By James Kent
Nearly a year after opening Kaleidoscope Art Supply on Center Street in downtown Rutland, Raven Crispino continues cultivating a welcoming and inclusive space where artists of all levels can explore their creativity. Despite the economic challenges of maintaining a small business, Crispino remains deeply committed to fostering a vital arts community and providing opportunities for artists to showcase their work and teach their craft.
A safe space for art and connection
Kaleidoscope Art Supply offers more than just art supplies—it serves as a creative hub where artists can exhibit their work, lead workshops, and connect with fellow creatives. The store features a unique blend of global art supplies, locally made pieces, and an inviting gallery space.
“I do feel like I’m embraced by the community,” Crispino said. “A lot of people come in and tell me, ‘Thank you for being here.’”
Her gallery shows have garnered a strong response, drawing in crowds and creating opportunities for artists. “When I throw the shows, the place gets packed,” she said. “People respond to what I’m doing, and that creates opportunities—for more people to get involved, for instructors to teach and get paid. Everything is an opportunity under this roof.”
More than just a storefront
The back room can be used for classes, workshops, shows, and performances.
One of the defining features of Kaleidoscope Art Supply is its backroom space, which transforms into a workshop and event venue. With a hidden door disguised as a bookshelf, the space can be closed off from the retail area, providing an intimate setting for classes, private events, and gatherings.
“This looks like just a bookcase, but there are parties that happen behind it,” Crispino said, demonstrating the clever design. “That door is like my Muse—it inspired so much of what happens here.”
The room has hosted birthday parties, art classes, and community discussions, further cementing its role as a stimulating creative hub in downtown Rutland.
A business built on passion
Despite her success in creating a thriving arts space, Crispino does not take a paycheck from the store. “The only people who get paid here are the artists,” she said. “Everything goes right back into the business.” She supplements her income with a separate job, ensuring that Kaleidoscope Art Supply remains open and accessible to the community.
Crispino recognizes that many people assume small business owners are financially secure, but that isn’t always true.
“I didn’t go into this thinking I was going to make a lot of money or retire off of this,” she said. “I just keep the store running. I put gas in the tank and go.”
The store and gallery space serve as points of entry for artists to make their dreams come true, and for Crispino, achieving that is the mission of Kaleidoscope Art Supply.
“I have the platform right now with the space and this downtown business,” Crispino said. “The work gets out there more, so that’s why I wanted to open up the spot for local artists.”
Upcoming events at Kaleidoscope Art Supply
Crispino is dedicated to keeping the space lively with a variety of events.
“Inside Kaleidoscope Art Supply, we have our Almost Spring market on March 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” she shared. “There’s going to be 11 local vendors, and it’s free to attend.” Crispino also teased a vintage pop-up event on April 5, where attendees can shop for unique clothing and ephemera.
Additionally, the store will host its first Jazz Night on March 14, featuring a local jazz trio performing an improvised set in an intimate, black-box-style setting.
“It’s a by-donation event,” she said. “We want to see the response, and if it works, we’ll keep doing it.”
For those interested in exhibitions, the Galentine’s Day show remains on display through April 6, offering another opportunity for visitors to experience local artwork.
An inclusive vision for the future
Beyond selling supplies and hosting events, Crispino is committed to making Kaleidoscope Art Supply a welcoming space for everyone.
“Causes and holding safe places for people of all backgrounds and identities—that’s important to me,” she said. “I feel like I’m making a difference in Vermont.”
Looking ahead, Crispino hopes to continue inspiring people to explore art and embrace their creativity. “My dreams are to make other people’s dreams come true,” she said. “That’s really why I feel like I’m here.”
For more information, visit: kaleidoscopeartsupply.square.site.
