Coming Soon...
The Cosmic Bee Art Collaborative
Brought to you by the owners of Beeble Art Center, and The Artful Astronaut
The Cosmic Bee Art Collaborative is an upcoming community art center in Southeastern Massachusetts, founded by the owners of The Artful Astronaut LLC and Beeble Art Center LLC. The space will include shared studios, classrooms, a cozy café, retail space, and a rotating gallery showcasing local artists. Offering art classes for all ages, hands-on workshops, and a rentable event space, The Cosmic Bee is rooted in sustainability, inclusion, and creative freedom — supporting artists and serving as a welcoming place to create, connect, and recharge.
Our Mission
Creativity
We believe everyone deserves access to creative expression. Through classes, workshops, and open studios for all ages and skill levels, The Cosmic Bee fosters hands-on learning and exploration in a supportive, judgment-free space.
Community
The Cosmic Bee is rooted in accessibility, inclusion, and the belief that creativity builds community.
Designed to be a “third space" between home and work. Planned to be a mix of studio, café, and gathering place, it offers artists and neighbors alike a welcoming space to create, connect, and recharge.
Connection
Our rotating gallery and retail space celebrate the work of local artists and makers, connecting creators with audiences who value art made close to home. Visitors can gather, learn, and be inspired — turning appreciation into support for the creative community around them.
The Problem We Are Solving
There’s a real need for a space like The Cosmic Bee Art Collaborative in Southeastern Massachusetts, especially around the Middleboro area, where affordable creative spaces are few and far between. Right now, many artists, hobbyists, and creative entrepreneurs don’t have a place to work, grow, or connect with others who share their passion.
At the same time, schools are cutting back on arts programs, leaving kids and teens with fewer chances to explore their creativity. And for adults, remote work and small living spaces can make it tough to find the room or inspiration to create and unwind.
The Cosmic Bee is here to change that. We’re building an inclusive, welcoming space where people of all ages can make art, learn new skills, and find community.
Meet the Founders
The co-founders both have experience in visual storytelling, event programming, and community engagement which positions them to lead this effort with skill and passion. The startup team includes professionals with proven success in social media, gallery coordination, and event planning — each bringing a collaborative mindset and real-world knowledge of what creative spaces need to succeed.
Together, this team reflects a mix of vision, experience, and values-driven leadership. They are not just administrators — they are artists, educators, and community builders committed to creating a space that empowers others to do the same.
Kara LeClair
Owner, Co-Founder
Director of Technology and Strategy
Kara LeClair brings over a decade of experience in the arts, design, and education sectors, and currently runs The Artful Astronaut LLC — a thriving art business offering services across multiple creative disciplines.
Melissa Kowal Duggan
Owner, Co-Founder
Director of Education and Outreach
Melissa Kowal is an established arts educator and owner of Beeble Art Center. She brings years of experience in youth programming and curriculum development and has strong regional connections in Southeastern MA.
"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures"
― Henry Ward Beecher