The Arts of Port Royal
The Arts of Port Royal opened softly in June, started by Susan Stone, former owner and founder of ZenDen also in Port Royal.
When Susan sold her store at the end of last year, she needed a quiet place to finish her next book. It didn’t take long to find the large studio and office space right down the street on Paris Ave.
Formally the Town Hall of Port Royal and the Southern Elk, the huge building spans almost the entire 1400 block! The new classroom is the old courtroom, and the old administrative offices are now healing and consultation rooms. The whole second floor has been transformed.
After five years of meeting locals through ZenDen, Stone realized that the community had needs and talents as well. With few art and creative programs in the areas, she realized that she could serve the community in a new way, by offering classes in what she would eventually call The Arts.
With her vast experience as an artist and instructor, writer, ordained minister, shaman and healer, she began to create a program of classes including ALL the arts.
The creative or fine arts includes drawing, painting in abstract as well as realism, landscape design. Not to mention drum and jewelry making. The list grows every month! The mystic arts include classes on shamanism, tarot and meditation. The healing arts will include Reiki instruction and classes like tapping (EFT), ADHD for all ages, and organic gardening! Just last week a music teacher stepped forward to offer her services. So, ukelele and guitar lessons are being added to the calendar as well.
When Susan first found the space, she enlisted the help of some very talented friends. Anne Wilson was the first to join and has made The Arts
Susan Stone
her new home studio. Anne has also rented some of the space to add private energy sessions and a consultation room.
Their combined effort has not only transformed the old Town Hall but has also culminated in the Stone-Wilson Art Gallery. The common spaces will showcase not only students’ art but will be open for locals to show their talents as well.
Two established programs have followed Susan to The Arts, that first got their start under the big oak tree behind ZenDen; First Sunday Meditation 11:00-12:00 is a free program for all ages. A different style of meditation is presented to the group each month to give people a variety of ways to still their minds and go within. Second Sundays host a group called Spiritual Frontiers 9:00-12:00. This is an educational program conducted by Bob Quinn. The Celestine Prophecy has been this year’s focus of study. All are welcome. This program operates on Love donations as well.
Registration for Fall classes is now open. To explore all the possibilities, go to theartsportroyal.com to sign up!
The Arts of Port Royal is located at 1404-B Paris Ave. The school is open every day in which classes are running. If you’re interested in a tour or a visit, please call 843-379-2211 to make an appointment.
