Nestled inconspicuously under an office building near Mushrif Mall lies a little art studio. The Abu Dhabi Art Beat, which opened its doors in October 2012, gives visitors a comprehensive menu of arts and crafts activities to enjoy. Offering activities such as candle painting and découpage (the art of decorating an object by gluing coloured cutouts onto it), the venue is striking a chord with mothers and children alike as a centre for creativity.
‘The idea for Art Beat really came about from my children,’ studio creator Samia Shehadeh says. ‘They really enjoy the activities and now there is a place where they can enjoy these things with other people.’ Samia’s sister Amanda, who is an artist herself, helps run the venture. Greeting clients with a warm demeanour and a wide smile, Amanda helps visitors decide on which activities to do and helps them set up.
The concept is very simple; visitors get to choose from six activities; candle painting, glass painting, découpage, canvas painting, porcelain painting and window-sticker making. Once the activity is chosen, the customer can then choose from materials. For example, glass painting can be done on a wide range of items from oil beakers and candle holders to drinking glasses. The découpage can be done on heart shapes, dinosaurs or large block letters. Prices vary according to the size of the object. Once the items and the activity have been chosen, the person simply takes a seat and can enjoy creating something completely unique.
‘The experience of expressing yourself is very rewarding and it is a great outlet,’ Samia says. She tells us of the different age groups that visit, all getting thoroughly swept up in the experience of creating their own works of art. ‘Children as young as two can enjoy the activity; as long as they can put their hands in paint and mark a paper, then they can create art!’
The studio is lined with large white cabinets that clearly mark the materials within. The venue itself is impeccably neat and organised, which helps visitors draw inwards for their own creativity. All the materials used are hypoallergenic and safe. Currently, the studio stocks its materials from suppliers in Europe, who offer different kinds of colouring and gluing materials. ‘Safety is obviously a key element with me, so we ensure that we get products that are top-of-the-line and completely safe to use.’
With a capacity for nearly 30 people, Art Beat is a great solution for parents wondering what to do for their children on birthdays and other special occasions. The spot is also attracting school visits and other organised group outings. Although the studio might seems like a great spot for the little ones, Samia stresses they are not a facility where parents can just drop off children. ‘Kids need to always be with their parents here, or at least a care-giver.’
One of the many appeals of the place is that parents can take the opportunity to bond with their children over art. ‘I always see the mums alongside their children, each doing an art activity and sharing a silent moment that is nurturing.’
The venue is also available for anyone with some free time and a creative mind; with so many crafts to choose from and Amanda’s pleasant demeanour, it is easy to see why this spot will soon become a favourite with anyone who would like to incorporate some art into their free time or pick up a new hobby.
Art Beat is open Sunday-Thursday 8.30am-6pm; Friday-Saturday 11am-5pm. For more information visit www.artbeatuae.com (055 269 8011).
