Inspired Life Art Studio Opening Soon in Downtown Rockton

By Jean Seegers, REPORTER

 Something new and unique is coming to Rockton. Local artist and instructor Tabatha Dougherty will be opening Inspired Life Art Studio, 201 W. Main St. on Dec. 1. The studio will offer afternoon and evening classes to groups looking to spend a few hours having fun and creating art. Dougherty has a wealth of experience as an artist and teacher. She has taught high school art classes at Stillman Valley, Boylan and Winnebago. She was co-owner of 317 Studio and Gallery in Rockford and has recently taught workshops out of her Rockton home. Dougherty was born and raised in Hannibal, Mo. She studied art and graphic design at Western Illinois University, and went on to earn a certification in education. She and her family moved to Rockton in 2001. She is married to Hononegah High School Executive Associate Principal Chad Dougherty. The couple are the parents of two teenage sons.

Inspired Life Art Studio will offer mixed media, art journaling, hand lettering, traditional painting and drawing classes and art retreats for artists at all levels of experience. Dougherty said she will specialize in art journaling which she describes as mixed media in a book format. Children’s classes will be offered for ages six and up. For those aged 21 and older, Dougherty offers private and group classes as well as “Social Canvas Night” workshops. Adult guests can bring wine or beer for an evening of socializing and creating canvas paintings in acrylic, or mixed media projects from a large list of choices. All materials for classes will be provided. Dougherty said future plans are to have art supplies available for purchase in the studio.

“Group classes are two to three hours in length. Private parties will be for groups of eight or more.” Dougherty said the fee for classes is $25 to $40, depending on the material needed. Registration for the workshops are open to the public and private party availability can be found on the studio’s website at   www.inspiredlifeartstudio.com. Connect with the studio on Facebook@inspiredlifeart, or call (815) 391-0392. The studio will be open on Fridays, 2 to 9 p.m., Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4 p.m. Dougherty is planning a soft opening on Dec. 1, and will begin offering classes after the holidays.

JEAN SEEGERS, PHOTO – The Herald.
On Dec. 1, artist Tabatha Dougherty will open a unique and welcoming space for creating art in Rockton. Inspired Life Art Studio Inc. 201 W. Main St. will offer afternoon and evening classes for adults and children. Dougherty will teach classes in mixed media, art journaling, hand lettering, and traditional painting and drawing. Adult classes will feature “Social Canvas Night” painting workshops.

However, kids will be able to come in and paint Santa cookie plates during the Rockton Christmas Walk, Dec. 3 and 4.