An 'Upside Down' art world

HURON — Back in 2020, a public school art teacher decided to start pursuing her dreams of opening an art studio. This studio, located at 103 Wall Street in Huron is called 'Upside Down Art Studio' and is the creation of Cleveland-area arts instructor Jen Thurston. Thurston, a Huron resident who attended St. Mary Central Catholic, said the inspiration behind the name comes from the way the world felt as though it had been flipped upside down during COVID. She came up with the initial idea for the studio back in 2020, started leasing the studio in January of this year and the first art sessions started July 17. Thurston described the venture as a brand new journey for her and her family. "I needed to engage my students long distance and keep my own kids, and myself, from feeling the weight of the world," she said. "We did art lessons at home together and posted our videos on YouTube for my students. "The world may be back to 'normal' now, but there are times that we all still feel upside down, for all different kinds of reasons," she added. Thurston had felt a calling to create a space devoted to making art that she could share with others. Upside Down Art Studio is a space to take a pause from the world and take time to do something that feels good in one's soul. Upside Down Art Studio will be hosting art events throughout the summer. On Friday, Aug. 18, the studio will be hosting a community summer art event from 6-9 p.m. outside of the studio, overlooking the Huron Lighthouse. This art event will cost $20 per person to participate and all ages are welcome. Participants at the event will create painted rock Mandalas, and the painting should take about an hour. Walk-ups are welcome as space allows but registration for the event is encouraged. More information and registration for upcoming events can be found at upsidedownartstudio.com/.