Portrait by Heidi Nielsen and Elizabeth Moon

Studio k Collective is a small boutique in Alexandria, Virginia, that offers eclectic pieces handcrafted by women, including paintings, prints, photography, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, paper goods and more.

The collective took root in a one-woman hair salon in 2014, when owner Kirsten McCulloch coupled her lifelong love of art and design with her desire to provide a space to promote women’s work by offering up her walls and showing one artist at a time. But it wasn’t until the pandemic hit in 2020 that Studio k Collective began to grow. While her salon was closed, Kirsten sustained herself by selling textiles imported from India and Turkey, as well as local art, all of which she hand-delivered to her customers. The shutdown also gave her more time to think about how she could better support, empower and connect women, particularly her fellow small-business owners. As word spread about the treasures she was finding and demand increased, she knew it was time to start widening her circle of artists and sharing their creations beyond her small community.
 
Studio k Collective has now evolved into a diverse group of nearly 40 women artists and makers from around the United States. Kirsten focuses on original and small-batch artwork, and her vibe gravitates toward mid-century modern, Scandinavian and bohemian. She is inspired by her love of the natural elements, her spirituality and her belief that original art should be accessible to everyone.
 
Kirsten hopes that the work she carefully curates resonates with others the way it does with her – in a visceral way. When you purchase from Studio k Collective, you’re directly supporting artists and small brands. All pieces are shipped directly from the boutique (continental United States only).
 
Kirsten is constantly on the lookout for artists. If you’re interested in becoming part of the collective, please reach out to her at studiokcollective123@gmail.com.