FLINT, Michigan – A new art studio has opened in central Michigan, and work there is just beginning.

Artdillo Studios opened this year with the mission to create a safe, inclusive space for art in the community.

“Artdillo is a studio where people can work on their own projects. We also host events here where people can come and try something new,” said Lxs De Signer, Artdillo’s studio manager. “It’s open to everyone – you can be an experienced artist, a hobbyist or someone trying something new.”

The studio offers free open studio days every Wednesday from 9am to 5pm. If you haven’t painted or sketched before and you don’t have the supplies you need, don’t worry – we have the supplies you need.

“It’s cool to see people discovering art they’ve never tried before and trying something new,” said owner Rinette Korea. “It’s inclusive, there’s no prejudice when you come here.”

Equipment and supplies are donated by the community to the community.

At the opening of the studio, Korea said she wanted it to be an inclusive place for everyone, at all times.

“I want it to be like a 24-hour gym – but as an art studio,” she said. “We’re working on a membership program, so once you sign up, you get a code and you can come in any time.”

Membership is free at the time of writing. Interested parties must complete a background check for $15, fill out a form and sign the membership agreement. A small fee of $15 will be introduced in the new year, Korea said.

You can take out a membership here.

The studio space is intended for creative people, she said, adding:

“If you spill paint on the floor, don’t worry – we’ll just paint over it. It’s a free space where you can be creative.”

From stamping workshops to free professional portrait photos, the studio also offers numerous events outside of weekly opening hours.

“We just started events in March,” Signer said. “We have a lot of events coming up, we’re going to renovate here – we’re just getting started. Artdillo has a great future and we’d love to see you.”

Artdillo Studio is open Wednesdays from 8am to 5pm.

A list of events can be found on their Facebook page or their website.