Studio Owners
Being amateur artists ourselves, we understand the need for affordable and flexible studio space. We believe there are so many artists who could boost their creative output if only they had better access to studio resources. The unique nature of our studio is that it gives artists access to professional studio space and equipment on an affordable basis, where they can create on their own terms.
We put our heart and soul into this place so you can put your heart and soul into creating.
"I took darkroom classes in college and fell in love with the process, but when I graduated, there was nowhere I could pursue my passion unless I drove to Philly or New York, and that wasn’t really a viable option, cost or time-wise. The simple fact of having studio access has brought my creativity and passion back to life.”
Ellen Flynn
Owner/General Manager
Ellen Flynn graduated from Moravian College with a degree in English Literature and has worked as a writer and editor for a television and radio industry publication. Although she can’t draw a stick figure to save her life, she is passionate about B&W film photography. She’s also passionate about helping artists become more productive and inspired.
"As our family grew, I lost my home studio. I would set up in the living room, but it wasn't very practical, and truthfully I didn’t want the paints and turps around our young children and pets. Eventually, it just became too frustrating and difficult, so one day I packed up my supplies and never took them out again for five years.”
Tom Flynn
Owner/Artist/Instructor
Tom Flynn is a resident of Fountain Hill where he lives with his wife and three daughters. Although he works in a New Jersey factory, he has had a lifelong interest in art in general, oil painting in particular. When he’s not at the factory, he’s running an awesome art studio with his wife Ellen.
Studio Instructors
Click on an image for teacher bio.
THE BUILDING
Everyone is always curious about the history of the building! It was built in 1912 as a textile mill. In the 1930s it was a fur store and warehouse, in the 1940's through the very early 1970s it served as a grocery warehouse for many of the small grocery stores in and around Fountain Hill, and from 1972 through 2010 it was Valley Graphic Services.
We became part of its legacy in 2012, at which point it had been vacant for a couple of years and was in pretty rough shape...but we saw the potential! It took us 2-1/2 years to renovate and bring it back to its beautiful, industrial roots. Please take a couple of minutes to watch the amazing transformation in our Renovation Video!
We put our heart and soul into this place so you can put your heart and soul into creating!
“When you first walk into The Art Establishment you’re welcomed as if you’re already known. The atmosphere is intoxicating...it’s as if you’re in a New York Art Gallery.”