently, she hosts paint events and art classes for kids & adults at her art studio and in various schools throughout NYC. Amy also curates themed art shows to provide a platform for other artists to get their work seen, shared, and sold. Her mission is to nurture creativity, confidence, and culture in everyone through art, curate art events that impact and uplift the community, and to inspire others to confidently walk in their own ALLURE.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Some obstacles I’ve faced in my entrepreneurial journey include funding, marketing, and responsibilities of owning a brick & mortar space. I had to do crowdfunding for startup costs and apply for grants consistently to maintain funding opportunities. In order to increase visibility of the studio, I’ve had to discover unique marketing strategies and get out of my comfort zone to find more potential customers. Many unexpected obstacles come with maintaining a commercial space and I’ve had to do research and obtain a lawyer to make sure I keep myself protected.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I host paint events and art classes for kids & adults at my studio and in various schools in NYC and Long Island. I curate themed art showcases at the studio and provides mentorship to other artists of color.
One of my proudest accomplishments is creating The Young ARTrepreneur Creative Arts program, which includes classes around painting, photography, digital art drawing, spoken word, entrepreneurship, and empowerment for young people. The program not only introduces new skills but bridges the gap between art and entrepreneurship by teaching students about art business, owning their presence, and how to sell their art to prepare them for the end-of-program art showcase and life as an ARTrepreneur.
What sets me apart from others is that I am a master teacher as well as an artist. I have the ability to uplift & motivate through art and empower others to feel confident in their creativity.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
As a child, I enjoyed tapping into all of my creative talents. Not only did I use to paint, but I also took piano class and enjoyed singing & dancing.
Pricing:
- In-studio public events – $40 per painter
- Private paint parties – $50 per painter
- Mobile paint parties – $55 per painter
- Venue Rental – $150 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allureartstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_artstudio/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allureartstudio/
Image Credits
Gerry Fortilus
