Today we’d like to introduce you to Eryn McCarty and Meryl Hamilton.
Eryn and Meryl, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
About three years ago we were both lucky to start working for a local non-profit art program in Ocean Beach teaching youth art classes and fell in love with everything about it – the kids, the families, the experiences. When the owner came to everyone to let them know she’d be relocating back in March, we knew we couldn’t let it drift into the wind.
We approached the owner and with her blessing, the support of the rest of the school’s families, and our community, we were able to get everything up and running so classes didn’t skip a beat…. wild that it’s only been about 3 months. We’ve been lucky to maintain all our afterschool classes, summer camps, and have even added adult art nights!
Needless to say, it’s been such a gift and we’re so thankful for every person, young and small, that walks through the door to do art with us. We have the best jobs on the planet.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We’ve really had to move fast these last few months, it’s given us no room to question and probably helped us listen to our guts. So far so good, but we know it’s not always going to be smooth sailing. We’ll be ready to adapt to whatever comes our way!
The Artist Outpost – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a local art studio where both kids and adults can come to get creative and harness their inner artist. We are currently running afterschool art classes, summer camps, adult art nights, and host private events and birthday parties. Our classes and events focus on all types of art: drawing, painting, ceramics, & sculpture. We love it all.
As for what sets us apart, when someone walks through the doors of our little art home, we operate out of a house instead of a commercial storefront, it opens parts of the heart and soul that simply make people smile. It feels like you’re walking into a warm hug. We also have the most amazing teachers on the planet, so that helps. Oh, but if you ask our kids it’s the warm cookies for snack that really set us apart.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
When a student or an adult finishes their painting, gets off the wheel, or wraps up a charcoal sketch with a huge smile on their face from the piece they just completed, that is success.
Pricing:
- After School Youth Art Classes – drop in $60, 4 pack for $225, 8 pack for $405, 16 pack for $765
- Adult Paint & Ceramics nights – starting at $45/per person
- Adult and Children Birthday Parties – starting at $20/per person
- Youth Summer Camps ages 5-18, 9:30am – 1pm – $295* *sibling discounts available
Contact Info:
- Address: 2151 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard
- Website: www.theartistoutpost.com
- Phone: 6192289852
- Email: theartistoutpost@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartistoutpost/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartistoutpost/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-artist-outpost-san-diego
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
