Creative Jam fosters creativity and community with space to create

Creative Jam in Lake George is hidden from State Route 9 behind a string of outlet stores and the Log Jam Restaurant where Routes 9 and 149 meet. It is 6,200 square feet of rustic log construction with a broad front porch sweeping across the front — a traditional Adirondack lodge that has been reimaged as a non-traditional space by artist Darcy Leigh.

Leigh’s business offers space for established and budding artists who have outgrown their home studios and need more space, or just a different space, to paint, write and craft. With the purchase of a day pass or membership, creators can bring their materials and tools to join like-minded artists in the open and airy studio.

For years the building was home to Fish307.com. When the fishing tackle “superstore” packed up its rods and reels and moved to Goggins Road in Lake George, the space became open for something new.  

Leigh spent several months refurbishing the building and opened the doors to Creative Jam in May 2024. She returned the log walls and floors to their natural golden pine glow. Though the space is large — it easily could serve as a banquet hall with room for a band and dance floor — the warm wood tones, comfortably furnished nooks and an abundance of plants and artwork give it a cozy, inviting feel. Walls of windows allow the sun to shine in.

Leigh says she wanted “to really make it a place where creative people want to come.” She seeks to create a community, a place like the famous Boston pub “Where everybody knows your name” when you step through the door. Her renovations included the addition of a fully accessible restroom and entrance ramp.

Leigh explained that Creative Jam has three components. In addition to offering workspace, Creative Jam has a full, eclectic schedule of classes, clubs and events, inviting the public inside to teach, learn and share. Classes offered so far have included working with watercolors, painting with acrylics, scrapbooking, yoga, and making and canning strawberry rhubarb jam. Creative Jam also is an art gallery where artists can display their work, and shoppers will find unique items for purchase.

One Sunday afternoon this January, a crew from the Lake George Examiner visited Creative Jam to join a ceramics painting class led by Megan Arnold, owner of Wicks From the Sticks. Arnold launched Wicks From the Sticks in 2017 to offer group crafting sessions. Over the years she built a following of crafters, and many attended her January session at Creative Jam.

The project was a simple one, decorating heart-shaped ceramic pieces with acrylic paints. The dozen and half participants, working at long, drop-cloth-draped tables, set to work applying their artistic vision to the sugar-cookie-shaped pieces.

Nickole Sutliff of Queensbury and her daughter Josie were among the participants along with several of Josie’s friends who were celebrating Josie’s birthday that day. They have participated in several Wicks From the Sticks crafting sessions at other venues. “It’s a great way to get away from the tablets” and other electronics, says Nickole. This was their first time at Creative Jam, and Nickole says she likes the space. “This feels like where art should be,” she said.

Arnold has another ceramic painting session at Creative Jam scheduled for March and says she hopes in the future to offer candle making classes as well.

Darcy Leigh continues to expand her offerings at Creative Jam. She is working on renovating the building’s lower level to offer private studio space and will open the courtyard behind the building in warmer weather for outdoor work. For more information about memberships and to sign up for a newsletter about upcoming classes and events, visit the Creative Jam website.