This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today, we hear from Hazel Cochran Of The Art Warehouse SJ

I WANTED TO OPEN THE ART WAREHOUSE IN SAINT JOHN SO THE COMMUNITY COULD EASILY ACCESS AND EXPERIENCE ART.

Painting has been a therapeutic experience for me and I wanted to share a space where the community could enjoy painting out of their home while enjoying incredible coffee or a glass of wine.
I’ve learned that supporting local is the most important thing that can be done to strengthen a community. Supporting local small businesses is supporting the community, our neighbours, the arts, culture, the local economy, and it keeps our community unique by offering what big-chain stores cannot.

I opened a month before lockdowns which meant the business plan went out the window. Now that restrictions are lifting I hope to host more art workshops, painting nights, themed events, and private parties. There will also be a focus on hosting more local artists and craft makers to show their work in the café.