Tyler residents gathered at Studio Art Lounge for its recent grand opening. The new art studio offers various art classes, relaxing lounge area with coffee and tea bar, and more. Studio Art Lounge also has art on display for sale by local artists.

Studio Art Lounge, owned by photography artist Amy Duquette, recently held its grand opening in Tyler and is now preparing for its first show next month.

The new art studio offers various art classes, relaxing lounge area with coffee and tea bar, and more. Studio Art Lounge also has art on display for sale by local artists.

Duquette said she wanted a place to share her work and realized she had the opportunity to also support other local artists.

“I wanted a place to share my photography art and realized the space is big enough to share. So I took a leap of faith and decided to turn it into something bigger than me,” she said. “Now it’s a place for artists to show their work and a place for people to appreciate art and enjoy art classes.”

“I strongly believe in supporting artists and the community through classes and opportunities to donate to local charities and organizations,” Duquette added.

Duquette said the grand opening was a huge success.

“It was my way of saying thank you to all the people who have supported my journey of opening this studio,” she said. “Plus it was a way of introducing the studio to people in the art community who have the same passion I do to promote art and have the desire to give back.”

The studio holds a big event or show every three months to introduce its new artists with complimentary valet, wine from a local winery, beer from a local brewery, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts.

Tickets are $40 with 50% of the ticket sales going to a local charity or organization.

“The artists will make one special piece of art to be sold the night of the show or event,” Duquette said. “Proceeds from those pieces will also go to the charity or organization.”

Duquette went on to say she wants the space to be a place to spark creativity but also a place that brings the community together through giving back.

“We feel people can join together to expand their inner artistic talents plus pull together to support local charities and organizations,” she said.

Membership cards are available which gives discounts for event tickets, classes, and gives the holder a $25 gift card to give to someone who isn’t a member so they can experience one of the many classes offered at the studio.

The first show following the grand opening will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. $15 of every $30 ticket sold will go to Tyler Street Team, a charity that helps those experiencing homelessness in the Tyler area.

Studio Art Lounge is locates at 328 South College Avenue. Hours of operation are Thursday and Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday noon to 10 p.m.

For more information, visit www.studioartlounge.com.