LAFAYETTE, LA. (KLFY) – A new art supply shop and creative studio recently opened in the Hubcity. Acadians have the opportunity to be able to explore new art skills and support local artisans. 

Local artists Raeleigh Boyd and Preslie Such, founded Scrappie Art Shop and Community Studio after they noticed the community was in need of a creative space where people could have access to art supplies, workshops and a hub for local artists to sell their crafts. 

“And so we really want to be a place where people can come in and work on homework or work on freelance work or work, you know with other people in the community." Such said I think it’s important just to be able to build that community, to be able to have a space where people and come in and interact with one another.” 

Boyd shared how they wanted to provide resources and tools to help artists avoid the financial burden of buying equipment and the freedom to explore mediums. 

“There is like a need for a free place or just more resources to like, we want to provide the art community with all of the-the larger equipment that they need to actually practice their craft.” Boyd said.

The cofounders said “Scrappie” was inspired by the common mispronunciation of the Louisiana State fish, the white crappie. They felt like the name "Scrappie" reflected the ambitious nature artists carry in their work and the connection to Louisiana Roots

“The Louisiana State Fish is a crappie and I always wanted to use something like that.” Boyd said. “Scrappie still has the playfulness that I really liked. It’s more of a conceptual development that has a bigger meaning to it.” 

Inside the shop, it carries a variety of items such as quality art supplies both new and reused, as well as one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goods from local artists. Scrappie cofounder Such explained how their goal for the art shop is to support and uplift local artists by income and exposure. 

“So we work with artists on consignment to where whenever they sell their stuff in our store, they get a 70-30 split, meaning they keep 70%. We try not to keep much because we believe that artists should be making as much money as possible.” Such said. 

The cofounders said all artists are welcome to apply to sell at the art shop from amateurs to experienced vendors. The cofounders stated their goal is to help spread recognition and talent in any way they can.

“We have an application on our website where artists can share basic information and what kind of stuff they sell.” Boyd added. “We’re not expecting people to have their things put together. We will help along the way and welcome questions.” 

Scrappie Studio hosts several workshops that are open to the public throughout the week such as cake decorating, ceramics, printmaking, photography and more. The cofounders said the space is also available for birthdays, team gatherings and other community events. 

"“We have month-long classes where you can sign up and kind of get to dive into a medium a little bit more.” Boyd said. “It’s not the same as fine art school. There will be no critique. You’re just learning the skill and you’re building your community. We want people to be able to come and see other talented people they have never met before. We want people to come out of the classes becoming friends and learn a new skill together and build off each other.” 

Such and Boyd said all are welcome to the studio and encourage those interested to not only tap into the artist within but connect to a newfound community. 

Scrappie studio is located on 2116 Johnston St. in Lafayette and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, click here or follow their Instagram.

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