The Albany Art Room opened in 2008 by Karen Schupack

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Karen was raised in Northern California in a redwood forest, just north of San Francisco. Her mom is an artist and their barn was their art studio. She was able to use any supplies at any time to create art. As an adult, she began to realize what a unique opportunity this had been, one that others should experience. Karen studied design of the environment at Penn, historic preservation at Columbia and elementary education at Saint Rose. She combined all of this education and varied life experience into the making of the Albany Art Room.

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Karen started the Albany Art Room after careers in community development, and teaching and administration in independent elementary schools. She started it when she realized a need. As an adult wanting to take a variety of art classes, she believed that there should be a place in Albany to do this. Also, when Karen's daughter was young, Karen hesitated to let her daughter paint at home. If she didn't want to deal with the mess, she figured others wouldn't either. The concept of sharing art supplies in a space set up for messes and easy clean-up came out of this parenting experience. After renting a first location for about 4 years, Karen searched for a permanent home for the business. The Albany Art Room opened its wonderful current location in the Helderberg neighborhood of Albany in October, 2013.

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With the important input and huge help from TONS of creative teachers, employees, interns, members and customers, the Albany Art Room has developed into what it is today!