Meet the Rhode Island Artist Taking Art Class on the Road

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Ashley Ernest brings the art class to you with Creative Wanderings Art Center. In her interview, the creative entrepreneur shares more about her art studio on wheels.

Tell us about Creative Wanderings Art Center.

We are a mobile art center for kids and adults. We work with many schools and organizations, creating art education programs for kids and families. Our programs are mobile, with an art camper that houses our supplies and materials for classes, camps and parties.

How did you come to this work, and when did it shift from something you did for fun into a business?

My family and I traveled in our camper, trying the tiny house life out during parts of COVID. We traveled for 6.5 months across the country, then landed in Rhode Island from Philadelphia, where we had been living for 6 years.

I had been working as a professional artist, designer and arts educator for over 20 years, and I even spent some time nannying after grad school for multiple families. I did some online art teaching, ran workshops and created art while traveling.

I heard a quote recently that said, "If you won the lottery would you still work?" and my answer is always yes because I love what I do! Creativity and community run through my veins.

In Rhode Island, I was home with my 1.5-year-old son and was going to start a nanny share or in-home daycare because I love working with kids and it would have allowed me to be home with him. That didn't pan out. After a conversation with a good friend and my life coach at the time, I began dreaming up and designing a plan for a mobile kids' art business that does art parties. I noticed there was nothing like it in Rhode Island.

What support did you need to launch your business?

I found a business mentor to help make the dream come to life. My background was entirely in art and education. Though I owned a small jewelry business, I needed more help with the logistics of planning and opening a larger, more successful business. So my husband Matthew and I stripped the camper down, got it professionally painted, had a logo professionally put on and did some remodeling inside, and voila Creative Wanderings was born. (With a lot of love, mistakes and sweat along the way!)

I have always been a goal-oriented person and have always wanted my job to not just be a job but be a career that I loved. And I love art, education and creative wanderings. I heard a quote recently that said, "If you won the lottery would you still work?" and my answer is always yes because I love what I do! Creativity and community run through my veins.

What are you working on now, or what’s the piece of work you’re most excited about right now?

I do create artwork as well, but these days I'm only in my studio for my own work about once a week because Creative Wanderings is my main focus. The pieces I see right now are amazingly created by all the kiddos we work with!

What’s something about running a creative business you wish more people understood?

That it is possible to live and support yourself with a creative job. I do think more art schools/art programs should provide more business advice and give artists the skills to create businesses.

What’s the most useful piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their creative business?

Get a business mentor.

What brings you joy outside of your work?

My son, who is 5. Working on my own art, yoga, the outdoors, the beach, date night with the hubby, a good friend hang and good food.

Thanks, Ashley! You can learn more about Creative Wanderings Art Center at www.CreativeWanderingsArt.com.

Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.