This October, a new community art studio is opening its doors in Rockaway with a simple goal: to create a place where creativity, learning, and community come together.
Founded by lifelong Rockaway residents Tracey McCormick and Judith Meade, The Workshop is a new art studio offering creative programming for children, teens, adults, and families. Through artist-led courses, one-time workshops, private events, and community programs, The Workshop is committed to becoming a place where locals and visitors alike can discover new skills, explore different artistic mediums, and spend time creating together.
For McCormick and Meade, the idea has been years in the making.
Both were introduced to the arts through the Rockaway Artists Alliance as children, participating in after-school programs before returning as camp counselors and eventually serving as Directors of Education. Those experiences shaped not only their love of art, but also their belief that creative spaces can have a lasting impact on a community.
“RAA gave us confidence, friendships, mentors, and a firsthand look at how community is built and sustained,” they said. “We always held on to the magic of kidsmART, where kids, teenagers, and adults all connected through creativity, and everyone really felt comfortable being themselves.”
While their careers took them in different directions over the past decade, their shared vision of opening a creative space in Rockaway only grew stronger. After seeing families travel off the peninsula for arts programming, McCormick and Meade recognized an opportunity to build something local that could serve residents of every age, year-round.
Located in The Supply Shop at The Rockaway Hotel on the corner of Beach 108th and Rockaway Beach Boulevard, The Workshop will offer a mix of recurring courses and one-time creative experiences for all ages, led by local artists. Four-week courses give participants the chance to develop their skills over time, while signature workshops and family events encourage people to explore new mediums together. This fall, programming will include drawing, watercolor, printmaking, sewing and embroidery, and mixed media.
“We’re creating a space to welcome everyone, whether you’re curious about making art, looking for something new to do with your kids, or simply want to make something with your hands after a long week,” they said. “Our goal is to create a place where people feel comfortable trying something new.”
As Rockaway continues to grow, the founders believe there’s room for a creative hub that brings people together across generations.
“Our vision extends beyond the classes we’re launching this fall,” they said. “We look forward to partnering with local artists, makers, and other businesses and organizations to grow our programming over time. Rockaway is full of talented people, and we hope The Workshop becomes a place where they can share their craft and introduce new creative experiences.”
Before opening their doors in October, The Workshop will host a special Sneak Peek on Monday, August 18, inviting the community to stop by, tour the space, learn more about upcoming programming, meet the founders, and create a free make-and-take craft.
The event will also launch The Workshop’s Community Materials Drive, an ongoing initiative to collect new and gently used art supplies and everyday creative materials from the community. Donations, from paint, brushes, and paper to jars, fabric, buttons, yarn, and other reusable household materials, will help power free community art experiences, outreach programs, and creative opportunities for those who may not otherwise have access. To learn more about the materials being collected, visit theworkshoprockaway.com/community.
Later that evening, The Workshop will host its first adult embroidery workshop, led by Shakira Javoni, a multidisciplinary textile artist, designer, and educator based in Queens. This beginner-friendly class will introduce participants to the fundamentals of hand embroidery and offer a preview of the artist-led programming planned for the fall season.
With fall registration now open, McCormick and Meade are looking forward to welcoming the community into the space and beginning the next chapter of creativity in Rockaway.
To register, visit www.theworkshoprockaway.com and follow @theworkshop.rockaway on Instagram for updates.
