South Of Main Art Collective
a vibrant art collective located in the heart of Deep River, Connecticut. It's a destination for local artists, students, and community members to connect and express themselves through various art forms.
SoMA//
We are an art collective offering classes and workshops in dance, arts, and glass fusion. A store and gallery that houses three women owned businesses; River Valley Dance, RiverFire Glass, and Shell + Bee Studio. It is our wish for everyone to feel welcome in community.
SoMA, short for South of Main Art Collective, was founded by Chelbi Wade to bridge the gap between the community and the arts. The collective offers art classes, dance and fitness classes, workshops, and events for all ages, from toddlers to adults.
What to Expect
At SoMA, you can explore Arts with Shell and Bee, Glass Fusion with RiverFire Class, and Dance and Fitness at River Valley Dance Project. Check our calendar for a full list of classes. (see below)
Get in Touch
SoMA is located at 500 Main Street, Suite 5, Deep River, CT 06417. You can reach them at (860) 322-3986 or visit their website at somadeepriver.com for more info.
Make it stand out.
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Shell & Bee Studio
8603223986
Shell & Bee is a creative studio space that focuses on connecting art, community, and education. We host open studio time, regularly scheduled classes and workshops for toddlers, children, teens, & adults.
Shell & Bee was founded in 2019, in the hope to make art + the process of making art accessible to our community. Our goal is help patrons gain a better understanding of artists and their respective movements, as well as allowing an individual exploration of materials. We have provided a sanctuary to connect around art, while providing a safe environment, where people feel free to be themselves with support from others. We embody a sense of acceptance that allows others to see their full potential, setting up each student to be successful in all endeavors.
Art is for all.
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RiverFire Glass
8608646004
Where creativity meets craftsmanship. RiverFire Glass is Jeni GrayRoberts’ kiln-glass studio at SoMA, offering welcoming, hands-on classes for beginners and seasoned fusers alike. Explore color, texture, and kiln-formed design as you create pieces that feel personal and joyful.
Alongside our classes, the studio also features a curated selection of Jeni’s glass gifts and art. You can shop in person, order custom pieces, or explore her work online and in local galleries.
From small group workshops to private events and team gatherings, RiverFire is a place to play, learn, and connect. Discover the spark that happens when people make art together.
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River Valley Dance Project
www.rivervalleydanceproject.com
linalynn2@gmail.com
River Valley Dance Project is dedicated to providing dance and movement classes that are educational and also supportive, inclusive, and catering to students of all ages and skill levels. Our priority is to create an environment where every student feels valued, confident, and inspired. We believe in the power of movement to foster personal growth and community connection. Through our carefully designed programs, we aim to help students develop a genuine love for dance and experience the joy of creative expression.
Our Motto: Movement For Life
This phrase reflects our core belief that dance is not just about learning steps; it’s about developing a lifelong appreciation for movement.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 20th// Holiday Art Fair
11:00-4:00pm
@ SoMA // 500 Main Street Deep River, CT 06417
Join us for our 5th annual holiday art fair on Saturday December 20th from 11:00-4:00 at SoMA which is located at 500 Main Street Deep River, CT.
Honeycone Ice Cream will be in the studio with their ice cream cart slinging scoops, while The Farm Kitchen will keep you warm with lunch and warm drinks!
While you shop from vendors like Indigo Rise, beYOUtiful, RiverFire Glass + more; visit our gallery which is currently exhibiting The Power of Protest which is an exhibition of new work by women artists based in CT that responds to the important and often contentious issues we face as a society in 2025. Artists: Faith Sprigg, Tina McCurdy, Susan McCaslin, Suzan Scott, Bev Fisher, Julie Frydenborg, Abby Roccapriore, Jeni GrayRoberts, Chelbi Wade & Katia Porter.
Our shop will be open with all your art supplies needs. Salsa and other dance workshops will be offered throughout the day at River Valley Dance Project or consider a gift certificate for your holiday shopping to give the gift of movement.
Amy Gabriela will also be in studio offering flash tattoos. We will reveal the flash options on 12/19. Must be 18+. Each flash design is $100 CASH ONLY. First come first serve. Sign ups start at 11am.
December 20th// RVDP Student Showcase
2:00-3:30pm
@ Chester Meeting House// 4 Liberty Street, Chester, CT 06412
It is time to celebrate RVDP students and sit back and enjoy beautiful dance performances. December 20th at 2 pm.