The Mission and Meaning Behind Current

Current is a downtown small business dedicated to the enjoyment, enrichment, and excitement of our community.

Our primary goal is to bring this experience to our youth but Current can be enjoyed by people of all ages. 

We are a walk in creative arts store focused on experiential or interactive retail. What does that mean?

You can shop our store and then you have the option of taking your items home or doing the project in our store.

We do not charge a "studio fee" or a "sitting fee." Rather, you are welcome to come join us on your own time,

at your own pace, with your preferred budget, with your favorite people, and just come as you are.

We are not a stuffy, formal art place. We do not employ trained art teachers or have a kiln to fire your ceramics.

We are a place you just have to experience. We want you to feel as if you were home - but better.

You're in a comfortable, calming space, but you get to leave when you're done and not get stuck with the clean up. 

We are an easy place. No frills, no fuss, no fancy. 

We want our store to be one of convenience for you. That's why we thought of the membership program.

One great feature of our membership program is you can buy something in our store and if you want to continue your project next time or use some of the supplies you purchased next time, you can. No worries about remembering to bring it from home or buying a whole new bottle of paint to keep going on your project.

Get it started and then leave it with us for next time. 

We also want to be a place of value for you.

It's a place where you can bring the whole family and there's something for everyone.

One person can do an art project... while the other writes in their journal...

while the other enjoys a snack and listening to music... while the other enjoys our interactive kids area. 

This space should feel like yours. That's why we offer private events at an affordable rate.

We offer everything from an exclusive private hour for just you and a few friends for a play date to

a fully themed and customized birthday party for your child.

We offer fun events where you can learn a new art skill or take a beautiful new completed project home with you.

We want you to feel as if you can come and stay a while and that the space is one of

making connections with your favorite people. 

We are not a drop off service for your children. We hope that you will use your time in our store as a place of bonding with your children. Disconnect from electronics and the outside world. Embrace simplified joy, immersive experiences, and nostalgic activities. Our store is located in a historic building downtown and due to safety precautions, we do not host children without their parent or guardian present. Thank you for your understanding!

Why the name Current? 

Current represents a flow or "current" of water that allows us to make this concept a reality.

The flow or "current" of downtown Washington is unique. It is slow-paced, small town, family living.

If we lived in a big city, our family would not choose to be owners of this store.

But here in Washington, we feel we can make a meaningful difference and enjoy meaningful connections in our community.

That "Current" is what drives us to own this store.

"Current" also represents an electrical pulse.

The passion that we have observed in community members here is inspiring.

We were inspired by so many people who have reached out, lended a hand, offered hospitality, cared for us, checked in, loved us.... it has meant more than you know and now it's our turn to give back to the community we love so dearly. 

And lastly, "Current" means present time. We want Current to offer you what it has offered us. We hope it does. A chance to be present in the here and now. Not yesterday, not tomorrow, but today. Let's be present for our children, our friends, our neighbors, our family, our coworkers - everyone - even strangers! That's part of what makes Washington special.

We hope you enjoy Current and let us know how we can best serve you!

The Leonard Family

John, Elizabeth, and Our Two Girls