A new arts studio in North Brentwood aimed at teaching pottery, woodworking and welding classes is getting a new look since it temporarily closed due to the pandemic. The studio had to close just six weeks after it officially began offering classes.
Co-owner of Material Things, Francisco Rosario, told the Hyattsville Wire that the studio received a facade grant from the town of North Brentwood in November which it’s now using to improve the building at 4531 Rhode Island Avenue.
They hired other local businesses to do the work, including Century Painting, which did a sign by artist John Ortiz and new exterior lighting from Funes Electric. Studio Cornelius is helping incorporate the lettering in their branding.
Rosario, who is running the studio along with Katie Aldworth and Erin Lingle, said it was hard opening just before the pandemic. The owners of Material Things purchased the building along with additional partners as a separate business entity.
“Many people have sympathetically said to us ‘it must be such a hard time to start a small business,'” he told the Hyattsville Wire. “And while this is undeniably true, we have seen a lot of support from this community both in words expressing excitement around our opening and in financially supporting us with pre-purchasing classes, forgoing refunds, purchasing our wares, and inquiring about commissions.”
After the recent protests over police violence, Rosario said they look forward to re-opening the studio in order to be “a place that is a hub for creative healing and change.”
Rosario told the Hyattsville Wire that The Neighborhood Design Center played a big role in designing the project as well as Teach’em To Fish, which were both hired by North Brentwood for the project.
Meanwhile, Material Things has been the site of Owls Nest Farm’s CSA pickup during the pandemic, which is once a week outside. The farm is based in Upper Marlboro.
While the CSA is sold out, they will be distributing a limited number of free summer shares through Owls Nest Farm’s Food Access Fund. Those interested should contact Material Things directly to inquire.
