After a decade in Beverly, Ancestry Moon Art Studio will close its location on Western Avenue at the end of March, according to owner Salima Cobb-Collins.
Cobb-Collins opened the studio in 2015 at 10338 S. Western Ave., aiming to create a space for local artists and art enthusiasts. “I really wanted to be an anchor in the community for visual arts, a place local artists can come in and use the facility to tweak whatever they have already been doing or learn new processes or techniques,” Cobb-Collins said.
Throughout its operation, Ancestry Moon offered art classes, after-school activities, workshops, art therapy sessions, and other events. Cobb-Collins, who has worked as an educator for many years, noted the growth she witnessed among her students during their time at the studio. “I have seen my students grow, students who did not consider themselves local artists until after being under my teachings,” she said. “They have always had a passion but didn’t have the know-how.”
She added that some students discovered new professional opportunities through their experiences at Ancestry Moon. “I have watched students develop style, learn processes and sell artwork and pick up commissions for their work,” Cobb-Collins said. “I will never forget how they felt when they sold their first piece.”
The decision to close follows news from the building’s new owners that tenant leases would not be renewed due to planned renovations needed to bring the property up to code standards. The commercial building at 10338 S. Western Ave., which houses several businesses including Kuk-Sool of Chicago and Creative Concept Hair Design, was recently acquired by new ownership who communicated renovation plans via email.
“All of my followers, clients and students are heartbroken,” Cobb-Collins said regarding the closure announcement. “They have nowhere else to go.”
Business owners occupying spaces in the building reported being given until April to vacate while requests for comment from ownership went unanswered.
Cobb-Collins has not yet decided whether she will relocate Ancestry Moon Art Studio elsewhere but expects to make a decision later this spring. In its final weeks, Ancestry Moon remains open Saturdays from noon until 2 p.m.
Reflecting on her time operating in Beverly and working with organizations like the Beverly Area Arts Alliance during events such as the Beverly Art Walk, Cobb-Collins expressed appreciation for her role in the neighborhood: “I am grateful for the time and the opportunity to be a part of Beverly,” she said. “This is always my home.”
