By Andi Bedsworth

A few months ago, a creative studio business opened in Oxford, and I am super excited they are here. I kept noticing signs for Board and Brush and wondered exactly what they were all about. After attending the ribbon cutting and discovering the many different workshops they offered, I got even more interested.

So, I signed up for a class, made a sign, had a blast and am ready to tell you all about it.

First of all, this is not a step-by-step painting studio or a “paint your own furniture” store. They specialize in signs – holiday signs, signs for your home, signs to give for special occasions, and signs to declare your love of sports, fishing, dancing or just about anything you could dream up. And you do not have to be an artist to create an awesome project. The company has done all the legwork, so all you have to do is pick your sign design (there are many to choose from), let them know ahead of time when you register and pay, and then you show up with all of the preparation already complete. So, all my fellow attendees and I had to do was get to the fun part of making.

I was in a workshop for educators, and there were about 10 teachers ready to have a fun night out after a long day in the classroom. It is a good thing we started with distressing our boards because I think we all needed some release.

The meat tenderizers, hammers, nails and sandpaper provided us with the chance to get out some of the day’s frustrations as we pounded away to give our nice new boards some character and age. Then we got to choose stain colors, and the fun continued.

After the stain dried, we applied our custom stencils that owner, Cassidy Broadaway, and her assistant had prepared in advance.

The “paint bar” is full of colors, and the hardest part is choosing, but luckily there are paint sample boards that show how the primary colors look on each stain and background color. I must say, they make it really easy to be successful, and even provide snacks and drinks so you can sit back and relax while you work.

After the stencils were painted through, the big reveal happened as we all peeled them off and admired our creations. Cassidy put on hooks and wires and took pictures and sent us on our way. What a fun night! And I got a new sign to put near my front door to welcome all who enter my home.

The local studio is part of a franchise business located in Wisconsin, where Broadaway went for training and advising on setting up shop.

I, for one, am glad she went through the process as this is a great addition to the arts scene in Oxford. The studio is located at 1525 University Ave. To sign up for a class go to https://boardandbrush.com/oxford.