Bethel Small Business Spotlight: Spark Arts

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Spark Arts
• Owner: Erin Volpintesta
• Website: www.sparkartsbethel.com
• Address: 137 Greenwood Ave.

How did you come up with name?

I jumped on the business name “Spark Arts” for a few reasons. First, I love the call to action of let’s all spark up some very needed arts! Second, I love the idea of art starting from a tiny spark of energy or desire that hopefully takes off like wildfire, charging and lighting up individuals and communities. I also feel like the word spark is very playful which is a big part of our positive vibe we strive to root our classes in.

What business are you In?

Spark Arts offers group classes in fine arts, dance, theater and music for ALL ages. Birth thru adult. We also offer personalized art themed birthday parties, Wine and Paint Nights, summer camps for fine art and performing arts.

Why start a business in this town?

I chose Bethel for Spark Arts mainly because it’s the town I have lived in for 16 years and have grown to love. While it’s a community that celebrates the arts I felt that there wasn’t enough outlets to grow in and learn various levels of art forms.

What is the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

The biggest difficulties Spark faces is both trying to figure out what types of art classes to offer and when to best accommodate the market and also, trying to figure out the most effective way to get the word out. Print ads? Social media? Word of mouth?

What has been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

I don’t know if I have had one proudest moment yet. But, there was an evening, not too long ago, when I had to run to Spark to grab something. I parked on Greenwood Ave. just as the advanced teen ballet class was about to start. It was a breathtaking sight: all these young, excited ballet students, in uniform, dashing down the sidewalks of Greenwood to get to class on time as the sunset cast a orange pink glow down the avenue. I don’t know exactly why that moment brought me such joy. Maybe it was watching Spark functioning successfully in a town I love, maybe it was a well needed calm after months of sleepless nights and non-stop hustling. But that moment made it all worth it.

How does your business give back to the community?

Spark is all about the community! We have hosted many fundraiser Wine and Paint Nights for nonprofits, we try to offer Family Friday Art Nights that are discounted so any budget can attend, we hosted a free dance party the day of Bethel’s Trick or Treat Street so people can warm up if need be, we have hosted numerous Girl Scout Troops for various patch requirements and we have a few projects in the works that would make Spark programming much more accessible to senior citizens.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.