Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ Newsradio
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — There’s a new kind of shop in North Andover these days, except this one is much smaller than you may think, and everything inside is free too! It’s called “the little free art shop," and it’s a resource which allows kids to have access to art supplies without some of the high costs that come with buying those supplies in the stores. This project was started by Julie Farow, an art teacher and owner of Julie’s Art School in North Andover.
“We have this [resource] here to give children access to materials that they might not have access to on their own,” said Farow.
When Farow moved her art school from the former location to the current one, she had many leftover art supplies that needed a new home, and the “little free art shop” was born. The shop sits outside Farow’s school, which is tastefully decorated. The shop is filled with essential art supplies such as paint brushes, colored pencils, and crayons. Farow continues to keep the shop stocked by taking advantage of the art supplies at the clearance section of the art store.
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“[the shop] was full a couple of days ago [and is now not as full] so clearly, kids have been taking a lot of items from here,” added Farow.
In addition to stocking the little art shop herself with supplies, Farow also takes donations from community members who are also looking to give back and keep this unique community resource thriving.
According to the website, Julie’s Art School offers art classes year-round for ages 5 and up.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports
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