KClayton Studio announced late last month that it was closing its Overland Park storefront due to the company struggling to make rent. Owner Kelsea Clayton, above, says she is working on a new business model in order to hopefully relaunch the studio in some form again. Photo via KClayton's Facebook page.
KClayton Studio, an Overland Park arts and crafts studio, has closed its doors after a year and a half.
Located at 11709 College Boulevard, in a strip mall across Quivira from the campus of Johnson County Community College, KClayton Studio opened in September 2020.
According to its website, the studio aimed to “provide art and craft opportunities for all types of artists,” including children.
The studio offered art classes, open studio craft times and rentals for private events.
KClayton announced its closure on Saturday, Jan. 29 through a Facebook post that received dozens of likes and a handful of comments from customers expressing their gratitude for the company.
“It is with a heavy heart I share that we have lost our lease for our studio. This will be our last weekend to create in our space,” the owners wrote. “I will treasure all of our times together and all the things we have made together.”
Owner Kelsea Clayton said the closure happened as the company has struggled to make ends meet in the current business climate, including challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were unable to keep up with our rent,” Clayton said. “Our lease manager has been helpful and understanding to a point, but it is now at a point that it makes sense for both of us to go our separate ways.”
Clayton said, however, that she has not given up hope that the company will find an alternative way to provide creative opportunities for the community outside of the traditional storefront setting.
“I am hopeful that I can reinvent our business model,” she said. “We are currently regrouping and figuring out our next steps.”
To keep up to date on KClayton’s future endeavors, visit the company’s website for updates.
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