Located in Westmount’s artistic hub, Galerie Crafteria is a drop-in art space where children can do a project while mom and dad run a few errands. With an array of different materials, mediums and techniques to choose from, kids can make picture frames and jewelry boxes, paint, put together collages or bead necklaces.

Different from conventional art schools where registration usually requires an eight-week commitment, Crafteria offers art on a whim. It also mixes things up and keeps them fun and exciting by regularly changing and adding crafts based on the time of year and holidays.

The idea of Crafteria, “where they serve art instead of food,” came to artist Randee Crudo in the middle of the night. Soon after, Crudo quit her “desk” job and opened a studio that allows her to explore her creativity, exhibit her art and provide both kids and adults with the opportunity to create their own mini masterpiece.

Adorned with Crudo’s own colourful canvases, which she describes as abstract fluidity, Crafteria is a welcoming space.  The owner is friendly, enthusiastic and always on-hand to assist the kids. She provides instruction and ideas, but pushes the children to use their own creativity.

And adults who have always wanted to dabble in art but have been afraid to commit can get a taste of watercolour or abstract painting, book binding or jewelry making. Crafteria also hosts bachelorette parties and showers, as well as birthday parties for adults and young Picassos.

The cost of a one-hour workshop starts at $15 (the price varies depending on the project).

Crafteria is located at 342A Victoria Ave. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday is reserved for birthday parties and other events.

For more information, call (514) 488-0204 or visit www.galeriecrafteria.com