Mcart screen shot
This screen shot shows McArt al a Carte has reached its Kickstarter campaign goal of $7,000 to open a storefront in Woodbury.
Jim and Erin McHugh started a Kickstarter campaign to help them open a storefront in Woodbury. (Photo provided)
Jim and Erin McHugh wanted to help "revitalize downtown Woodbury" by opening a place that would offer "fun art" to people of all ages. With a goal in mind, the couple thought a Kickstarter campaign was a good way to help launch that dream.
"We've been going to people, using other people's spaces," she said of McArt a la Carte. "But we wanted our own space."
Opening their own storefront downtown would allow them to hold their art classes, have artists come to them and open a gallery all in one place.
"Our goal was $7,000 and we reached it on Saturday," Erin said. "It's really humbling and exciting to see the results," she said. "It was a roller coaster ride."
They actually got "126 percent" of their goal and the store, which will be on Broad Street right in downtown, will open in early spring, she said.
"We have our eye on a space, but we haven't even approached the landlord yet," she said.
"I loved seeing how they were so innovative and proactive," said Tara Rea, president of FAF. "They got the community to become a part of it."
The McHughs live in Woodbury and have become so excited about the artistic growth in the city. With the creation of FAF, a group of volunteers who help promote art in the city, the couple knew they wanted to open a space in the city.
"We never saw ourselves as pioneers, but we wanted to start somewhere," Erin said. "And the response from Woodbury has been amazing."
McArt a la Carte's shop will be a gallery and design studio where people come together for workshops, painting parties, creative gifts, and community events, according to the Kickstarter campaign. The $7,000 goal is meant to help them open the storefront in four months time. It includes rent, utilities, some supplies, insurance and it also covers the project fees and costs, according to the website.
"It's something that Woodbury is missing," said Rea of the art studio. "It's a place to hang out, to go and do things in your leisure time."
Kristie Rearick may be reached at krearick@southjerseymedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KArearick. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.