Jamie Cardow, GAC Community Writer
In the heart of Downtown Guelph, tucked away in The Walkway (84 Wyndham Street N), lies a staple in the Guelph art community. Necessary Arts is a studio space and gallery that has allowed local artists to explore their creative energies in an accessible and affordable way.
Chanel DesRoches was one of the tenants of the studio space of Necessary Arts, when at the height of the pandemic, April 2020, she was faced with a decision of whether it would be worthwhile to take over ownership. Realizing the importance of the space, not only to herself but for the greater community, and with personal fundraising and generous support from friends and family, Chanel was able to purchase the space.
We are grateful that Chanel was able to answer some of our questions about Necessary Arts and its connection to the local art community.
If you could describe Necessary Arts in one sentence what would you say?
Necessary Arts Collective is a vibrant arts hub in Downtown Guelph offering studio rentals, co-working memberships, and bite-size exhibition opportunities for local creatives in a fully equipped, community-driven environment.
In your opinion, why is Necessary Arts an important part of our community?
Necessary Arts is a small but essential part of the broader arts ecosystem in Guelph. While there are many incredible community hubs and organizations offering vital programs and services, our space fills a very specific and often overlooked gap: providing affordable, long-term studio rentals for working artists.
Our mission is rooted in ease and sustainability. Artists who join Necessary Arts can get to work from day one — there’s no hassle of negotiating with utility companies, dealing with large financial deposits, or figuring out setup logistics. We provide a fully equipped, 24/7 accessible space that removes typical overhead barriers, giving artists the freedom to focus entirely on their creative practice.
What sets us apart is that we’re designed by artists, for artists. We understand the practical and emotional needs that come with making work — and our space is a direct response to those needs.
What has been the hardest part about being a business owner, and what has kept you going?
The hardest part of being a business owner, for me, has been learning how to balance the many hats I wear, especially switching between being an artist and being a studio owner. It’s a constant push and pull. In the past few years, I’ve made a conscious effort to prioritize being an artist first, but the reality is that the creative process can’t be forced. On days when I’m not in the right headspace for my personal practice, I shift my energy toward the operational side of the studio, from people management and community support, to marketing, scheduling, maintenance, cleaning, invoicing, and everything in between. I’m incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my spouse, Stephanie, who handles the financial side of the business. Her expertise has been essential — because let’s face it, if numbers aren’t your strong suit, it’s best to hand it over to someone who can “math” better than you.
One of the most persistent stressors is making sure the space remains valuable and relevant to other artists. If interest in renting ever drops off, the studio simply can’t sustain itself. That pressure is always present, but it also keeps me motivated to constantly improve — whether that’s organizing group exhibitions, hosting open studio events, or even small gestures like holiday thank-you gifts or dinners to show appreciation.
At the end of the day, it’s the artists who rent the space that keep it alive. Their support, energy, and need for a creative home are what make all of it possible. Knowing that this space means something to others — not just me — is what keeps me going.
Tell us about your studio spaces and amenities.
Absolutely! Our space totals approximately 1,300 sq. ft., and we’ve designed it thoughtfully to accommodate a range of artists and practices. We offer a variety of studio sizes to suit different needs:
• Small studios (5 x 6 ft): We have five of these cozy yet highly functional nooks. Each can comfortably fit a desk, easel, shelf, and chair — perfect for focused, compact workspaces.
• Medium studios (5 x 12 ft and 6 x 8 ft): Ideal for artists who need more room to spread out or work on larger pieces. These spots offer that extra bit of flexibility.
• Large semi-private studios (7 x 11 ft): We have three of this type, and they’re our most spacious option. These studios feature tall, expansive wall space and offer more privacy while still being part of a collaborative environment.
In addition to private studios, we also offer a co-working membership for artists who don’t need a dedicated space. Members have access to large, shared work tables where they can spread out, get messy, and then pack up and store their supplies in our provided storage bins.
As for amenities, we’ve tried to think of everything an artist might need to feel comfortable and supported:
• A kitchenette with a fridge, sink, microwave, kettle, and coffee machine
• Three bathrooms, including one with a dedicated paint sink and proper disposal for hazardous materials
• 24/7 key fob access so artists can work on their own schedule
• Bright lighting, Wi-Fi, air conditioning in the summer, and heating in the winter
• Storage and spare rack space, along with motion-sensor security cameras
• Member perks like discounted rates for submission opportunities (e.g., solo exhibitions), and a personal artist profile on our website
How would you describe the camaraderie between the Necessary Arts members?
The camaraderie at Necessary Arts strikes a healthy balance — it’s friendly, respectful, and naturally collaborative without being intrusive. Most artists come in with the intention to focus and get work done, so the energy is calm and productive rather than overly social. What makes the environment special is the unspoken support system that forms. Artists share knowledge, lend tools or supplies when someone’s in a pinch, and sometimes break up the day by grabbing lunch together or chatting about their process. It’s a space where people understand each other’s flow — whether someone wants to quietly dive into their work or take a moment to connect. That mutual understanding and respect creates an organic sense of community.
It’s not about forced interaction — it’s about being surrounded by people who just get it.
Are there any upcoming events or exhibition opportunities coming up for artists?
We’re having this conversation at the perfect time, because there’s a lot coming up! As we head into the spring/summer season, registration will soon open for our most popular annual community show, HOOP-LA.
On June 21st, the same day as Art on the Street in downtown Guelph, we’ll also be hosting our Open Studio event. It’s a rare opportunity for the public to step inside and get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens in our space.
Then, looking ahead to the fall, we’ll be launching our annual open call in September. This is when artists can submit proposals for solo, two-person, or group exhibitions for the upcoming year.
What is the best way for artists to contact you about your studio spaces or to get more information?
For anyone interested in learning more about the space, the best place to start is our website (www.necessaryartscollective.ca), where you’ll find detailed info and a contact form. On our “Rent a Studio” page, we display a floor plan with live availability, so you can see what spots are open in real-time. You can also connect with us on Instagram at @necessaryarts.
And honestly, one of my favorite things to do is give tours of the studio. So, if you’re curious, reach out — I’d love to show you around and chat more about how Necessary Arts could be a fit for your practice.
