Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are you offering art classes in Portsmouth, NH to adults, teens and kids? Yes, yes and yes! My adult art classes are underway now and I hope to have classes up and running for kids and teens in the first half of 2025.

  • Do you offer art classes in the evenings and on weekends? In an effort to accommodate working adults and parents, I requested and received approval to offer some art classes in the evenings and one weekend day. Since I just started my in-studio classes, I have limited offerings in the evenings but will make modifications based on future interest.

  • How did you come up with the name of your business? Well, like most redheads – I LOVE the color green – so my company name is made up of two greens – olive and teal. I also love the ocean – and although I don’t have a stitch of Italian blood in me – I do love Italy and the FOOD!!!! So, teal reminds me of the ocean and the olives remind me of Italy!

  • What is the meaning behind your logo? My logo is a Tree of Life. Since I do quite a bit of tile work, I always envisioned having a Tree of Life kitchen backsplash. About 10 years ago, I tried hand building with red clay and made some Tree of Life tiles which I installed in my kitchen. I did some research on what a Tree of Life actually symbolizes – and it’s a fresh start on life, good health, positive energy and a bright future. Once I realized this – I decided to make it my company logo. The meaning really spoke to me!

  • When did you decide you wanted to start up your own art business? This was always the dream I had for my second chapter – and I am very grateful for this opportunity!

  • Where do you get all your art supplies? I try and find high quality and unique materials for my classes and look for ways to help support other small, female and minority owned businesses where possible.

  • Is your studio handicap accessible? It was important to me to try and make my studio as accessible as possible. I have a newly installed walkway which will allow direct access from the street. There are 3 steps into my studio with handrails on both sides. I have a telescoping ramp for standard manual wheelchairs. Once inside my studio, there are no thresholds and my studio and adjoining bathroom are both wheelchair accessible. Please contact Karen if you have any specific questions or accessibility requirements: olivetealarts@gmail.com.

  • What’s the story with your pet mosaics? Well, for starters, I am a HUGE animal lover! Their eyes speak to me – so when I do my mosaics, I spend a lot of time on the eyes. Although animals can’t talk (or can they???) – their eyes do! My stained-glass pet mosaics have about 30 pieces of glass per eye! If I did big chunks of glass – I think I’d lose the emotion. I love the quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “He speaketh not; and yet there lies a conversation in his eyes”.

  • Are you trained in art? any other certifications? My background is actually in science, but I have taken numerous art classes over the years and have been creating various forms of art since I was a child. In 2020, I completed an extensive program through the University of New Hampshire: Starting Your Own Arts and Crafts Business. In 2023, I became certified for Youth Mental Health First Aid, from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and completed the American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Program.