Taylor & Rae Studio turns barn space in Princeton into classes
PRINCETON — Joya Mutti has created a studio in her home that is “a place
PRINCETON — Joya Mutti has created a studio in her home that is “a place for people to come together, connect, and explore their creative side through home decor, fine art and furniture projects.”
The rustic studio space in the barn environment is home to artwork and classes to allow others to create.
“There are so many creative projects available,” Mutti said. “I teach workshops and weekend mini courses in the studio, as well as work on my own paintings. I am also excited to organize seasonal exhibits to support and celebrate local artists and makers. Down the road, there will be more opportunities for people to learn about and explore with interior decorating strategies and design styles.”
Mutti has an art background, including teaching, but the Taylor & Rae Studio at 12 Boylston Ave. is a mix.
“I would say my business is more of a fusion of fine art, design and community building. After a lifetime of making art and designing spaces for fun, I knew that my next career (after teaching art) would stay in the creative field, but have more opportunities for growth.
“Most past interior design work I’ve done has been on a volunteer basis, just because I love it and can’t help but sneak it in on the side,” Mutti said.
She is now sharing that skill with others.
“I really enjoy helping others make their spaces unique, beautiful and functional. Taylor & Rae Studio is about bringing people together, and helping people find inspiration for their own homes, develop hands-on skills, play with new materials and techniques in art and furniture restoration, and of course, fall in love with the creative process. I also really want to make a space that inspires people to get together with their friends or spouse to do something different and new from the typical evening out at a restaurant or bar.”
The studio’s creation involves some art and some repairs to the barn.
“Technically, the studio is still coming together. It is located on our property inside a charming, rustic barn. It’s a work in progress, as I am doing all I can to repair the barn with my husband, plan classes, create art, and figure out how to start a business while raising my two daughters.”
Her daughters inspired the name.
“I decided to name the studio after my girls’ middle names: Amaya Taylor and Avani Rae. A huge part of why I am doing this is to be able to be a full-time mom while working from home.
“As I strive to connect my passion for creativity and community, I want my daughters to see their mom taking risks, learning from failures and fighting for a dream. After flipping our first home, my husband and I started to look for a new property to renovate that included a barn with the potential to become the studio,” Mutti said.
“We moved to Princeton last spring, I had a baby, resigned from my 10 years of teaching art, and am now working each day to renovate both our house and the barn to start my business. Hopefully we will create something special for the community.”
Art has always been a part of Mutti’s life.
“In addition to my career in teaching art, I have always worked as an artist, primarily in painting. I’ve also done both freelance and volunteer work in interior design, decorating, home renovation projects and furniture restoration. My experience with interiors comes mostly from my own interior design work through many home renovation projects.”
At Nashoba Regional High School in Bolton, Mutti taught grades 9 to 12 in drawing, painting, mixed media, ceramics/pottery, printmaking and silk screening.
“I absolutely loved being a teacher,” Mutti said.
Although every artwork has its merits, Mutti does have favorites.
“My favorite pieces are the big ones and the ones that tell a story, reveal a part of me, and have lots of moody color and texture. Art is a release for me, a way to express something, to work through something and to share my version of beauty with others.
“The most rewarding thing for me in designing an interior space is finding beauty and potential in something broken or neglected. I love transformations and the challenges they bring. For me, design is storytelling, and each person’s story is unique and full of layers.
“In the end, I think a space should tell the story of the people who live there, and function with an efficient ease for their lifestyle,” Mutti said.
She brings those skills to bear for clients and for students.
“I think I can offer a unique connection between having experience in fine art, home renovations, and interior design and styling. I am definitely a visionary, so I love the design aspect,” Mutti said, “but I also love to get my hands dirty, and I have plenty of experience with the renovation side of things. I also have a decent understanding of the history of art and design after teaching high school art classes for 10 years.”
Teaching those from beginner to experienced, “I want to create an educational and rewarding experience for everyone. This is not a follow-along, cookie-cutter style of creating, but I will absolutely make sure each individual has what they need to succeed. I want to invite people who are curious but inexperienced as well as those who are more practiced creatives.”
At Taylor & Rae, students may find themselves being encouraged.
“I love teaching anything that involves getting your hands dirty, pushes people outside of their comfort zones, and results in an exciting and rewarding outcome.
“Painting is my personal favorite form of art, but I love teaching all kinds of projects and tactile art forms,” Mutti said.
“I really hope Taylor & Rae Studio becomes a place for people to escape their typical routines, find new sources of inspiration, and just to have so much fun.
“I also really hope that the studio becomes a place where local artists are supported and celebrated, and where people who have always dreamed about doing more creative things get the chance to do so.”
For more information, visit www.taylorandraestudio.com or call 978-870-9584.