Press Release: Mad Genius Studios Opens Its Doors for Collaboration and Curated Events
Mad Genius Studios Opens Its Doors for Collaboration and Curated Events
This caboose-turned-studio apartment has a magical backyard and is located just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville.
May 23, 2019—A few miles past where downtown thoroughfare Patton Avenue turns into Smoky Park Highway, a six-decades-old caboose sits tucked right off the main road in a cocoon of mature trees on a magical little slice of land. Mad Genius Studios was created as a collaborative space to shine a light on the artists, makers, and the amazing entrepreneurs that make Western North Carolina a special place to live, work and play.
During their first event on May 16, Shop & Sip Third Thursdays, five artists (Positive Pine Studios, JP Astrophotography, Higher Dimension Apparel, Queen Rose Jewelry, and Sarah of the Shire Paints) came together to live paint and wood burn while the new Asheville band Cactus Punch played on the raised deck and new food truck Ego Food Co. served guests near the lawn games while attendees browsed the pop-up retail shop as they sipped on free samples of Jun by Shanti Elixirs. For the June 20 event, they are curating more makers and artists and adding a vintage pop-up closet. Part of the proceeds for both events will be donated to Arts for Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people facing serious illnesses and disabilities.
On June 17, Mad Genius Studios is hosting an open house for event planners, bands, chefs, mixologists, and business owners from 5:30-7:30pm. Journalists who want to see what some of the local business owners are up to for potential future stories are encouraged to attend as well. Complimentary appetizers and drinks provided and live music. The space is available for customized team building, retreats, networking events, panels, workshops, screenings, intimate concerts, and any other type of event that lends itself to less than 75 people and always benefits cause or charity in some way as Mad Genius Studios hopes to soon become a certified BCorp.
Other upcoming events include weekly outdoor yoga classes on Wednesdays from 6:30-8pm. Doors open at 6pm for those who’d like to enjoy infused water and mingle, and part of the proceeds go to YWCA. Suggested donation $10-20 and includes a post-workout beverage. Beginners encouraged and all levels welcome. Practice takes place on a 1200 sq. ft. rock terrace under 40-foot trees, and a large tent is set-up in the case of poor weather.
On June 19 at 8pm, Mad Genius Studios will host the first free She-EO book club, a place for women in business to gather and share three takeaways from their favorite business, inspirational, or really any book. Instead of all trying to read the same book every month, attendees will share the best nuggets to help the other woman trying to start or grow their business or move up in their career.
Details about future events including Movie Mondays, Sunday Pop-Up Suppers, yoga retreats, Self-Care Expo, and a women’s empowerment retreat will be shared soon and dates can be found on the Mad Genius Studios Facebook page.
The space is also available for couples who want to have a farm-to-table rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch in a unique setting with a long table, twinkling lights, and red-and-white barn that helps create the backdrop to a rustic chic vibe--and have photo ops in, on, and around the caboose. Elopement packages also available.
About Mad Genius Studios
Mad Genius Studios aims to create collaborative spaces for creative events, starting with a converted caboose located 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. In 2002, the former owners had the caboose craned onto a short set of railroad tracks and went about converting the space into a studio apartment to use as a vacation rental and kept plenty of original touches. Outside incorporates a classic red-and-white barn, 1200 sq. ft. rock terrace, hot tub, and large yard that features lawn games and a converted school bus which will soon be available for additional overnight guests as part of their retreat offerings. The 0.7-acre property makes a great setting for a variety of unique and customized experiences.
Owner Shawndra Russell has been writing about the movers and shakers of Western North Carolina for five years for outlets such as Capital at Play, VisitNC, Mountain Xpress, and Explore Asheville. Mad Genius Studios provides another way to highlight the amazing entrepreneurs she’s been fortunate to cover and help shine a spotlight on new businesses and innovators. She believes work should be more fun and that we are all mad geniuses.
Contact Information:
Shawndra Russell, owner
https://www.madgeniusstudios.com/
419-651-0074
121 Cozy Rose Lane
Candler, NC 28715