Art hangs on brick walls at the Pipe & Palette storefront.[/caption]

The first time June Parker peered into an empty storefront in downtown Plano, the neighborhood business community was far less active than it is today.

The space sat vacant in a neighborhood that had only recently been labeled an arts district—and an artistic use for the store was exactly what Parker had in mind.

“I was like [a] typical girl peeking through the window, imagining what it could be,” Parker said.

Since the age of 6, Parker said, she had wanted to teach art classes like the ones she offers today at Pipe & Palette, a home outfitting store with a collection of eclectic decorations and items that sets the atmosphere for the business’s various art classes and events.

Pipe & Palette, open since 2015, offers art classes for children and adults alike. Class participants can choose from a variety of options, including drawing, sculpting, painting and photography.

The lion’s share of business revenue comes from art class fees, Parker says. The items for purchase throughout the store, while a smaller revenue source, help lend to the atmosphere before class participants step into the backroom studio, she said.

The store works with local artists and holds regular community events to feature their work, Parker said.

Regular paint and sip events, where participants can bring their own wine and paint a simple design, are also held at the store.

Because many of the children’s class participants are repeat customers, Parker said she will soon offer art memberships—similar to gym memberships—that provide rate discounts for customers who plan to bring their children to multiple classes.

Starting in the month of June, Pipe & Palette will host a series of four-day summer camps for children. The classes will explore artistic expressions of a number of subjects, ranging from superheroes to unicorns.