About Us
Mission
Our mission is to inspire creativity and connect the community through art, education, and events. We are committed to hosting diverse programs and providing a welcoming space for all.
Impact Statement
Our Commitment to Community
The Art House is a safe space for all people. We believe every person deserves to feel valued, safe, and free to express themselves authentically—regardless of immigration status, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or background.
We're taking deliberate steps to align our business practices with our values:
Supporting organizations doing the work. We commit 10% of our profits to organizations advancing human rights, racial justice, immigrant advocacy, and anti-trafficking efforts—including Her Future Coalition, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and Sanctuary of the South.
Creating genuinely safe space. Our studio welcomes everyone. Period. We're here to support immigrant families, LGBTQ+ community members, people of color, and anyone seeking refuge in creative expression.
We support businesses with similar values. We avoid partnering with companies that demonstrate human rights violations or exploitation. Our purchasing decisions reflect our commitment to dignity, fair labor practices, and community care.
Learning and growing. We don't claim to have all the answers. We're committed to ongoing education, listening to our community, and using our platform—however small—to stand for dignity and justice.
Let’s practice building the world we want to see. In our studio your presence matters. Your voice matters. You belong here and we stand with you.
The Art House was born in the middle of the pandemic, when life felt uncertain and closed off. With schools shut down and creative spaces unavailable, our founder Melissa and her family longed for an outlet to stay connected, expressive, and grounded. So, they built one themselves— a small studio where they could create, breathe, and bring art back into daily life. What started as a family project has grown into a community space for St. Augustine — a welcoming studio where kids, and adults can come to slow down, recharge, and explore their creativity.
Today, The Art House offers everything from wheel throwing and hand-building with clay to painting and drawing classes. But more than that, it's become a sanctuary — a place where you can connect with others, discover the joy of making, and remember what it feels like to be fully present.
“We have always known that we wanted to be an organization that has a broader impact—one that puts our beliefs into action. You are welcome here regardless of immigration status, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or background. And we commit to partnering with those doing the work.”
- Melissa Noeth, Founder & Owner
