Arts Desire came into being in September, 1985, in Orchards which was followed with moves to Y Plaza, 5 Corners and to its present and final location on St. Johns.

Arts Desire is owned and operated by Bev Birdwell who also teaches some of the classes. Bev previously had a shop in Ferndale, WA, called Bev's Country Tole. Our space and classes have grown over the years. Stan Capon and JoAnn Keller have the most longevity, teaching at the first location. They are closely followed by Joan Glendenning, Peggy Kopkie, and Vonnie Boyd. Our most recent additions are Lee Baughman, Jan Melton, and Rex Blaine.

We have had the privilege of some very special teachers - Dale Gehrman, Buck Paulson, Robert Warren, Susan Scheewe, Susan Jenkins, Gary Jenkins, Hulan Fleming, Joy Wilson, Valerie Stewart, Robert & Sharon Long, Shauna Wells, Kun Suk Kim, Barbara Faulk, Rick Scott, and Claudia Nice.

Bev began painting in 1972 by taking tole painting classes in oil. That was followed with tole painting in acrylic and then followed by canvas painting. In 1983 Bev was invited to join Susan Scheewe's national teaching staff and represented her teaching seminars on the west coast. This also included representing Grumbacher art materials and working numerous trade shows representing the products. Bev Co-authored two fabric painting books with Sue Scheeme at the same time. During this time, it was necessary to become proficient in watercolors as well. In 1995, Bev resigned that position to more fully care for Arts Desire and be able to have time to concentrate on her own original paintings.

Arts Desire has also played cupid twice with the marriages of Mark and Vicki Romig and Virgil and Audie Wray.

Arts Desire continues to provide a pleasant atmosphere to paint and personal product service and knowledge. If an item is not stocked, we will try and get it for you. Over the years we have not only carried a wide selection of ready made frames, but have added custom framing and matting and shrink wrapping as well.

If you have not taken a class or been in to shop recently, we hope you will do so in the near future.