Stanley Marketplace is a vibrant community hub that fosters creativity, inclusivity, and a sense of wonder. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration or a parent looking for a fun family outing, Stanley Marketplace has something for the artist in all of us.
Encourage a Love for Learning Through Artistic Expression
Curated creativity is important for all ages, but especially for children. A 2019 study by the Brookings Institute showed that students with increased arts education experienced less disciplinary infractions, better standardized writing scores, and increased compassion for others.
Being in an inspiring environment—like the cool, industrial setting of Stanley Marketplace—unlocks imaginative play, problem-solving skills, and self-expression, allowing young minds to explore new ideas, develop their unique talents, and build confidence in their abilities.
The school year is about to begin, and with it, your child’s curiosity is going to blossom. That eagerness to grow and explore will continue after school and on the weekends, and Stanley Marketplace is an environment where you can encourage your child’s love of learning.
Art for All Ages at Friend Assembly
Friend Assembly is a cornerstone of creativity at Stanley Marketplace. This collective space is designed to bring people together through art, workshops, and community events. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, a child or an adult, Friend Assembly offers a welcoming environment where you can explore and enhance your artistic skills.
“We aim to create a welcoming environment where creativity can thrive, inspiring our visitors to think outside the box and tap into their artistic expression,” says Sarah Schreiber, owner of Friend Assembly. “We provide a fun and engaging way to transition from summer break to the school year, helping reignite a love for learning and hands-on exploration. Participating in our workshops, kids classes and camps can also help ease the transition, providing an opportunity for structured learning and making it an enjoyable experience for everyone.”
A variety of workshops and classes for artists of all ages will open in September, including wheel throwing and intro to sculpture for adults, as well as toddler classes and after-school classes for children. Friend Assembly also hosts one-time workshops such as Saturday Parent’s Night Out events and Give the Wheel a Spin, a perfect date-night activity for adults (BYOB from any bar or bottle shop within Stanley Marketplace).
Cutting-Edge Creativity at MindCraft Makerspace
MindCraft Makerspace is much more than a toy store — it’s a family-friendly destination where creative potential meets innovation.
“Designed to ignite the potential in every child, MindCraft offers a dynamic blend of creativity and cutting-edge technology with a diverse variety of STEAM and academic programs that are perfectly tailored to inspire young minds,” says Dr. Cristina Hartman, owner of MindCraft Makerspace. “From thoughtfully curated summer, fall, and spring break camps to engaging after-school programs and personalized tutoring, we offer top-notch educational experiences. Our programs are crafted to intrigue and educate, providing hands-on experiences with state-of-the-art technologies like 3D printers and 3D pens while offering age-appropriate workshops, unforgettable birthday party experiences, and movie nights that offer parents a night out.”
At the MindCraft Makerspace after school program, children explore everything from coding to crochet and stained glass to science experiments. The shop also offers camps during fall, spring, and winter breaks, and birthday parties with fun themes like Medieval Castles, Slime Lab, and Secret Agents.
The All-Abilities Playground: Inclusive Fun and Creativity
Creative play is crucial for children’s development. It enhances their problem-solving skills, fosters social interaction, and encourages them to express themselves in new and imaginative ways.
Stanley Marketplace’s all-abilities playground, LuBird’s Light Playground, is a testament to the community’s commitment to inclusivity and creative play. This playground is designed to be accessible to children of all abilities, providing a safe and stimulating environment for creative exploration.
The playground features ramps, wide pathways, and sensory play areas that accommodate children with different physical abilities. Children can enjoy handicapped accessible swings, spinners and slides, musical sensory play equipment, and smooth barrier-free surfacing to ensure a safe play space for everyone.
A Marketplace That Invites Your Curiosity
Walking through Stanley Marketplace is a creative experience in and of itself: you’ll encounter a diverse array of shops, eateries, and spaces. Each visit offers something new to discover, from unique handcrafted goods to culinary delights. Housed in a repurposed aviation manufacturing facility, the exposed beams, high ceilings, and large windows of the marketplace create a unique backdrop that pays homage to the building’s history while providing a canvas for contemporary creativity.
Stanley Marketplace is more than just a shopping and dining destination; it’s a vibrant community space where creativity is celebrated and nurtured. Whether you’re engaging in an art class at the Friend Assembly, watching your children explore at MindCraft Makerspace or LuBird’s Light Playground, or simply soaking in the industrial-chic atmosphere, Stanley Marketplace offers countless ways to explore and express your creativity. Visit today and discover the many creative opportunities that await you!