The Myrtle Bus
Mobile Art Studio and Makerspace

Few things are more thrilling to children than art and making: messy, creative, inspiring, free and fun! Few things are more stressful to parents than a house filled with wild artists creating in spaces that aren't quite meant for paint, glue and the dreaded but much-loved by kids glitter!

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Solution? The Myrtle Bus!

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Belle Vie Farm's Myrtle Bus is a traveling art studio and makerspace. Myrtle is the first of her kind in central North Carolina, and she is excited to inspire artists and makers alike! Below are a few details and sneak peeks at her creative space. The Myrtle Bus can be rented for any type of children's party, corporate events for families, block parties, festivals, street fairs and more! The Myrtle Bus travels up to 15 miles. Longer distance will require an additional fee.

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Depending on your vision, the Myrtle Bus can come to you filled with art supplies (watercolor, acrylic or washable paint, pastels, crayons, sharpie markers, glue, glitter, alcohol inks, clay, canvases, specialty paper) and/or maker supplies (wood parts, wire, cardboard, textiles, buttons, legos, foil, masking and washi tape, nuts and bolts, yarn, magnets and more!).

 

Shelley Welch is the Myrtle Bus art and maker teacher. Shelley has taught children (and adults) of all ages for over 30 years. She is a self-taught artist (acrylic painting and mixed media) and a firm believer that everyone is an artist. In fact, Shelley was a cellist for many years but was quite a mediocre cellist. Did this stop her? Nope. She played and played and played for the sheer joy of it (until motherhood and pregnant bellies made it too challenging!). Creating is meant to inspire people, yes, but it is first meant to inspire the creator! Creating is about the joy of freedom and design.

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Each Myrtle Bus rental comes with Shelley for the duration of your rental. All materials needed are supplied, including a portable handwashing sink and smocks to cover  any special clothing. When you schedule your party, your fee will include a consultation with Shelley to determine the best art and/or maker activity for your party.  Once the two of you have talked, Shelley will email multiple options for activities. Each activity will include a list of materials that will fill the Myrtle Bus and be available for all of the children to use.

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The Myrtle Bus is also available for school rentals, festivals, farmers' markets, celebrations, block parties and more! If you would like Myrtle to visit your event, please email Shelley directly at BelleVieFarmNC@gmail.com with a few details.

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Because Shelley is a fabulous artist but a terrible chef, food and cake are not included!

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Each party includes the following:

• Up to 10 artists total

• Add up to 2 additional artists for $15/each

• One art activity (an additional activity can be added for a separate fee)

• All materials, including smocks and washing station

• The Myrtle Bus at your location for 1-1.5 hours (depending on age; we also like to arrive about 20 minutes early to get set up - you are not charged for this time)

 

The base price for the Myrtle Bus is $250 for parties.

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​Items you can add:

• Personalized invitations by the Myrtle Bus (additional $25)

• Goody bags for each participant (an art or maker project kit tailored to your child's group) (additional $50)

• Each Goody bag includes a thank you card with each individual participant's name (no added fee)

• A Happy Birthday (or other celebration) canvas signed and decorated by all participants and presented to the celebrant at the end of the party (additional $25)

• Have an idea for something you'd like added? Let Shelley know! She is always up for an adventure!

 

Birthday parties are typically booked on Saturdays and Sundays, but other days and times are also available. Standard weekend times for parties are 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm. Weekday parties are flexible, so call or email Shelley with your ideas! 919-260-6859 (please don't text - Shelley is terrible at responding to texts!). BelleVieFarmNC@gmail.com.

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Want to know why she is called the Myrtle Bus?! Read here!

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Reserve your party date today!

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