A Collaborative Artist Studio in Downtown Guelph

Andra Arnold • January 30, 2018

Necessary Arts Company

A Collaborative Artist Studio in Guelph

Necessary Arts Company is a collaborative multi-disciplinary open learning art and design studio. It is located in Downtown Guelph. It is co-owned by Cynthia Waldow and Frances Hahn.

Describe your business

Necessary Arts Company is a collaborative, co-working artist studio. It is a creative community.

What made you decide to open this business?

We were looking to work around and alongside like minded artists.

What drives you to do what you do? What motivates you?

We are driven to connect with people. [Cynthia and Frances] wanted to create an artist to artist community. Their motivation is driven from how artists see the next steps.

What surprised you most when owning this business?

It takes a very long time for people to notice that there are so many amazing, undiscovered artists in Guelph.

What is something most people don’t know about the business?

Necessary Arts Company offers art consultation. We also sell art online and in studio.

What would you customers say they love most about your business?

Our ability to adapt to our clients’ needs, as well as the guidance we provide to artists.

What are some odd requests you’ve had from clients?

A client came in and said, “we’re selling our house and need a painting done in an hour”.

What are your goals over the next year?

In 2018, we want to find new studio space. We also want to have a great hoop-la !

How long have you lived in the Downtown Guelph neighbourhood?

5 years in April.

What do you love most about the neighbourhood?

Having the ability to have clients and friends drop in. Access to all of the action and busyness of the businesses Downtown Guelph. We love seeing the vibrancy of the core and the diversity.

What are your favourite restaurants in the neighbourhood?

Buon Gusto, Moe’s Gourmet, and Galt Juice Company.

Have you witnessed any significant changes since moving here?

Business change over – it is very exciting to see how Downtown Guelph becomes more vibrant with new businesses. We love seeing the old buildings being restored.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

Shopping local is important because it means people can remain local and prosper locally. It helps people in our community to keep doing what they love.

What’s the most memorable experience(s) you’ve had working with a client?

An airbrush make up artist who’s craft messed up the the whole studio! The make up was everywhere. Yes, we literally mean EVERYWHERE. Also, the artists that stay and become friends.

Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you want customers to know about?

Our 5th anniversary is coming up! Also, Frances is going to be featured at The Artist Project in Toronto. Learn more here !

Garth Laidlaw is an animator, illustrator and writer of children’s picture books, comic books, and board games.

Cynthia Waldow, Andra Arnold, and Frances Hahn in the studio

Garth Laidlaw is an animator, illustrator and writer of children’s picture books, comic books, and board games.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NecessaryArtsCompany/
Website: http://www.necessaryarts.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/necessaryarts/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NecessaryArts

Studio Artists:
Frances Hahn http://franceshahn.fluidgalleries.co/
Cynthia Waldow
Meredith Blackmore
Alisa McRonald http://alisamcronald.com/
Karen Kesteloot
Garth Laidlaw http://www.garthlaidlaw.com/
Linda Clay
Anita Davis
To learn more about the artists, please click here !