04/27/2026
✨ "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." — Seneca
To our wonderful Merrill community, friends, and patrons,
With a mixture of deep gratitude and a heavy heart, we are writing to share that The Creative Spirit will be closing its doors at the end of May 2026.
When we opened in June 2024, it was with a dream to create a vibrant, cozy space where art, laughter, and community could thrive. Over the last two years, we have hosted over 220 incredible events, watched strangers become fast friends, and shared in so many of your life’s milestones. We are endlessly proud of what we built together.
Running a small business in a small town is a labor of pure love. Sadly, due to the current economic climate and the shifting landscape for local workshops, we realize we can no longer sustain this beautiful dream in this location. We have tried to pivot and fight to keep going, but it is time for us to exit gracefully and cherish the memories we have made.
We want to thank our amazing landlords, Richard and Sharon Schmidt, the incredibly talented artisans who shared their crafts with us, and every single one of you who walked through our doors and supported us. You made our dream real.
We are fully committed to completing our journey here on a high note! We have two final, very special events left, and it would mean the absolute world to us if you would fill our space one last time:
🐎 May 2nd – Kentucky Derby Dinner: Let's get dressed up, enjoy amazing food, and celebrate the Derby in style!
🎂 May 14th – Our Farewell & My Birthday Celebration: Come share dinner or a toast, a laugh, and a final goodbye with us as I celebrate another trip around the sun and say thank you to this community.
Please help us make these final weeks unforgettable. Spots are limited, so please reach out to book your place!
With all our love and creative spirits,
Mark, Kathleen and Natalie, Walter too!