See how Rachel Byer brought art to Long Beach's West End

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Rachel Byer grew up in Cedarhurst, where her vivid imagination and passion for art were evident from a young age. Her creativity ultimately led her to fulfill her childhood dream by opening The Ivy, an art studio and event space at 1050 W. Beech St. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Byer persevered to turn her vision into reality.

When she was growing up, Byer, who’s now 39, often struggled to focus, and found traditional academics difficult, which was later attributed to a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Art was her much-needed sanctuary, offering a means of self-expression and a way to quiet the clamor in her mind.

“When I was creating — whether it was performing, writing, painting, drawing — the noises in my head kind of went away, and I was focused, I felt inspired, and it definitely tapped into a different part of my brain,” she said. “I realized from a very young age that I liked that, so art became kind of a therapy for me and a savior as I started navigating through life.”

During her formative years, Byer faced additional challenges as her parents went through a difficult divorce. And living next to Lawrence High School, where she was enrolled, had its pros and cons. She often skipped classes, and felt disconnected and frustrated with her environment. By her senior year, she had left the high school, but she remained determined to graduate, so she joined an alternative program in the Long Beach school system and earned a diploma in 2003.

After a few years off, Byer decided to study for a graphic design degree at Nassau Community College, initially taking individual courses before she enrolled. Unlike high school, she thrived in college, enjoying the subject and receiving praise from her instructors. She completed her associate degree in 2010.

The following year, she joined GEO Events, a creative events agency, where she used her graphic design skills to create backdrops, video montages and decor for special events. She moved into a marketing and merchandising role at a coffee company in New York City in 2014 before transitioning to sales, and eventually a management position, in the solar energy industry.

In 2017, Byer’s life changed dramatically when she severely injured her dominant left hand in a car accident, requiring screws and other hardware during her recovery. Doctors warned her that she might never regain normal functioning in her hand, which was devastating for an artist. Her hand was in a cast for seven months, during which Byer — who is not religious — prayed nonetheless, and vowed to dedicate her life to art if her hand healed.

Through determination and physical therapy, she regained functionality, though some issues remain. In 2018, she began selling jewelry and other handmade items at vendor fairs and local events, and on Etsy, steadily attracting a following.

“It made me realize, I don’t want to spend another minute on this planet not living my truth and not following my dreams,” Byer said. “Something happened, and I kind of said, screw it, I’m living life for me. I tried to do the normal thing and meet the expectations of everybody else, and now I’m going to make art my focal point. I’m going to make a living with art.”

When the pandemic hit, she poured herself into creating art more intensively than ever. Quarantine became an opportunity for self-discovery, and Byer dreamed of creating a space where art could be a source of healing, connection and joy for others.

In July 2022, she signed a lease for The Ivy, and she opened the business over the Labor Day weekend. She chose Long Beach because of its strong artistic community and creative atmosphere.

Byer is involved in every aspect of The Ivy’s operation, teaching a variety of classes, which include sip-and-paint nights, ceramics, tie-dye, candle-making and vision board workshops. Whether leading children’s birthday parties or adult workshops, she finds fulfillment in helping students and other customers connect with the artistic process.

The mission of The Ivy extends to promoting happiness and a sense of community. The studio showcases vibrant colors, playful lighting, hanging plants and features like a bubble machine, which are meant to appeal to children and adults alike.

“The Ivy is like a little bit of a mental health retreat,” Byer said. “And when people leave the events, you can just see, we’re giggling, the people are laughing, creating friendships. We’re having so much fun, and I love that. I get to be a part of that experience for them, that they took time out of their busy day — to help them, because they knew they needed it.”

The studio has faced challenges since its opening. Just a few months after its launch, in January 2023, it was damaged by flooding from an apartment above, which forced Byer to close for nearly two months for repairs. Despite the setback, she managed to reopen.

She manages the business herself, occasionally hiring freelance assistants for special events. She handles the daily operations, teaches classes and creates much of the artwork she sells there. About 80 percent of the items sold at The Ivy are made by Byer.

Her work has been recognized in the community. In 2022, she was honored at a Women in the Arts event in Long Beach, presented with an award of the same name by Johanna Mathieson, a key mentor in Byer’s journey, which made it an especially meaningful moment.

Operating The Ivy has allowed Byer to become the happiest and most authentic version of herself, she said. She views the studio not just as a business, but also as a place to share her passion for art, inspire others and contribute to her community.

“The Ivy has been in my imagination since I was a child, and I finally got to bring that out,” she said. “And I’ve brought it to life.”

The Ivy is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m., and events usually take place from 7 to 9 p.m. To learn more about the studio and its upcoming events, visit theivylbny.com.