A new makerspace in Fall City is promoting mental wellness through art creation.
Local artist Ashley James started Works from the heART LLC one year ago after many years of work as a recreational therapist. She officially opened her own studio Dec. 7 — located one block from Redmond-Fall City Road — where she will host art classes, craft workshops and private events. James also hosts women’s art retreats a few times a year.
“What I’m hoping for is just for everyone in the community to feel like they have a safe space to go and explore who they are and feel accepted for who they are,” she said. “So often I hear ‘I’m not an artist,’ and the way I reframe that is, ‘You’re not an artist… yet.’”
James, who went to school for psychology, has a long history of working both in art and mental health. Her junior year of college, she found out…
