August 2025 Small Business Spotlight - Make Creative Studio: Where Creativity, Faith, and Community Come Alive

info@movevateam.com
Aug 14
2 min read

Address: Inside St. Giles Church, 5200 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226

Phone: (804) 282-9763

In the heart of Richmond, tucked inside St. Giles Church, you’ll find a place where art and heart meet — Make Creative Studio. Founded in 2019 by artist and educator Angeline Cooke, Make is more than just an art studio. It’s a space where creativity becomes a bridge to healing, faith, and community connection.

A Vision Born from a Simple Moment

For Angeline, the journey to Make began in the most unexpected way — during a Vacation Bible School craft session. As she watched children quietly and contentedly creating, she realized the power of art to bring peace and joy. When a friend commented, “Don’t you wish you could do this all the time?”, Angeline’s answer was a resounding “Yes!”

With a heart for service and a background in both art and nonprofit leadership, she approached the pastor of St. Giles Church about starting an art studio ministry. The answer was yes — and Make Creative Studio was born.

A Place for All to Create and Heal

Today, Make Creative Studio serves over 800 men, women, and children through programs that blend artistic expression with therapeutic care. Their Art Therapy offerings provide a safe, supportive environment for those recovering from addiction, trauma, and loss.

Through partnerships with organizations like Into The Neighborhood, The McShin Foundation, Journey House, and Patty’s Hope, Make offers art and recovery sessions, classes for mothers of children in foster care, after-school programs, and private sessions for underserved communities.

Every paid class, camp, or workshop helps fund these outreach programs — meaning when you create at Make, you’re also helping someone else heal.

More Than a Studio

Make’s welcoming space includes:

A Shared Gallery showcasing rotating local artists (current exhibit: Lauren Bleam and Awake Arts)
Studio rooms accommodating up to 32 participants
Adult and youth art classes
Special events, retreats, and private parties for offices, churches, and groups

They’re also proud to host Creative Cohort meetings for Needle’s Eye Ministries, creating a supportive community for creative professionals.

Fall Opportunities & Special Offer

Fall classes are now open for registration! Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, unwind after work, or let your child explore their creativity, Make has something for everyone.

Special Offer: Register for any class in September and enjoy 20% off with code September20.

Visit and Get Involved

The Gallery at Make is open Monday–Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (hours may vary with class schedules). Tours are available by emailing angie@makestudiorva.com.

When you step into Make Creative Studio, you’re stepping into more than just an art class. You’re joining a mission — one that believes creativity can restore, connect, and inspire.

Follow, share, and spread the word — the more people know about Make, the more they can serve Richmond’s communities in need.

📍 Location: Inside St. Giles Church, 5200 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226

📞 Phone: (804) 282-9763

🌐 Website: www.makestudiorva.com