Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Woodward.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in North Myrtle Beach, and I love it here; it’s always been “home”. After high school, I spent about 12 years moving around between Columbia, SC, New Orleans, LA, and Concord, NC. When I had my first child, I knew I needed to be back at the beach so my kids could grow up near family. I was blessed to land a job teaching at North Myrtle Beach High School in the summer of 2019. I’ve been teaching visual arts at the secondary level for 12 years now. I typically teach Art 1, Ceramics/Textiles, and Advanced Placement Visual Art (2D/3D/Drawing). I have 3 beautiful babies. I have loving family all around. I live by a beautiful beach. I have an amazing church family at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church. I am blessed and so thankful to be where I am today.
I opened Anytime Art in the summer of 2025 in hopes that I could find a way to serve the community with an environment that was both comfortable and functional. Anytime Art was designed as a multi-purpose space; a creative workspace/studio, gallery, and event venue. We’ve got conference-style tables around the room, large floor easels, table-top easels, couches, coffee, Wi-Fi, an art library, cozy rugs, a full-size fridge/freezer, and locking storage cabinets for people using the space. The decor is a mix of antique, modern, and beachy bo-ho; an eclectic combination of styles to satisfy what your event will need! We offer art workshops and studio space, as well as rentals for business, educational use, or personal events.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My village is strong, and I’m so blessed to say I have the support of my family. I also couldn’t have made it where I am today without my faith in Jesus. There have definitely been times along the way that felt like a set-back, but there is always a point when if you are able to look back and see the growth that has come from adversity, you realize it served an important purpose, and sometimes it was even necessary.
Going into college, I initially wanted to go into painting. My father was a business guy – so he was greatly discouraged at this idea. Ha! So I decided to be a business major. After a couple of years, I told him I loved him, but I had to switch back to art. I decided to do photography though, in hopes of being a wedding photographer. I remember being a junior in College at the University of South Carolina, and I called my mom discouraged because I was dissatisfied with my experience during my internship at a local photography studio. I missed doing all kinds of art, and I didn’t love the idea of the isolation that would come from working at my computer editing images all day. My mom was brainstorming with me – I was always volunteering at the church with the children’s groups… I loved kids, and I loved art – I should be an art teacher! It was a light-bulb moment. I completed my undergraduate degree in studio art, got my Master’s in teaching, and began teaching in the fall of 2013. Teaching across the country has been invaluable to my growth as a person and as a teacher. I’ve taught in rural, urban, and suburban schools – and had to learn how to handle the challenges that come with those places. I’m thankful for the experiences that have led me to where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think artists often feel a lot of pressure. Pressure to be different, to set themselves apart, to find their niche. I have definitely felt that, and sometimes it still creeps up! And especially as a teacher, it used to really make me feel bad when people would ask about MY art, but I didn’t have much to show aside from project samples for class. My time was often so consumed with my classroom, that I didn’t have the emotional energy needed to pour out into my own personal artwork later in the day. Fast forward 12 years and 3 kids – and I’m even more short on time. However, I’ve realized that, for me, my art seems to be facilitating other people’s experiences. Whether I’m creating with students in my classroom or at the studio, I LOVE to see the learning happening around the room. I love to see light-bulbs go off, and people get that spark of energy that comes from thinking and problem-solving. And I love helping people have the best possible experience at their events. I’ve made cakes for weddings and showers, worked on interior design, and been available for whatever kind of help people need. So I’ve realized my art is being a facilitator. What do you need? I’d love to try and help you make it happen!
Anytime Art is the perfect venue to host your events. Whether you’re an artist looking for a studio to hold classes in, or a business looking for a beautiful venue to conduct meetings in, or whether you’re looking for a pretty location to host your own social event or shower, we’ve got you covered.
We also create custom group art experiences – perfect for crafty friend gatherings, neighborhood socials, church groups, etc. Let us know what you’d like to create, and we’ll create a custom event for you!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love worship music. My soul is at rest in the presence of Jesus. There is so much turmoil and anxiety in this world, and He’s the only one who can truly alleviate it. I love quality time with family and friends. Good memories are something I strive to create and document – I’m definitely guilty of always having my camera out. It’s a struggle between fully being in the moment and trying to capture it to relive it later. Time is fleeting. I love creating and brainstorming new ideas, specifically around classroom projects or interior design. The possibilities are endless!
Pricing:
- 75/hour space rental
- workshops and classes vary depending on time and topic
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nmbart.com/home
- Instagram: @anytime_art_nmb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Anytime-Art/61577005580460/
