The Free Art Studio finds a new space for their weekly ‘bad art’ workshops in Iowa City

The Free Art Studio, an Iowa City organization that strives to make art accessible for all, held their first workshop in their new home, the Ned Ashton House, on March 8. The studio was previously housed in Iowa City’s Wright House of Fashion.

With help from a variety of community members, Lauren Simmering and Penelope Wilkins started the studio in February 2025. At the time, they were hosting solely “open studios,” where people could come and work on any project they wanted to, regardless of medium or ability. In July 2025, they held their first official tie-dye workshop at the Wright House of Fashion. 

“We’ve had a lot of really successful workshops, and we’ve expanded a lot into the community with that focus on making ‘bad art,'” Wilkins said. “It’s about art leading to community.”

Their first tie-dye workshop was in collaboration with the Community Inclusion Club. The CIC is an all-inclusive, nonprofit organization in Iowa City for adults with and without disabilities. They hold monthly events and state that their mission is dedicated to bringing people together through engaging events, meaningful activities and shared experiences. 

Simmering and Wilkins have been volunteering on the CIC board for three years and both been heavily involved with the CIC’s Special Olympics event. Simmering said their goal at the Free Art Studio is to make art accessible in the way that Special Olympics makes sports accessible.

The Free Art Studio is composed of a board of directors and community volunteers. Simmering emphasized that they want and encourage volunteers with disabilities to be a part of their inclusive community. 

“There is no exclusion of any kind,” Wilkins said, “and it’s free, which is maybe the most accessible thing you could possibly do. And now we have a physically accessible location.” 

Through CIC connections, Simmering and Wilkins were able to secure the Ned Ashton House as the Free Art Studio’s new home. The Ashton House, located at 820 Park Rd in northwest Iowa City, was a private residence built in 1947 by civil engineering professor Edward L. Ashton.

After the flood of 2008, the City of Iowa City purchased the Ashton House and the surrounding land. In 2014, The Ashton House partnered with Project GREEN to improve and maintain the landscaping around the residence.

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Looking for a space that was even more accessible, Simmering and Wilkins were able to get in contact with Mallory Smyser, the Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation and Outreach Supervisor for Iowa City Parks and Recreation. Smyser was able to provide the Free Art Studio with the Ned Ashton House. 

On an Instagram post detailing the new location, the studio said it afforded more space for outdoor activities, with access to a fire pit, walking trails along the river, and a bird blind. Simmering and Wilkins said the Ned Ashton House has plenty of space to store their supplies while offering maximum accessibility and green surroundings.

In April, the Free Art Studio will be showcasing their pieces in the Iowa City Public Library. In keeping with the community-first ethos, the gallery is a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect at something to be recognized for it. The Free Art Studio encourages everyone to “make bad art.” 

The Free Art Studio meets every Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Ned Ashton House.