Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Nola.
Hi Christine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I realized I could draw when I was about 15 (because I had a crush on a boy who was an artist). Once I discovered I could draw, my curiosity took over and I experimented with painting, charcoal, pen & ink, pastels and watercolors, I realized my future career should include art in some form so I focused on graphic design & illustration in college. I earned a Bachelors Degree in Multimedia & Visual Communication and an Associate in Arts Degree in Marketing & Design. For most of my career, I’ve used my creative talents at work designing web sites, advertisements, brochures, and designing homes for a home builder. But fine art took a back seat while I raised children and had too little space to create. But fine art is what I’m most passionate about.
In 2022 I started teaching Paint & Sip classes in Northern Michigan restaurants and pubs. I fell in love with it because it combines my favorite things…. Art & people! I love to teach people how to be successful with art.,,, how to mix colors and choose the right tools and mediums that will help them achieve what they want to create. My classes take students step-by-step through the process of creating their very own art work. I’m an optimist by nature and believe just about anything can be figured out, including art!
In February of 2026, I decided to open a physical studio in downtown Cheboygan to give me a place to create art as well as expand what I could teach. I now host weekly group painting classes, host other artists to teach in my space, and offer drop-in studio time for people who want to come in to use my equipment and tools and make art on their own. Sometimes people need some guidance or encouragement. Other times they just want to be in a space that inspires them.
The other thing my new studio gives me is space to work on large scale art, which I could not manage at home. I’m just beginning a large scale mural project that will be announced and installed this summer in Cheboygan. I cannot wait for that reveal.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The main struggle I’ve encountered, as most artists do, is enough time to focus on art. Raising my kids and working full time didn’t allow a lot of room or time to be creative. Now that I’m an empty nester, I have a room dedicated to making art at home as well as at the Nola Creative Arts studio.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a fairly good painter, but I think the thing I’m most recognized for is my desire to share art. I love teaching others how to use painting tools, how to mix colors, how to not be afraid of the process. My greatest joy is seeing people attempt making art and fall in love with their own art. I’m most proud when my students enjoy the process whether they think they succeeded or not. I tell everyone comparison is the thief of joy. Just finding joy in making art is an achievement.
I’m so proud of my studio space that isn’t just a space for me to teach, but also for people to drop in on a whim and make some art. They don’t need supplies – I’ve got that covered – and they don’t have to clean up after themselves. They just come in to play and be creative and relax a little. It’s such a relaxing space. I’m really proud of that.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I think the most important lesson I’ve ever learned with art is that everyone has a unique artistic voice and there’s plenty of room in the world for art of all kinds. There are no right or wrong ways to express yourself artistically. What works for one artist does not necessarily work for another. I teach my students not to worry about other people’s opinions about their art because it only matters if they like it. If they make art they enjoy and are proud of, they will find their audience.
Pricing:
- $25 for most group classes
- $10 to drop-in the studio to make art on your own
- $25 per hour for individual instruction by appointment
- Art available in the studio ranges in price from $25 to $650
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nolacreativearts.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nola.creative.arts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18pchqrRHv/
