A beautiful sunny afternoon greeted the enthusiastic crowd gathered for Kanab Create’s grand opening and ribbon cutting on March 17, 2023, at 32 South Main Street in Kanab. Business owners Claudia and Ron Thomas have been creative mainstays in the community for years, with Claudia’s do-it-yourself art workshops and Ron’s fresh-baked homemade banana bread operating out of their home and in high demand. Moving into business space for Claudia’s studio puts the creative pair in the middle of downtown and provides a point of sale for Ron’s delicious baked creations.
“It felt like the right time to expand,” said Ron. “The support from the community for Claudia’s workshops and my baked goods has been wonderful,” he added, “and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to our new creative space.”
Both Claudia and Ron are members of the Kanab Area Chamber of Commerce, who sponsored the grand opening and ribbon cutting, one of several already held this year at locations like The Cut Scene, Brown Box Bakeshop, and Taro Coffee. Ron serves as the vice-president of the chamber, but it was Matt Claflin, the chamber treasurer, who welcomed the crowd last Friday.
County Commissioner Celeste Meyeres and City Manager Kyler Ludwig were both on hand to welcome the new venture, each commenting on the importance of small businesses to local economic development and expressing gratitude to Claudia and Ron for their work in the community.
Claudia and Ron next took a moment to share their thanks for the community’s support, noting that the studio would continue to be a welcoming space for creators, makers, and families of all ages, as well as a point of sale for Ron’s amazing homemade banana bread. “Our workshop room is a fun place to learn, create, and share in a no-judgment zone,” said Claudia. Their new location will be open from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thursday – Monday.
The crowd was notable for its energetic good cheer, with Claudia encouraging everyone to come inside to try an art project or sample a loaf of Ron’s bread. About 40 people were in attendance, including adults, families, and children, and RaeChele and Leela Alldridge of Fourth Watch Ranch even arrived at the event on horseback to support the Thomases, instantly capturing the rapt attention of every child in the yard.
Learn more about Kanab Create here: facebook.com/cauthomasstudio.
Learn more about the Kanab Area Chamber of Commerce here: kanabchamber.org.
