ArtSpace
A Resident-Led Creative Hub for Creativity, Connection, and Community
ArtSpace brings together studios and collaborative spaces shaped by residents who enjoy creating, learning, and sharing with their neighbors. Each studio reflects the thoughtful, hands- on spirit of Friends House – a community where older adults explore new interests, support one another, and find joyful, purposeful ways to connect.
ArtSpace is part of the broader creative spaces expansion. These spaces strengthen community life and encourage residents to pursue creativity as part of everyday living.
Art Studio
The Art Studio opened with support from the Friends Foundation for the Aging and the generosity of residents and friends. It is an active gathering space for watercolor sessions, sketching circles, collage workshops, nature photography, and more.
Resident Nancy Lark shared:
“Participating in these community art activities stimulates the brain and helps ease social isolation.”
The studio is open daily for both independent work and scheduled workshops.
Wood Shop
Open To All Skill Levels
The Woodshop welcomes residents who enjoy building, repairing, or simply learning something new. Whether someone is picking up a tool for the first time or exploring familiar skills, the Woodshop offers a friendly space to create and collaborate.
Residents use the space to:
• Learn woodworking basics from neighbors
• Work on personal or community projects
• Repair or restore well-loved pieces
• Create items shared at Friends House events
The Woodshop also offers opportunities for intergenerational collaboration, including hands-on student projects in partnership with Sandy Spring Friends School.
Model Train Room
In Development
The Woodshop welcomes residents who enjoy building, repairing, or simply learning something new. Whether someone is picking up a tool for the first time or exploring familiar skills, the Woodshop offers a friendly space to create and collaborate.
Residents use the space to:
• Learn woodworking basics from neighbors
• Work on personal or community projects
• Repair or restore well-loved pieces
• Create items shared at Friends House events
The Woodshop also offers opportunities for intergenerational collaboration, including hands-on student projects in partnership with Sandy Spring Friends School.
Pottery Studio
Coming Soon
The future Pottery Studio will be located in a former cottage once lived in by a resident who enjoyed pottery, making it a fitting space to bring ceramic arts back to Friends House. The studio will offer opportunities for hand-building, wheel work, glazing, and clay exploration in a warm, resident-centered environment.
Textile Studio
Coming Soon
The Textile Studio will offer space for sewing, quilting, weaving, mending, and fiber arts. Resident planners are exploring equipment and workshop ideas that reflect the creative traditions found throughout Sandy Spring.
Creativity Across Campus
ArtSpace is part of a broader creative culture at Friends House, supported through:
- Workshops in drawing, collage, watercolor, photography, and more
- Resident-led projects supporting campus committees and events
- Intergenerational programs with Sandy Spring Friends School
- Nature-inspired creativity shaped by our Certified Wildlife Habitat campus
These studios grow through resident vision, volunteer leadership, and the support of neighbors and partners.
Support the Growth of ArtSpace
If you’d like to help support the continued expansion of ArtSpace – including the development of the Textile, Train, and Pottery Studios – Friends House welcomes contributions.
To make a gift or learn more:
Please contact Anne Derby, Fund Development Director at ADerby@FriendsHouse.com.
Your generosity helps provide materials, tools, and creative spaces that enrich daily life for Friends House residents.
