Meet Cathy Balanoff | Art Studio Owner and First Grade Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathy Balanoff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cathy, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
This is an interesting question because I actually have two different careers that involve a lot of creativity. I own an art studio and I am a first grade teacher. I have always been drawn to art and creativity. I find art to be fulfilling and feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence when I make something beautiful. I believe that creating is something that we often don’t give enough time to. I love watching people come into my studio and make the transition from feeling apprehensive to their face lighting up when they’ve become inspired. It always happens… to everyone! Once people start, the creativity flows out like it has built up for years…it probably has! To me, that means there is a natural desire for us to want to create! It’s so inspiring to me. It’s healing, which we all need in good times and tough times. In my classroom, I love to let my students explore the arts and integrate it into our day. Building confidence as a creator is a strong foundation for a little human. I am so grateful that I am doing two things that I love and feel so passionate about.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is my studio that I share with the community. It’s the art of creating a space where people want to be and a place where they are inspired to create something themselves. As a teacher, my art is also creative a space where my students feel comfortable and relaxed but also inspired and motivated to learn and grow. Creating spaces for me isn’t easy. I have a hard time making decisions! There is so much beauty in the world and so many things inspire me. In the end it all seems to come together. I want to share how passionate I am about what I do. I love both of my jobs and work so hard to make everyone feel a connection to me and the space we share.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take them to my studio. We would get geared up for the Splatter Room, turn on the black lights, turn up the music and let go! We would create something beautiful and have a blast doing it! Next we would make an acrylic pour. It’s mesmerizing to watch paint move over a canvas and explode with shapes and color. Then I would head to the beach and look for a sound bowl healing or meditation. Looking out into the ocean is so calming for me. It really puts me in the present moment. Finally, we would go to Mustard Seed Bistro in Plantation, one of my favorite restaurants and eat something amazing!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank my friends and family that have supported me. I’ve made a lot of changes in the last few years and I appreciate those who believed in me and kept me believing in myself!

Website: www.pinspiration.com/davie

Instagram: @pinspirationdavie

Facebook: @pinspirationdavie

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pinspiration-davie-davie

Image Credits
Jessica Ivory Photography