The Village Arts & Crafts Loft offers variety of classes and more!

Posted 10/22/21

Vicky and Joe Yatsko started their own art gallery to promote Joe's artwork.

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The Village Arts & Crafts Loft offers variety of classes and more!

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 INDIANTOWN – Often, a hobby or a passion ends up becoming much more than a "once in a while" thing. So it was for businesses owners, Vicky and Joe Yatsko. Vicky is a Realtor, was a Chamber of Commerce board member and past president. Joe is a photographer, a watercolor and acrylic artist, a stained-glass artist specializing in custom framing, cabinets, entertainment centers and more. So, about three years ago, the pair were looking for a way to showcase his work and the Village Arts & Craft Loft at 14980 SW Monroe Ave. was born.

Beads for jewelry design, wire, and connectors of all types, crafting instruction books as well as custom framing for your photos or artwork. Joe and Vicky are looking forward to serving you when you stop by the Loft.
Beads for jewelry design, wire, and connectors of all types, crafting instruction books as well as custom framing for your photos or artwork. Joe and …

It's a craft and art supply store with every inch of space filled with supplies for crafts and art. However, that's not all. The business also operates as a gift shop and art gallery. Other local artists besides Joe display their talents and wares to the public for sale. In addition, the family teaches art and craft classes in ceramics, pottery, stained glass, mosaics, acrylic pours, wooden signs, decoupage, jewelry-making, watercolor and acrylic painting. The Village Arts and Craft Loft is a one-stop-shop for art or crafting.

Village Arts and Crafts Loft interior with a variety of art supplies.
Village Arts and Crafts Loft interior with a variety of art supplies.

 "We want to encourage the arts in Indiantown," Vicky Yatsko said. She continued that age or skill set didn't matter. "Young, older, beginners or advanced learners, Joe modulates his teaching style to fit students." The owner or a family member teaches all the classes.

The Yatskos said the business had "sparked creativity" and fostered ground for friendships. They relayed how two class members had just met and began questioning about where the other one lived. One of the two suddenly exclaimed, "Where do you live? You're my neighbor!" Come to find out, they had lived in the same neighborhood for some time but had never met. The Village Arts and Craft Loft brought the unknowing neighbors together, forming a lasting relationship.

Acrylic and watercolor paintings, bottle art, wooden sign creation, glass art, pewter, stained glass artwork are all available at the Village Arts & Crafts Loft by local artists. The shop is located in the Dunkin Donuts Plaza by Cricket Wireless.
Acrylic and watercolor paintings, bottle art, wooden sign creation, glass art, pewter, stained glass artwork are all available at the Village Arts & …

The art and craft shop has no competition but was forced to use creative methods to stay alive and viable when the pandemic shut down all nonessential businesses last year.

"We made to-go boxes," Vicky said. "Customers would call and give orders over the phone. Then, we would fill a box of supplies and take it to their vehicle when they arrived." She indicated that flexibility and good customer service kept their business viable during a difficult time. When things opened back up, the Yatskos told of people attending classes saying, "I came to take a class just to do something." Also, "It feels so good to get together and destress" became a common phrase.

Mosaics, bracelets, necklaces, keychains and too many other craft items to mention are available at THe Village Arts & Crafts Loft at 14980 SW Monroe Ave. in Indiantown.
Mosaics, bracelets, necklaces, keychains and too many other craft items to mention are available at THe Village Arts & Crafts Loft at 14980 SW Monroe …

During their time in business, the Yatskos have held art classes at Discovery Village, a senior living facility in Stuart. "They love art, and it's a great thing for them to do. It enriches them. People need to do something they love," said Vicky. The couple stressed how much creativity affects their well-being.

One unique class the Yatskos have held was for a bridal shower. The wedding was to take place at the Seminole Inn, and the bride and groom wanted to celebrate with their wedding party in a special way. So the groom and groomsmen went golfing while the bride and bridesmaids invested in a wooden sign class. The Yatskos said not only was the experience unique but the bride and bridesmaids also had handmade keepsakes from a memorable day and time.

The largest group the couple have accommodated is 16. Although the store doesn't look like it should or could, the Yatskos created an accessible class area. Every shelving rack has wheels underneath and they conveniently roll aside, making room for tables and class member workspace.

"Indiantown has no support for an art gallery," Vicky said, but that hasn't stopped them from focusing time and effort on art-related events. For example, they host an annual arts and crafts fair. They put up tents on the sidewalk around the building for vendors. This year the event will be Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and they're inviting everyone to enjoy Indiantown's talent and artistry. In the past, they have also partnered with the Indiantown Lion's Club promoting art exhibits for school-age children, which usually is in the spring.

 "The long-range goal is to gather like-minded people and bring art culture to Indiantown," said Vicky.

The store is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Follow them on Facebook or call 772-597-2787 or 772-597-485-7748 for more information.

art classes, crafts, painting, craft supplies, art supplies, photography, custom framing, The Villiage Arts and Craft Loft, Vicky Yatsko, Joe Yatsko

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