HG Workshops
HG Workshops is located in Northfield New Jersey. This is truly a Hidden Gem of New Jersey, as it sits back in the far end of the parking lot behind a nail spot and some other businesses. Laura, the owner, has signs out front that direct you right to the front door. This space is very special because it is a creative space where the community gets to come together and intentionally “check in” to being creative.
“HG Workshops became my baby. This is my baby, my creation. I wanted it to be a place where other people can come to create. It’s really relevant and therapeutic for me, and I wanted it to be a space like that for others. I love inviting local artists, because I learn so much from them, and we get to learn from each other. I love that it is a place where the community gets to come together, take a break from their profession, and dive into something creative. My favorite part about owning this space is seeing the individuals overcome ‘adversity’ in beginning a project they might not feel confident in completing at the beginning. There is nothing like getting to see them complete the project and be proud of what they had accomplished and getting to take something special home.”
HG Workshops Website has all of the information that you would need to book your own workshop night! Her website offers a variety of options with some of them being, “your own private event”, Resin Boards, Candle Making, and more.
The History Behind HG Workshops:
Laura had married her husband who had two kids, and he did not want to have any more kids. Laura felt that she had a decision to make. The two of them remained married and Laura continued to work for his engineering company.
Laura was also a part of the airforce for 10 years. “We had a big warehouse, with plumbers, carpenters, and many other specialities all in one space. It was a collaborative space, a construction space, and I was one of the only girls in there. I often got messed around with because I would add my 'girly flare’ to things. It was a collaborative space where everyone got to come together and work together, and I wanted to bring that into something of my own that was more 'me’.”
Our MA Crew had our 2022 Holiday Party at HG Workshops, and it was such a fun experience. The large open work space made it feel perfect for our group size. We were able to bring in food and drinks to have before creating! Laura taught our group step by step how to make candles. We got to pick our scents, which are pictured above, and the canister we wanted to build our candles in! Laura shared different techniques and tactics on how to pour the wax to prevent future issues with candles. She was informative, kind, helpful, and it was so much fun to learn and create with coworkers! With many of our therapists being art therapists or artists, they are “creating artistic settings” for clients and cleaning them up daily. It was relaxing and therapeutic to be a part of something that we could focus on for ourselves and not have to worry about cleaning up!
