Help Nicole Relocate the Creative Resilience Studio!

Some of you are aware of the struggles I’ve been facing at the studio, but for those who are unaware, this past winter was extremely difficult. Gas bills skyrocketed, and business was slower.

Along with financial difficulties, I’ve also been dealing with my upstairs neighbor and what I think may be a paranoid personality disorder; he is convinced the paints and cleaning products I use are toxic and will cause him harm.

I’ve changed all my cleaning products (like Lysol disinfectant) to non-aerosol, all natural-ingredient cleaners, but my paints are already non-toxic, water based and odor free.

(my neighbor was also keeping the front door wide open in the middle of winter due to his fears, which caused the gas bill to be even higher bc the foyer is connected to my account.)

Thanks to generous donations and an upswing on event attendance, I’ve been able to catch up with bills and paid my rent for March.

However, my landlord has been renting to my neighbor for years, and despite my efforts to be cooperative, I’ve been asked to break my lease and vacate within a month.

I’m actively looking for a new space to work out of, but in the meantime the current event lineup still stands and we will fill the studio with creativity, laughter, happy energy and the stuff wonderful memories are made of so the spirit of Creative Resilience will echo as a thankful reminder of the good times spent in these walls

UPDATE:

I have found a potential new home for the studio, just one block from the current Creative Resilience Studio location!! Virginia Thatcher, a painter, sculptor, and writer commissioned a Japanese architect to build her a home in a beautiful minimalist style, with gorgeous hardwood throughout. Upon her death, she donated the home to the Southern Pines Historical Society, with strict conditions that it be used as an artistic center or a place for healing.

The Creative Resilience Studio may just be the perfect occupant for the Thatcher House, and bring the spirit of creative wellness back to this beautiful, nurturing space.

I am now raising funds to relocate the studio, secure the space with the necessary security deposit, and vacate my beloved current space. Thank you all for your continued support, kindness and encouragement!

-Nicole

I'm Nicole, owner of Creative Resilience Studio & Gallery in downtown Southern Pines. I lead group painting events, hold space for therapeutic creativity sessions, and create & sell my own artwork there.

I am a mom to 2 young women with Cystic Fibrosis, an army officer's wife, and an artist who's been actively involved in Moore County for over 13 years. I pioneered Aberdeen Township's "Mini Masters Art Camp," was one of the first instructors at Southern Pines' Wine & Design, and taught visual art to middle and high school students at Stars Charter School for 7 years. I'm also a certified Army Master Resilience Trainer and a Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach, certified by artist and author Jill Badonsky.

When I was on the verge of losing myself after the unexpected loss of my brother and my husband's deployment four months later, I turned to creative self-expression so I could process my grief, connect with myself, and refill my wellsprings. It kept me strong enough to keep showing up for the people I love.

I learned not only the therapeutic value of taking time to be creative, but in my time as an art teacher and instructor, I also learned the importance of self-compassion, kindness, and patience. I believe art and creativity should be a sanctuary and a comfort to those who create, never a reason to stress or a cause for more suffering.

It has been my dream for the past 20 years to have a space where people can experience some of that rejuvenation, create in groups or private sessions, and honor their stories.

When I accidentally found this space, I knew it would be a challenge, but I had a part-time job teaching art for 7 years that just about covered the rent, and I knew a few events a month would make up the difference. After much inner critic debate, meditation, and prayer, I signed the lease.

Three weeks later, I learned my part-time job was no longer available to me.

I presented my landlord with the problem, and he and my upstairs neighbor graciously agreed I could hold regular events to generate income, and I got to work.

Things have been difficult, but I'd been able to keep things going pretty well with studio events, illustration work, and mobile paint parties at a local assisted living facility.

The winter weather's impact on my monthly utilities was something I did not anticipate.

Heating a beautiful home built in 1895 is a challenge. The gas bills unexpectedly increased 12x what I'd been paying and impacted my ability to pay the rent.

I'm trying really hard to keep the studio open. I've been able to team up with the Arts Council of Moore County to offer some events free to visitors with any military affiliation, I have some wonderful events lined up that will get me back on track financially, and I'd like to keep offering therapeutic creative sessions at a "pay-what-you-can" rate for anyone who is going through a rough time.

It's a challenge, but through the encouragement of people who have enjoyed time at the studio, local artists who see and support what I'm trying to do, and friends & family watching from afar, I decided to ask for help.

As a self-reliant loner type, this one stings a little. But as I've heard from others, what I'm doing here is important for our community, and I can't quit yet.