Had the pleasure of meeting local artist and left hander hence the name of Left to Draw studios in Market Harborough, Stacey Barthorpe and discover this amazing community art studio situated in the picturesque setting on the canal where you can sit and paint or draw to your hearts content overlooking the water and be inspired seeing the swans fly in and gracefully land all whilst cool air drafts in through the loft windows of the converted and restored waterfront buildings which interestingly was a schoolhouse built in 1614, it served as an educational facility until 1892 so it’s quite fitting that 5% of all original art sales are donated to local primary schools.

With government art education budgets being slashed it was heart warming to see a community business working hard to inspire and give back offering all kinds of classes and events to encourage us to pick up a paint brush or have a go at sculpture or ceramics.

When we visited there were a couple of families enjoying time together working on projects and with parents at a loss what to do to engage kids during the summer holidays what is offered at Left to Draw Studios gives kids of different ages and adults too something to while away a few hours and share together.

The space was an atelier packed with an eclectic mix of art, candles, jewellery, rugs, even clothing, hand painted T shirts and even what looked like hand made shoes so if you like to support independent creatives this is a great place to pick up a lovely gift you are not going to find elsewhere as well as selling easels and other artists supplies.

There’s a cafe too which we enjoyed. Freshly brewed barista style coffee on tap and various flavours of ice cream to enjoy in crispy waffle cones.

Downstairs is the Waterfront Pub and restaurant where we had enjoyed lunch overlooking the canal but were very happy we wandered upstairs to have a nosey and discover and support this local treasure where creatives from all over UK can sell their work.