When new Edgewater small business owner Biljana Djokanovic opens the doors to her new creative studio space in mid-February, she is planning good times for all. Her concept is to be a little more serious during the daytime, and to let loose at night with art, fun and a bit of wine.

Aartwerk Studio at 1141 W. Granville Ave. will offer many courses for those wishing to learn how to get their creative juices flowing or to enhance more developed skills. The studio will be offering classes in drawing, acryllic/oil painting and open studio times. There are options for both beginners and more advanced skill sets. Lecture series are also planned.

Djokanovic, however, does not want the experience to be dull by any means. Her plan is to make sure her customers’ experiences remain fun. The studio will be offering special BYOB events such as a romantic “couples special” and a bohemian “art and wine classic.”

“The main idea in shaping Aartwerk Studio was to create a place where serious and fun can exist simultaneously. I believe that art has a multiplicity of forms, all having their legitimate place in our culture. Therefore, when planning the fun part, the idea was to have people make crafty, likable and easy projects, while enjoying the studio atmosphere and socializing,” Djokanovic explained. “The courses are comprehensive and are primarily concentrated on acquiring skill (and enjoying the creative process).”

Born in Serbia and holding a BFA from Faculty of Applied Arts in Belgrade, Djokanovic moved to New York in 2009, where she finished the MFA program at Pratt Institute. Though trained as a painter, she has evolved much of her work into video and animation. Her work now fluctuates between writing for a more elaborate video installation project, and painting miniatures.

“I find teaching to be the most noble profession. That is why I decided to use my experience to create a place of my own, to do what I love in the way I think is the most effective” said Djokanovic. “I will celebrate the day when any of my students surpass what the studio can offer, and I send them off for an MFA degree (with a tear in my eye).”

The studio will also be available to book for groups such as birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, kids’ parties and fundraising events.