Tucked away in the heart of Bulverde, Texas sits the historic Old Village in Downtown Bulverde. A bonafide artist commune, smack-dab in the middle of an area formerly known only for its rodeos and agriculture, The Old Village in Bulverde is like an oasis to creatives and those who enjoy a quirky shopping and eating experience. Among the most interesting of the spaces at the Old Village of Bulverde is The Makery Art Studio.
The Makery is a working art studio that offers a variety of hands-on workshops in such things as metalsmithing, textures, and mixed media. Specializing in jewelry-making, The Makery offers visitors a chance to create a memorable piece of art while reconnecting with their inner-artist. When you enroll in a workshop at The Makery, you’ll come away from the experience with, not only a new piece of art, but also a new-found confidence in your own artistic abilities and a new friend (or two).
The Makery Workshops and Hand-Crafted Goods
Photo: Jenny Webster Jurica
The brainchild of Bulverde residents, Nick and Francesca Watson, The Makery is unlike any other studio in the Hill Country. Located in the historic burg’s former 9-pin German bowling alley, The Makery is equipped with all of the tools and supplies that anyone from the creative-averse to the seasoned artist would need to come home with a delightful new piece of art or jewelry.
Not a Traditional Art School
Photo: Facebook/MakeryArts
Francesca Watson boasts that The Makery isn’t a traditional art school. Her hope is that people will attend workshops at The Makery and come away having made important connections. One thing that Watson prides The Makery on is its focus on hospitality. From opening her own home to the traveling artists who teach workshops to giving students at The Makery an all-inclusive experience (with gourmet lunches provided by local eateries), Watson thrives on cultivating a sense of community that comes from hosting these workshops.
Perfect For a Girls’ Weekend
Photo: Facebook/MakeryArts
The ideal location for a girls’ weekend away, The Makery at the Old Village of Bulverde is eager to help you create a weekend experience to go along with your time creating art. New casitas that are available to rent at nearby Tejas Rodeo make for a charming place to rest your head and reconnect with friends after a fun day of creating and communing. With exciting shopping and wonderful eating all located in Bulverde, there’s plenty to keep you entertained while exploring all that this portion of the Hill Country has to offer.
Most recently, The Makery has been working hard to realize their dream of providing online workshops for those who can’t experience The Makery in person. Launching this month, the “Makery University” offers live art instruction from the comfort of your own home. This opens up a whole world of possibilities for The Makery and its fans.
Before embarking on this adventure, Watson had a vision of an art studio that collaborates with instructors who are invested in giving away their knowledge, all the while remaining accessible and personable. Watson’s vision is realized on a daily basis in the heart of the Hill Country. With much love, dedication and a real love for her community, Watson is investing in the character of Bulverde and making a name for The Village throughout Texas and beyond.
