The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
HEADSPACE FULL OF ART, CREATIVITY
Headspace is a new establishment at Great Lakes Mall offering a distinctive haven for artists.
Local artist Jason Baumgardner conceived the idea for the creative studio after seeking a designated space within the Mentor mall to teach classes, host events and sell his own artwork. An available large storefront prompted him to welcome other area artists to join him.
“I wanted a place where anyone that is creative can come out and not feel intimidated, feel comfortable and have the opportunity of having their work be seen… also for people who want to be creative and
have never had an outlet to do so,” he said.
Mall guests may already be familiar with the Lyndhurst man’s work by way of the massive chalk mural featuring Lake County landmarks that he produced on the wall near Fuji’s Japanese Steak House.
Visitors to Headspace will find artwork displayed in various forms throughout. A portion of the interior is dedicated to a gallery with moveable walls that can be reconfigured into different types of spaces.
“For the first two months after opening, the gallery will be filled with art from our first run of visiting artists,” Baumgardner said. “After that it will be available for pop-up galleries, full gallery shows, and
with the movable walls can be used as an event space from yoga classes, to company team building events.”
Art classes rank high on Headspace’s priority list and are scheduled to begin Jan. 28. A limit of 16 people per session provides ample area for social distancing.
Landscape painting, still life, acrylic pouring and more are offered. Future plans include events geared to children.
Baumgardner, who studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art, will teach the initial classes. Eventually other area artists also will serve as instructors.
The ardent artist clearly states that classes won’t have a “paint by number” structure.
“I want everyone who comes there to walk out with a better understanding of art and the process and not just how to color a picture,” he said.
Mentor artist Heather Hayden is among those who are pleased to connect with the new venture.
“I am extremely grateful to be a small part of what Jason is bringing to Mentor,” Hayden said.
“There isn’t anywhere in this area where a buyer or student can look and explore and be inspired by local artists,” she added. “This is also a place to learn and create. It’s a place to learn what art and creating can bring to a person.”
Hayden, who also works as a pediatric nurse, says that artwork has helped her manage the stress of 2020.
“This year I started an online free children’s art group as well as an adult group to really try to share this peace I feel when I
create something from myself, to help others get through this too,” she said. “There is only so much you can do online though. For artists to be able to share in (Headspace) is truly just amazing.”
Encompassing yet another creative genre, upcoming Headspace projects include live music events, open mic nights and a coffee shop featuring products from local businesses.
Baumgardner noted that the mall is a good site for the venue because of its foot traffic and wide range of demographics.
“The response already has been great… everyone has a different take on it and look forward to stopping by,” he said, adding that he hopes Headspace evolves into an organic space that will grow with the community it helps to build.