New DIY Studio, 'Art Thou Meow', Opens In Westhampton Beach

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — What could be better than a place that combines DIY projects and, well, kittens? That was the vision owner Jamie Booth had for Art Thou Meow, which will celebrate its official grand opening on Tuesday, Nov. 26 in a new location at 216 Mill Road in Westhampton Beach.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m., with live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Art Thou Meow, said owner Jamie Booth, is a DIY studio and art boutique with a plethora of creative projects for customers of all ages to choose from, including fine arts and painting, holiday decor, wood stenciling, sign boards, and fiber arts.

“We focus on creativity, relaxation and having a good time,” said Booth. “Everyone leaves with something they can be proud of.”

As an entrepreneur — who also has a movie franchise business — and commercial artist, Booth, of Westhampton Beach, decided to open Art Thou Meow to bring her passions, including cats, into one place. She holds a fine arts degree in graphic design and has been teaching arts and craft classes for more than 20 years. She also volunteers at local animal shelters and assists in fostering kittens before they are old enough to be adopted. The kittens spend time with her in the studio, and go home with her at night — and sometimes, find their forever families in the shop.

One kitten was spotted in the window by a person who later adopted the sweet feline, she said; she is allowed to have up to three cats in the shop and if a person is interested in adoption, they are referred back to the shelter or agency that Booth is fostering with.

The kittens, she said, are purringly popular."Here I am, working on all these art projects, and all I have to do is let one kitten wander around the store and everyone is coming in to look at it," she said.

The cats, she added, bring joy and relaxation to all. "This has been my vision for three years — art and cats in one place," she said.

The cozy shop is welcoming to the many who come to create.

“When thinking about opening this business, I decided I wanted to offer something really special where I raised my children. This space is quite special, with a wood-burning fireplace,” said Booth.

In addition to classes, Art Thou Meow also features an art boutique filled with handcrafted, quality goods, including jewelry, graphic fashion, fiber art and items for cat lovers.

While the grand opening will not take place until November 26, the studio is currently open and offering a wide variety of crafting opportunities and artisan-made gifts to purchase.

To view a full list of classes on Art Thou Meow’s website, click here.