Meet Tina Harper, the owner of Dream FREE Art, a process-driven art Studio with a splatter room! Tina is also a graduate of the 2022 FCOED EmPOWER Mentorship Program. Let’s get to know Tina and all about her business!
Q: What is your business and what goods/services do you provide?
A: I am the proud owner of Dream Free Art, Frederick’s process driven art studio. We provide trendy arts and crafts projects (available by walk-in or by reservation), mindfulness art classes and workshops, and Frederick’s first and only Splatter Room. Our Splatter Room is where you can suit up in protective gear and literally throw paint around to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that was quite a unique experience to make!
Q: What inspired you to start your own business?
A: I was inspired to start Dream Free Art because I realized over time that art can be stress-relieving, even to those who believe that they’re “not creative.” I wanted to provide art experiences and an art studio for the community that is accessible, supportive and welcoming, and helps people reconnect with their creative side.
Q: What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
A: I have always had a creative mind. I am the type of person who would see something cute in the store and figure out how to make it myself at home. I also studied Fine Art in college and as a former early childhood educator, I relied heavily on art in my classroom environment for my students to learn and explore.
Q: What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else?
A: We are fortunate to live in such an art-centric area here in Frederick, so there are a few other wonderful art studios. However, Dream Free Art is the first and only art studio in Frederick and surrounding areas to have a process-centered philosophy, and the first and only Splatter Room. That means we are focused primarily on providing art experiences that encourage discovering the joy in the process of creating, and are not focusing primarily on the end result of a project. Personally, I dream big and dream freely so I am inspired to encourage that feeling through the art services and experiences I provide.
Q: Why do you enjoy doing business in Frederick County?
A: I have lived and worked in other places around the area, but I have never experienced a more loving and supportive working community than being in Frederick! I just knew that Frederick would be a welcoming place to open a unique business like mine!
Q: Where can people learn more about your business?
Website - www.DreamFreeArt.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dreamfreeart
Instagram – www.instagram.com/dreamfreeartstudio