THE ART BOX, for a safer studio experience. Sarah West, founder of The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts,  introduces a custom curated fine art supply kit designed with you in mind. Designed to support and encourage continued creative development through a safer studio experience with the finest art supplies whether at home, in studio or anywhere you choose to explore creativity safely.

*designed, developed and created exclusively by Sarah West (2020)

Since 2008, hospitality and stewardship through sustainability are values which have grown deep into the roots of every endeavor introduced by The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts. It was in 2008 our country faced economic disaster causing widespread financial hardships which lasted well into those crucial first years of establishing an independent small business. The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts has served as Smiths Station’s premiere fine arts destination with a reach which extends far beyond our immediate community, serving our state and region. To establish a Center for Cultural Arts based upon these values has had it’s share of difficulty. However, one thing that has never been difficult, is my steadfast determination to continue my mission as a responsible steward, humanitarian and advocate for Cultural Arts Education. It is this principle truth that has propelled us onward since the very beginning; and this truth reinforces our resolve, still. Just as we embark upon a new era in 2020, we are faced with the uncertainty presented by a global health crisis. The COVID-19 health crisis has influenced greater health safety measures in every corner of the world, including ours in Smiths Station, Alabama.

Small business owners and educators have taken on unprecedented challenges for immediate development of innovative solutions to creatively re-imagine ways to connect with patrons, and students alike, meanwhile achieving increased measures for health safety. As a female independent business owner and educator, this mission is multi-faceted. Health safety is our priority. This priority was placed far above the need to continue business and classes on March 13th, 2020. The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts closed it’s doors in solidarity to encourage and support worldwide Stay At Home health advisories. Our temporary closure lasted nearly 70 days, through which the arts center and studios remained closed to students, patrons and the public, rendering substantial business losses and incomparable concerns towards our future, sustainability and the health of our community.

As we began preparations for a potential reopening, we went back to the drawing board, and in a literal sense stripped the inter-workings of our Center for Cultural Arts down to its core, and restructured the orientation of classes, our studios, and re-imagined how every corner of our business could be safely navigated by visitors, patrons and students. We’ve devoted immense consideration to how we may connect with students and host smoother transitions from studio to home should an event such as this occur again. We have consider how an individual may safely visit the gallery to view exhibitions, and further more how people may continue to view exhibitions and participate in cultural involvements from the safety of their home.

An integral part of our reopening depended upon the safety of our students and their families. We first reconfigured the orientation of studio use. All communal studio elements such as shared supplies and equipment were immediately replaced with individual Safer Studio Spaces, providing each student with one’s own studio space distanced 6′ from the next. The 6′ Social Distancing Policy along with the requirements of wearing a mask at all times, and sanitizing hands upon entrance and often are strictly enforced. Lastly, we addressed a commitment that I’ve kept since our founding in 2008. This commitment is to my resolve and belief that every student of every skill level should be afforded the opportunity to study with the very best of fine art supplies paired with excellence in continued fine arts education. This commitment has now evolved. I believe that if something must change there surely must be a way to improve upon it. When we learn more, we are capable of more; and when we are enlightened we are responsible to share these things with our fellow man. With an awareness that for health safety students must no longer share any supplies, The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts introduces THE ART BOX, a custom curated fine art supply kit designed with you in mind.

THE ART BOX, developed by Sarah West, founder of The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts features a selection of fine art supplies specific to the individual art student’s chosen course of study. Included as part of The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts studio class enrollment package, each student receives his/her own ART BOX as part of each ten week studio concentration.

THE ART BOX, is also available for individual purchase through The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts Signature Studio Store- COMING SOON. Shop exclusive signature items informed by The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts continued endeavors for sustainability.

To Purchase THE ART BOX, we welcome your call via, 334-480-2008

*fine art supplies featured in THE ART BOX represent the leading fine art manufactures mediums and tools available to both art students and fine art professionals alike. Although these items are recommended items from Sarah West’s preferred list, Sarah West is not affiliated and does not directly represent any of the fine art supply makers/manufacturers. Featured items in THE ART BOX are subject to change, based upon availability.

For more information visit The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts in Smiths Station, AL located at 2750 Lee Rd 430.

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