Our Story.

Fernlark was founded by Shelly Collins and Kay Bratcher, longtime friends and two public school art teachers stepping into a new season of life and work. After years of creating within the structure of the classroom, we found ourselves wanting to grow in new directions—seeking a quieter, more open approach to creativity that makes space for slowness, attention, and making without pressure.

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Our years in education continue to shape what we offer. We know how to guide, encourage, and create environments where people feel at ease trying something new. At the same time, we’ve come to value a different kind of creative experience—one that is less about outcomes and more about being present to the process, using creativity as a form of care for ourselves and others.

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What we were looking for was simple: a way to return to creativity that felt approachable and real. In that process, we recognized how many others in midlife are carrying a similar desire—to step outside of routine, try something different, and reconnect with making in a more personal, grounded way.

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Fernlark grew from that shared need. We offer thoughtfully designed art experiences that invite people to gather, create, and spend time differently—no expectations, no required experience, just a clear place to begin.

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The name reflects the balance at the center of our work. The fern represents renewal and growth, while the lark—known for its upward flight and morning song—suggests joy, expression, and the possibility of beginning again. Our logo, two birds facing one another, represents both our partnership and the space we hold—for each other and for those who join us—attentive, mutual, and unhurried.

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Together, these ideas shape our core values: connection, renewal, and creativity. Fernlark is a place to come as you are, make something by hand, and leave with a sense of having spent your time well—creativity as care, offered and received.