Neighborhood Business Highlight: Studio Whimzy
Owner, Sarah Kathyrn Dossett
Since 2010, Sarah Kathyrn Dossett has been helping locals, Ole Miss students and visitors use their creative sides to both create art and experience art at her studio, Studio Whimzy. Sarah Kathyrn is a Mississippi native and graduated with a B.F.A. in Printmaking from the University of Mississippi. She recently shared, “I wanted to stay in Mississippi and teach art and that is truly why the studio exists.” And we are so glad she did!
Studio Whimzy offers so many wonderful opportunities, experiences and classes for the young and the old. From acrylic to watercolor to painting classes, you are led by Sarah Kathyrn in a fun and laid-back atmosphere. She recently shared, “I love coming to work every day because I get to be around children and adults that want to try something new and be creative. Many people think they can’t do it, and I like to think by the time they leave the studio, they feel a little bit of that ‘I can do it’ and that brings me a lot of joy. We also just have fun at the studio. Nothing is too serious and we get to create art every day.”
Studio Whimzy is currently in the middle of their summer art camp season. The camps run weekly during the months of June and July. They are geared towards ages 5 and up to age 13. Each camp has a theme where they teach art history and technique with as many mediums as possible - all while having a ton of fun! And let’s not forget about Birthday Parties at the Studio! These are private events that last two hours. There are different packages which include all the paint supplies you need, party favors, balloons, etc. and the birthday person gets to pick the project, so it’s creative and unique to each individual.
During the school year, Studio Whimzy is busy with after-school art lessons for children ages 4 through 15. These are typically held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school. It’s a 12 week program where Sarah Kathyrn teaches in a small group setting, but the focus is on each individual’s ability level of technique and talent to really push each student into a greater understanding of themselves and making art. Adults and Ole Miss students can attend a Z event at night or female students can schedule an event at a sorority house on the University of Mississippi campus. They even offer the option of coming to your home and setting up for an event!
Studio Whimzy has a great location just across the street from Pat Lamar Park. Sarah Kathyrn shared, “We have been in our current location for 10 years. We have watched so much growth happen around us. I’m really proud of where we are - it’s a great little corner of Oxford across from Pat Lamar Park and that aspect makes it really special. It’s busy and bustling but there’s also a calmness to it since it’s off the Square and the main business district. But what I love most is just being next to Skymart and having Living Foods next-door and being across from the park. This is a really great location and it has changed so much since we’ve been here because of the growth in Oxford.”
We ask our Neighborhood businesses how the Oxford and Lafayette county real estate market affects them. Sarah Kathyrn shared, “The growth that we have seen in Oxford over the last 10 years in the real estate market has truly affected Studio Whimzy. It has given us staying power here in the community. We suffered a bit through Covid, like everyone, but our community is strong, and we’re constantly seeing new customers. We are so blessed and lucky to be here after 10 years and I think that the real estate market and the growth here in Oxford has really afforded us that opportunity.”
We are so grateful to Sarah Kathyrn for bringing her infectious joy, love of art and creativity to our community. Studio Whimzy is located at 807 College Hill Road. You can sign your child up for an art class, book a birthday party, schedule an art event at your home, or purchase one of Sarah Kathyrn’s works of art all on her website. And be sure to follow Studio Whimzy on social media for upcoming Z nights and other events (studiowhimzyoxford)!
Neighborhoods close by: 800 Park, Country Club, Pinecrest, Stone, Parkview, Tatum, Turnberry Court, Bill Tucker
