ORANGE PARK - As a creativity connoisseur, Sarah Hamel has taught various art classes in her lifetime. But there has always been one that seemed to stick out.

It was as she watched her campers revel in making custom Shrinky Dinks, that she noticed something unforgettable. Her teens sat staring intently into the oven. Waiting to see their hard work come to life. In what may have seemed like a silly sight, Hamel said she had an epiphany.

"I [had] this moment of how beautiful it is. There [are] kids ranging from 12 to 14 sitting [and] staring into an oven together. They're giggling, they're talking, they're just watching plastic melt. There's something so simple about it, but it was so beautiful."

In a world where technology rules, Hamel said its moments like that that make the Art Room a special place.

Formerly located in Green Cove Springs, the popular art studio is gearing up to soon make its big move to Orange Park. As its new owner, Hamel said there's a lot in store for the place that many local arts and crafts enthusiasts have called home since 2020.

When you step inside, you're entering into a happy bubble; away from the stress and fast-paced outside world. There are no rules. There are no boundaries. Just limitless creations that bring people together.

"Art's just my favorite thing because I like that it's never wrong," Hamel said.

At the Art Room, Hamel said you can find various interactive art programs for all ages. Hosting weekly classes, adult events, summer camps, afterschool activities, private parties and church groups, there's always something for everyone. Take hand building pottery, chunky artwork, cookie decorating, drawing, sew and stitching and sculpture.

Hamel was originally an art teacher at the Green Cove Springs location for two years before she purchased the business from Heather Ivy in January. Owning and operating an art abode has been a childhood dream for Hamel, who taught elementary school art. Her opportunity to continue operating the Art Room felt like the stars aligning, she said. 

Finishing up summer camps on Walnut Street, the new studio at 727 Kingsley Ave. will open in September for weekly classes and events. Located next to the railroad tracks, the building, built in 1945, was the former Basketique Gifts and Over the Second Cup Tea Room.

When touring different spaces, Hamel said she was looking for a cozy place to give off the same charming feel. When she heard the iconic building was open, she knew it would be the perfect place.

Hamel said the outside of the building will be repainted, while the inside will remain eclectic — the white walls acting as a blank canvas. The popular Splatter Wall will carry on, while she said a new rainbow hallway will bring additional color to the space. 

"The walls will not stay white for long, let's be honest. Everything over there has paint on it. But it's just joyful," she said. "It gives them a good space to just create and not be worried about it."

The Station, a new wine bar, will neighbor the studio. Hamel said it will be the perfect opportunity for parents to drop their kids off for some fun, while simultaneously enjoying some time away.

"I think it'll be a great relationship, and I'm just so excited that the whole building is being revitalized. Just new life."

Splatter Day remains one of the studio's most anticipated events. Dressed in ponchos and goggles, artists of all ages are invited to throw paint at blank wall canvases. Hamel said the day is for people to come out and enjoy being a kid, whether young or old. Because that's what life's all about.

"It's very fun. It's great every time. Even the kid that throws 5,000 colors and ends up getting the swampy brown is so happy. Because they love throwing all their colors and they got to make all the choices. That's a big confidence builder for kids, too."

Also beginning later this year, Hamel said the Art Room will be a Step Up for Students provider, allowing students to use their scholarships and dive deep into the world of creativity.

Over the years, Hamel has seen the positive reception The Art Room has received from the community. It's a space to be free, try new things and be vulnerable while doing so.  And those that come as strangers, leave as regulars and become family.

Art is what brings people together, Hamel said. The intrinsic process leaves glitter and paint on the walls, supplies scattered, smiling faces and beautiful creations.

"[It's] stepping out of your comfort zone because I think a lot of people have never been to a studio space," Hamel said. "So, I think it's the freedom to just create and mess up. And it's fine."