More Than Just Art is looking for a new owner

More Than Just Art – a place for art, growth, and healing, is a vibrant, thriving business that deserves not only accolades for its inception but also its continued success as a gathering place, a hub, for the arts and artistic training, holistic healing, music, and mindfulness practice. That such an enterprise flourishes and supports the arts in Huntsville and Muskoka is a testament to the determination and vision of its two founders, Diane and Gord Finlayson. It is also a space for a new generation of owners to shape and embolden the artistic endeavours of the burgeoning Huntsville Arts, theatre, and music scene.

Diane, and Gord Finlayson

Established in Muskoka in 2009, More Than Just Art was later incorporated and opened its current Center in 2017. Initially, this Center opened as an art studio/classroom for aspiring artists of all ages to come for practical lessons and as a holistic healing space where Reiki, Mindfulness, and modalities such as Yoga could be offered and taught. Divided into unique spaces, accessed by maze-like hallways, the overall studio currently accommodates several differing art forms from dance to music, and drama to Qigong offered by independent businesses and individuals. Applicants come from all age groups and special programs are designed to ensure all students and participants learn, grow and retain valuable skills. Within its walls, More Than Just Art itself intertwines multiple activities such as classes and workshops in visual arts, mindful living practices, Reiki, and other energy healing modalities.

With 3,400 square feet of wheelchair-accessible floor space, rooms are sized for a variety of activities. A fully inventoried art room is available for classes for notable local artists who provide detailed lessons and workshops. The Muskoka Music Center has dedicated studio space which they have equipped with pianos and other musical instruments. There is a large airy 26’ x 27’ studio accessible to facilitators for conferences, workshops, and classes which is versatile to accommodate music, dance, visual arts, yoga, Qigong, and other large group events.

Envisioned by Diane Finlayson as a centre for excellence, she also recognized the value of establishing a welcoming and inclusive space for learning, growth, and development respecting the needs of the community at large and respecting the many disciplines available for wellness, in its broad sense. This centre has grown into a fusion of fine arts (music, drama, visual arts) and holistic arts (yoga, Qigong, mindfulness, energy healing modalities, and a gathering place for support groups).

Gord supplies a variety of administrative skills, including social media and web presence. Gord designed and built the current facility with great attention to detail to ensure that space was apportioned specifically to serve the nature of the Center and all its functions. The pragmatism in their devoted approach to the business has meant that the business runs profitably and supports all its activeness, including assisting specialized community groups with cherished programs. At its present pace, the business is managed by the owners Diane and Gord but is also well prepared for growth. As a highly structured business, it is adaptable to the headwinds of market forces.

Often described as magical and a jewel of the community, More Than Just Art is currently available as a great opportunity to own a developed and well-managed business that lends itself to growth and diversity. There are endless possibilities for small business owners and facilitators of modalities and various disciplines to rent space so as to offer their specialties to the community in a well-appointed and professional space.

Not only a business but an intricate service centre for the arts and wellness needs of the community, this opportunity is directly suitable to a wide array of business operators but especially appealing to those dedicated to cultural undertakings. Diane and Gord are hopeful that More Than Just Art will continue to bring “the love and light that this place provides for everyone”.

Diane and Gord invite you to come by, experience the growth and the possibilities that are inherent here. Anyone interested in knowing more about purchasing More Than Just Art is asked to call Gord at 705-784-0380. E-Mail: [email protected], Website: https://morethanjustart.ca/

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