Meet Sara Butler Gold of South Bay Artist Studio in Redondo Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Butler Gold.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I believe I’ve inherited my artistic side from my mother and other strong women artists in my family. My mom, Jessie, was pioneering in the world of professional photography as one of the first female professional photographers and a founding member of Professional Women in Photography. At 83, she still teaches photography at Cal State Long Beach and continues to inspire me to push my own artistic boundaries.

In 2004, that push led me to accept a position as the Art Director at a camp four of my sons attended in upstate New York, Camp Echo Lake. I had no formal training in many of the art forms I aimed to teach, so I researched projects that would expand the program beyond the typical friendship bracelet-making and tie-dying. In my research, I learned about a local artist named Karen Pester (@mothstoaflame) who was creating art curriculum for schools. She was instrumental in not only helping me design the program for camp but also introduced me to the art of glass fusing.

The program I designed, therefore, included photography (using a darkroom), woodshop, ceramics and general fine arts – fiber arts, weaving, quilting, jewelry-making and fused glass. I had to ship all the equipment and supplies from my home in Southern California to upstate New York, and then discovered the building where we’d be making our art was under construction!

Despite the challenges, the program flourished, and I continued to serve as the camp’s Art Director until 2014 when I began focusing on my glass work and fiber arts. I decided to specialize in the lost arts of weaving, quilting and knitting in addition to fused glass and ended up selling my work at a few local galleries and gift shops as well as local holiday boutiques.

In the spring of 2018, I sold my house and downsized. My new dilemma was to find a place to live and a place where I could continue to create. My friend Susan (one of my favorite cheerleaders) and I were talking about my search for space while out one night and happened to meet someone who said they had the perfect vacant space available in Redondo Beach. We were able to reach a deal, and I suddenly had my own studio, which is now South Bay Artist Studio.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It took three months to get the space usable – putting in a bathroom and many other structural additions – and my amazing landlord forklifted my kilns and equipment into the second floor studio space through a hole in the wall, which I have since covered with a quilting design board. My friends and family rallied and helped move stuff around and build furniture to hold my seemingly never ending boxes of supplies.

Initially, I had intended to use the studio as a personal creative space, but with the encouragement of my sisters, artist friends and supporters, I decided to integrate my social work training to design successful group interactions and classes. The first official class began a couple of months later.

With a limited budget and no funds left for advertising, I have had to rely on word of mouth and social media to promote the studio. If you happen to make eye contact with me while I’m running on the strand with my cousin Lisa, I may shamelessly hand you a business card and invite you to join a class.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about South Bay Artist Studio – what should we know?
Our small group art classes are designed to focus on fun, friendship and community as well as creating a successful piece of art that evokes a sense of creative accomplishment and pride for each participant. We host women’s groups, youth groups, and support other local artists with our Wednesday Walk-In Open House. I am proud to say South Bay Artist Studio has become known as a place to hang out with friends and bond.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I owe much of this to the warmth of my new community in the South Bay. I am particularly grateful to the strong, artistic and brilliant women in my life and those in this community who have welcomed me into their lives. The encouragement and support from my mom, and three sisters, Ellen, Carla and Heidi, has allowed me to take the leap and open my doors. My sister Carla (@carlahoffmanrealtor) was the first person to see the studio space and within minutes helped me negotiate my lease.

My dear friend and fellow Artist Mary Minchella (@sorellaminchella) encouraged me to put my first class on the calendar and let people see how I work. I am forever grateful for her guidance, abundant knowledge of web, graphic design and marketing, not to mention her quick wit and succulent arrangements (complete with puns relating to fun and friendship). Mary often joins me at the Studio teaching her succulent classes or operating the triple margarita machine and making her famous taco snacks to accompany classes I teach. Debbi Allman (@organizationsolved) has kept the Studio (and me) organized during and after the move and helps as an assistant whenever possible.

My friend and brilliant photographer, artist Ute Reckhorn (@californialover) has grown my repertoire of classes with her photography and has helped build local awareness of my little studio space, in addition to assisting with classes. She also makes sure I keep my triathlon and puppy training on track.  I would also like to acknowledge the new ‘regulars’: Cindy, Carolyn, Diana, Lyn, Maureen, Melissa and Heidi, who continue to spread the word about South Bay Artist Studio. These women started out as customers and have become dear friends. Without them, South Bay Artist Studio would not be as successful as it is.

Lastly, my BFF since high school, Leslie, has encouraged me all along the way and has been a constant source of support. In addition to being an art lover and artist, she is also an experienced entrepreneur, and I’ve learned so much from seeing her so gracefully navigate the business world that artists tend to avoid.  I continue to derive inspiration from the women in my life and world around me. I am pleased to say the downsized life is good, the studio is flourishing and Libby, my studio sidekick, is very well-trained.

Come find us at the studio and join us for art, friendship and of course, margaritas!

Contact Info:

• Address: South Bay Artist Studio
  604 North Francisca Ave #B
  Redondo Beach CA 90277
• Website: sbartiststudio.com
• Phone: ‭(310) 974-1604‬
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: sbartiststudio
• Facebook: sbartistudio
• Twitter: sbartiststudio
• Yelp: South Bay Artist Studio

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