To the 32 members who have already redeemed their certificate and received cards, please continue to use your memberships as normal.

To the 60+ that have not turned yours in yet. Please call your credit card companies and banks to dispute the charges.  It is a well known scam and all of the customers have been able to get their money refunded. Art ala Carte will honor your spree by selling you a membership at the $39 price. Or you can use it as a $39 coupon towards a birthday party or family membership.  We talked to a professional bank representative and found out it is a FEDERAL LAW that the banks must return the money, because goods and services were not received.

Businesses that have been affected by sharing spree have put out numerous financial costs to keep up with the demands of the spree holders. In our case supplies, the additional staff and business hours.

Many of you have asked how you can help. Though prideful, I wont turn down an opportunity to keep this space around for the kiddos.
-Supply drive: we are in need of things you have around the house- Army men, game pieces, polly pockets, paints, paint brushes, baby food jars, coffee tins, shoe boxes, happy meal toys, small blocks, construction paper, plastic utensils, cds/dvds, floppy disks, records, large egg cartons, dowels, frames and vases.

Please show support to the other businesses affected by this: Curtis-E Carpet Cleaning, Lake Oswego & Happy Valley Adventure Bootcamp and Saunte wellness center (the young girl sara is offering a $20 manicure to help her recover her costs lost in this ordeal).

♥ Aria, Qianjin, Keilani and Keno.

The post Sharing Spree Decision appeared first on Art ala Carte.

Thank you Shelby for so wonderfully capturing the concept of our studio.  <3

The post Learning about our space. Photo Tour with Shelby Brakken Photography. appeared first on Art ala Carte.

My beautiful family: My mini manager/7 year old daughter Keilani is the inspiration for every move I make and every breath I take in life.  She is the main reason behind AAC and I love her to the moon and back.  My soon to be husband and step son are the most wonderful men on planet earth and I am lucky to be have a partnership with them that supports my efforts and endeavors.  My mommy and big brothers who are the bestest in the world.

My lovely staff/volunteers: I already love Qianjin so much, she brings amazing energy to the space and I really needed it.  Sarah, Crystal and Aurora who help out when ever I need an extra hand.  I could not do it with out you.

Customers: I cherish each and every person who comes into the space and allows me to share moments with their family.  The extreme regulars/supporters who have turned into friends; Alyssa, Jen, Shelby, Susan, Heather.  Thank you so much.

My close friends who always support me: Parker, Des, Alexis, Amanda, Myranda, Alice, Katie, My sister Tiff, Lola, Drea and Gloria.  Your belief in AAC means so much.

My bankers at Key Bank: Thank you for the supplies, sponsorship, words of encouragement and being all around awesome!!!

Sponsors/Contributors: Breaking Ink Tattoo in Hillsboro, Community Montessori School in Lake Oswego, Coffee Kids in St Johns, Hoot-n-Annie on Barbur, Camp Hollyhock in Sellwood, K12.com, Jade Tea House in Sellwood, Tansy Dolls, Nectar in Westmoreland, Le Cookie Monkey in SE Portland, Crazy4Buttons, Portland Wraps and Bishops.  Your contributions, fundraisers and sponsorships mean so much to me.

37people: For showing a random act of kindness when we were going to close down.  I literally would not be open in NE Portland if not for the love/support/financial assistance they showed last year.

Pdxkidscalendar.com, Nw Kids Magazine, Metro Parent ,Chinook Book: For bringing our concept and events to the community.  For working with a small budget and always taking interest in things we do.  LOVE you guys.

Shelby Brakken and Oh Happy Day Photography:  For taking such incredible photos of the space and capturing what we are all about.

Love, love, lots of love is the theme!  HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE!!! 

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Every First Friday of the month is donation basis only.  From 10am-5pm there is no set open studio fee.  Pay whatever you would like or contribute supplies, recycled goodies or volunteer hours. The First Friday promotion/program is very important to the studio for a few reasons.  AAC strives to make our studio space a community space accessible to all families.  To be able to provide art time and an activity at whatever price range a family can afford keeps up with this mission.  Our other mission is to promote the importance of recycling/upcycling.  Everyone has items around their home that can be used for new purposes.  The ability to contribute supplies, furniture, recycled goodies and cleaning products to a community space allows the community to feel involved and excited to take ownership in the space.  A lot of families have expressed that they would be embarrassed to bring a small donation, ANY size donation is appreciated and needed.

 [You can help the studio in other ways too.  Checking in on Facebook and Four Square...Yelping about your good experience or inviting friends to the next visit! ]

I cannot think of a better sponsor for this monthly event than PDX Kids Calendar.  Their help/support of the studio since the beginning has really helped us get to the next level.  They are a respected resource for families, so it means so much to AAC to have their backing and promotion for this event.  They have helped develop the concept of First Friday and found many ways to make sure it is a success for everyone.  They have a love for Portland Families and small businesses that is evident in every thing that they do.

The types of things we look for on First Friday:

Small toys- [Happy meal toys, army men, figurines and polly pockets]

Easel paper [on the roll]

Barbies- [for fashion design]

Scotch tape and duct tape

Bows and gift bags

Baby wipes

Baby food jars

Small boxes and altoid tins

Picture frames

Washable paints and paint brushes

Glue and hot glue sticks

Hot glue guns

Stickers

The post PDX Kids Calendar First Friday appeared first on Art ala Carte.

On December 1st we will reopen at 319 NE Wygant on corner of MLK. (Behind PACE and next to Tears of Joy’s offices).

We will be changing our hours to fit with the new neighborhood and meet our customers demands!

We will be open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10am to 5pm (staying open later for the after school crowd).
Saturday-Sunday Noon-5pm (Adding Sundays due to popular demand).

Join us at our new space!!! Thank you!!!

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