Rows of sewing machines, jewelry-making supplies, canvases, and every other art supply you can think of fill the two stories of Let It Bee an Artist’s Collective. Affectionately known by staff and patrons as Let It Bee, the art studio and vendor space located in Hamilton, VA, describes itself as “a brick-and-mortar store for local artists to sell their handcrafted items, while offering a place for community members to come and work on their projects using our tools and equipment.”
Let It Bee opened its doors to the community in November of 2024, but the idea for it has been in the works since fall of 2022. Owner and manager Chrissy Curtis was just finishing her bachelor’s degree in psychology when her mother came up with the idea for the studio. When her mom first pitched the idea, “she said what we need around here is someplace where kids, adults, everybody can come and just play without feeling like, ‘Oh, I can’t do that. I don’t know how to do that,’” recounted Chrissy Curtis. Now, Let It Bee offers more than two dozen workshops teaching everything from knitting and sewing to working with clay and making your own earrings, serving as a place to learn about things you have never been able to try before.
Let It Bee also functions as an open studio from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every day. If you are not in the mood to learn something, you can use the space to work on your own personal creative projects. JJ Curtis, the business’ Marketing Manager and creative consultant, commented, “Let It Bee is an open-door space where I have learned, created, and felt very free. It is an outlet when the outside world just feels like too much.” With the various conference tables available, space is also open to be reserved for other activities. “We charge $5 a head. I don’t care if you’re there 10 minutes or three hours. It’s $5. There are not enough places for small groups of people to get together and do stuff,” Chrissy Curtis explained. She stressed, “It doesn’t have to be arts and crafts related. It’s just there for people!” The space has already been put to use by outside groups, and even Woodgrove’s very own The Grove Theatre has used Let It Bee’s studio space for rehearsals. Let It Bee is also available for crafting birthday parties for anyone who wants to celebrate their special day in a creative environment.
The studio also has space available for local artists to sell their work and has set aside a portion of the lower level specifically for it. Chrissy Curtis decided to make space for local artists at the studio after paying thousands of dollars last year to sell her art at a local farmers market. “My goal is to get people noticed…I feel like I wasted a lot of money. I want to be that jumping point for other people,” she explained. Elizabeth Baynes, owner of She Saws, sells her handmade woodcrafts at the studio. She said, “I would definitely recommend Let It Bee to other artisans. They are so encouraging and supportive and genuinely want their vendors to succeed.” The studio currently has room for around six more artists, and Chrissy Curtis encourages artists to stop in or contact her if they are interested.
Offering a space for people to learn, create, and have fun, Let It Bee is an exciting new addition to Western Loudoun’s community. If you are interested in scheduling a workshop or learning more about Let It Bee, visit their website at letitbeeart.com.