Artisan Oyster provides creative space in Kalispell

Artisan Oyster is an unexpected creative oasis at the Kalispell Center Mall.

Inside the intimate shop, strings of lights criss-cross overhead, making the space feel more like a European cafe than a shopping center stall. On the black walls are mosaic of colorful canvases — demo pieces done by owner Ashley Lindemann. You too can create one of your own during one of her two-hour events. She hosts three to four sessions per week where she’ll lead customers through the painting process while they imbibe on their drink of choice, socialize and create.

But Lindemann said Artisan Oyster is more than the typical paint-and-sip operation. She distinguishes her venture by providing a unique atmosphere limited to 12 guests. Painting subject matter ranges from vibrant animals, flags and even local landscapes like Going-to-the-Sun Road, Swiftcurrent Lake or Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.

“It’s your painting. You are there to be creative and to make something that you feel good about. If you want to do three trees or 15 pieces of beargrass … there’s no rules,” she said. “You get to take home a painting and the painting is infused with all of the memories that you made here.”

It’s about connecting people and giving them a space to be creative, judgement-free.

The 26-year-old Whitefish resident started teaching under the umbrella of Kalispell Corks and Canvas in the fall of 2016, while working at Herberger’s. When the department store announced its bankruptcy earlier this year, Lindemann decided the time was right to branch out on her own and Artisan Oyster was born. She chose the name to communicate the artistic nature of her business with a unique flair.

“It’s like that saying, ‘The world is your oyster.’ When people are here, the canvas is their oyster,” she said. “They have full control of whatever they want.”

Lindemann discovered her own love for painting in high school art class and decided to pursue the study of art, specializing in collages during her collegiate career. But she stresses that no formal training is required to participant in one of Artisan Oyster events, be that a regularly scheduled class during the week or a private session.

“The paintings people are making are incredible,” Lindemann said. “I’m just here to teach and show you how to use the brushes. People just take it to the next level.”

For more information on Artisan Oyster’s weekly classes or private events, visit www.theartisanoyster.com or stop by the studio across from Buckle inside Kalispell Center Mall.

Reporter Mackenzie Reiss may be reached at 758-4433 or mreiss@dailyinterlake.com.