“Keeping arts alive and accessible”: Tomāto Tomäto Creative Space 1 year anniversary

Tomāto Tomäto Creative Space is a working art studio in downtown Renton that hosts crafting classes and parties and has been open for over a year now. The business celebrated that Sunday, July 21, with a craft swap.

The business, founded and owned by Kelly Affleck, sells original craft kits, hosts art classes for kids, pizza and painting nights for adults. It also partners with after-school programs and other businesses in the area.

Affleck likes having the ability to design the business how she wants, getting to meet “all these cool kids,” and involving the community in art through accessibility and keeping it fun.

“My favorite part is seeing the kids get excited about a craft,” Affleck said. “Giving a home for kids who sports don’t speak to as much is a big moment for me because I was that kid.”

Stella, a student at Sartori Elementary in Renton, is a regular at Tomāto Tomäto. She has attended most of the available classes, and from it all, her favorite thing that she’s learned is how to sew. She recently made a bag that she carries around everywhere, Affleck said.

Residents of the complex above Tomāto Tomäto, along with art class-goers and people passing by, stopped by the free craft swap on July 21 where anyone could donate to or take from. Tables inside and outside the store were full of fabrics, cross stitch kits, paints, old puzzles, yarn, and much more.

Tomāto Tomäto is located at 334 Wells Avenue South, in suite B2. For more information on workshops, events, and original craft kits, visit tomatotomatocreative.com.

Tomāto Tomäto Creative Space. Photo courtesy Annika Hauer