Moving down the block and across the street, Express Yourself Studios’ new space is now located at 1877 Springfield Ave in Maplewood. To celebrate, EYS held a grand opening and ribbon cutting yesterday, Saturday, January 21. Local politicians were on hand to help cut the ribbon on a snowy late January day.
It may have been cold and wet outside, but it was warm and bright inside the new studio space. The studio’s signature bright green walls grace the new, larger space.
“We felt we needed more space,” said owner Simone Anthony-Brown, “We now have two rooms and our customers will be comfortable. In the old space, we felt that there were times we were steeping on each others toes. Now, I don’t have to turn away birthday parties.”
The new space is much larger and is split into two rooms which will allow for classes and birthday parties to take place at the same time. It will also allow for the summer art workshops to expand to all day for all the age groups.
Anthony-Brown is happy she was able to keep the art studio on Springfield Avenue. “It’s great to stay on Springfield Avenue and stay part of the community.”
At the Grand Opening, in which Barista Kids was a sponsor, there were treats from Edo’s Quality Cakes, just a few doors down from the studio, as well a balloon artist, face painting and music.
Taking part in the ribbon cutting were Maplewood Mayor Vic DeLuca, township committeeman Marlon K. Brownlee and Deborah E. Collins, Esq, the Essex County Director of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action. Collins is also as the Essex County liaison for Maplewood.
“This is a great location for Simone,” Mayor DeLuca said, “It continues to great addition to the Avenue for families.”
The families in attendance couldn’t have agreed more as they ate cupcakes, listened to music and enjoyed the entertainment in the bright happy, space as the snow flurried outside.
