A chat with co-founder Ashley Striplin of Springfield’s newest public art studio Dabble

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When was the last time you decided to make something? Not because someone or some entity asked or paid you to, but simply because you wished to express yourself in some manner?

For many people today, the answer is likely that the last time something like this was endeavored upon was not too long ago. In the United States, our society often values art and artistic expression across a spectrum – whether as it relates to money, or to social value.

Broadly speaking then, Americans do love the arts and consider them to be crucial parts of varying aspects of life.

In Springfield too, art is everywhere around you – whether it’s an art alley downtown or pictures and statues of Abraham Lincoln, or else the Capitol Building(s) – each a work of still-functional art that we pass by and use each and every day.

On the north side of the city, a public art studio of sorts – Dabble – has only recently opened, and it embodies a spirit of passion and appreciation for the arts. It is a public art studio, and while it might seem a simple concept, it is not one that exists across the city of Springfield – or many others for that matter.

While many artistic pursuits are individualistic in nature, the greatest art cities in the history of the world have always had thriving communities of artists discussing creativity and the production of their art alongside their fellows of art and society; this is but a segment where Dabble and its owners are looking to change this a bit.

Put in other words, Ashley and her sister Amanda are here to help create a space where people can create by themselves and together – and where friends might be made and bigger ideas conceived!

When WMAY went to 616 N Grand Ave E – to visit Ashley and to explore the shop – we were taken aback, in only the best way possible, at how the spot of which Dabble has set up shop in has been so thoroughly transformed into a safe space for compassion, creativity, expression, thought, date night, a Saturday afternoon with the kids, and most anything else a person can imagine!

According to co-owner Ashley Striplin – during a conversation that WMAY enjoyed with her at the establishment – the spirit of communal and individual artistic expression simply needs to be further embraced and harnessed by the citizens of the community of Springfield themselves; an artist lives, after all, inside each one of us.

The easels do – after all, call out as you pass to have some type of medium to be set upon them; resin too, can be worked on at the shop, alongside a number of other activities. Ashley and Amanda, however, say that these mediums of expression are only the start of what Dabble will offer to those small and large, young and old; more will be added over time.

Art adorns the walls as you walk through the studio – from local artists both professional and amateur – a paint distribution system sits upon the far wall like some whimsical levered machine, and repurposed and repainted drawers act as utility space for an absolute bevy of artistic materials to choose from.

When WMAY was able to tear its eyes away from all of the sights and observations to make, we had the absolute pleasure to chat with Ashley Striplin.

We spoke concerning the origins of this idea and working studio, what it means to them and what they hope it will mean to Springfield moving forward, Ashley and Amanda’s collective ambitions for the business going forward, as well as a bit about how people appraise art – whether it be painted or drawn, or else performed on an instrument of some kind – and how our current society could value art even further!

WMAY: The pleasure is absolutely all mine of course. We got to speak of course, but please, would you tell us a bit about yourself and your sister before we begin discussing your very engaging establishment and concept?

AS: Of course! I’m Ashley, the mother of a two-year-old girl named Mia and married to my husband, Nathan. I am a little quieter and enjoy reading and having a nice, relaxing night in when possible.

Amanda is my sister and business partner. She is a traveler and has visited many countries and places. Most recently, she lived in China for 3 years, in Africa for a few months, and will be going back to China very soon.

We grew up in the Springfield area on the North side, but in our later childhood moved to Riverton. I moved back to Springfield about 8 years ago, and my sister has just been traveling everywhere.

WMAY: Thank you so kindly for that wonderful introduction to you each; the trip to Dabble, though, was absolutely wonderful – the store is truly a whimsical spot; can you explain what the inspiration was, and what the experience for the participants should ideally be?

AS: Amanda enjoyed going to these DIY shops conveniently located in the big cities in China. As she continued to enjoy what they had to offer, she wondered why we didn’t have anything like that here.

After a few years of thinking about it, she decided to go for it. We sat down at a coffee shop, and she told me about this idea and asked if she were to get it started, if I would run it when she moved back to China. Of course, I said yes!

As we built our shop, we did so with the goal of making people feel at home. We want people to walk through the door and feel a sense of belonging. I think many people, when thinking of arts and crafts at home, think of wearing their comfiest clothes with their favorite drink and hours of time to spend making something beautiful.

I also think that there’s a moment of stress when the crafting begins, and you can’t find that one mold you needed for your resin project, or the mushrooms you bought online a few weeks ago to add to your fairy garden. There is also the ever-dreaded cleanup. Any crafter can tell you that this part may be at a standstill for weeks before there is ever the motivation to clean up.

At Dabble we bring you all the fun with none of the stress. We have everything you need and if we don’t, you’re welcome to bring it. Everything is organized and easy to find. You simply come in, spend all your time crafting, and leave the mess to us.

WMAY: What was the inspiration for this very comfortable and organic layout and decor of the space?

AS: I think we both wanted it to feel homey. Kind of like what we would want if we had our dream craft venue. When we were deciding how we would display our fairy garden options, for example, I thought about how I would use a dresser to organize my older game systems at home, which led me to the idea of repurposing old dresser drawers and turning them into shelves.

Amanda came up with using the actual dresser as shelves and displays as well. The things we have in our shop have been chosen and repurposed by our hands and the hands of those who love and support us, and you can feel that when you walk into the place.

WMAY: What types of artistic expression are currently available to practice and create at Dabble?

AS: We currently offer Painting, Resin, Perler Beads and Fairy Gardens. We put a fun spin on painting by offering partner paintings and a 10-minute challenge, as well as the usual painting offered at other places. Both activities are great for anyone looking to build a connection.

Partner paintings are great for anyone, from date night couples, to besties who want to chat and laugh over a glass of wine, to that Father-son duo who need their hands to be busy before their thoughts can flow freely. The 10-minute challenge is a fun way to challenge painters. You and a partner begin with a canvas and every 10 minutes you switch and when you’re done, hopefully you have come up with two beautiful and unique paintings that come together as one, much like your experience at Dabble.

The other crafts are also just amazing to work with. Perler beads are perfect for getting your mind off whatever is bothering you. It takes a little concentration to situate them all.

Resin is so satisfying and beautiful, and fairy gardens and terrariums are very stress-free and give you something more natural to place in your home. Whatever you make at Dabble, you can bet you leave with something you created that you can be proud of.

WMAY: What are some future types of art that you would like to add to Dabble in the future?

AS: We have discussed the idea of adding a cricut machine. I think knitting and crochet sections would add a fun, traditional feel. We are also always open to ideas and suggestions. If we have a lot of interest in one thing that our shop isn’t currently providing, we would definitely look more into it.

WMAY: What does it mean to each of you at Dabble to be a part of the north-end community – as well as the greater Springfield business community? What obligations do businesses have to the people of the communities that they set up shop in?

AS: We are in awe of the welcome we have received by the residents who live on the North end. So many people, when we were still setting up shop, stopped in to ask us what we were doing and took immediate interest.

I think it’s important to remember that Springfield, in general, is home to people from many different walks of life. I think it’s a huge benefit to the community as a whole to be able to offer these kinds of experiences to all kinds of kinds.

We see the benefits reflected in the faces of people who walk through the door and light up when they realize we have something to offer them. Everyone who walks through our door makes our business what it is, and we are honored when they choose to spend the time they have at Dabble.

WMAY: What will Dabble evolve and grow into in the future – ideally of course; is this a single-store idea, of can it be something that different communities can look to embrace and incorporate in the future as well?

AS: We would absolutely love to grow and open more shops in other communities. If we find ourselves with more stores we hope they each take on their own personalities and have something a little different to offer than the last.

There are just so many different types of arts and crafts, it would be amazing to dabble in as many as we can in a way that is convenient to our artists and clients.

WMAY: This model of business – bringing art to communities – can it be duplicated for other art forms too? Music perhaps?

AS: I think it can. With enough thought and enough people with a passion behind the art and/or craft we could probably duplicate this idea in many ways. The sky’s the limit, but especially when it comes to art!

WMAY: As art is therapeutic, do you hope that Dabble can be a place of not only creativity, but of serenity for those who just need someplace to go to create individually – to express themselves through the various creative processes themselves?

AS: I think Dabble is the perfect place of serenity. Art has so much to offer us, to teach us, and to be able to practice art in a place like Dabble, it really is an escape from the things that often ale us. It’s just a lovely place to spend time, and the vibe is just so positive and relaxing.

WMAY: Do we as a society need to value creation, creatives, and the value of spending one’s time on these endeavors? Do local artists and local art scenes in general need to be supported by our society more vigorously than each of them are?

AS: I think in a way, we as a society have lost sight of the value art brings to our everyday lives. I remember when I was a teenager, art and music were some of the first things to be cut when budgets got tight for school districts.

Don’t get me wrong, I get it. If you don’t have the money, you don’t have the money. But I can’t help but sometimes wonder about the ripple effect of all those cuts.

Art teaches us patience and focus. It teaches us that sometimes, even when we take our time and work hard, things don’t turn out the way we want them to. It teaches us that sometimes, the way things turn out is more beautiful than how we imagined. It is a humbling experience.

I think we should re-evaluate what we find to be valuable uses of time. Everything has a purpose, and I hope by introducing Dabble to Springfield we can, in turn, re-introduce people to the creative side of themselves that they have long forgotten.

Our thanks to Ashley Striplin, Amanda Terry, Dabble, and their entire staff for their effort and time.