Create U 505 was born out of Christa Callen Tarr’s love of art and creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuesday in Rio Rancho, Tarr was joined by dozens of family members and friends, as well as a few city and county leaders, to celebrate her mobile art instruction business’ membership into the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Kevin Hendricks/Observer

Tarr was visibly proud of the success of her company, which opened in spring 2021 and brought Tarr’s vision of mobile art parties to life.

“I started the business because I realized how much people really need art to be whole,” Tarr said. “People need some sort of creativity. But people were still really afraid to go out and go places and so I wanted a way to to meet them and meet them at the place where they were at, to find out what interests them and be supportive of those endeavors. And so that’s why I take my mobile art parties to people.”

The ribbon-cutting was also a party. There were food and drinks and in a joyous atmosphere. Tarr set up giveaways and prizes and had several pieces of art on display.

Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull was in attendance at the event and had glowing words to say about Create U 505.

“On behalf of myself and the city council, we want to thank you for all that you contribute to the community,” Hull said. “It is so important when we’re doing these things, especially in the community centers where you’re serving the whole population and anybody that wants to come in from young to older can come in and be included in this amazing process that you do. The teaching experience, learning this artwork, learning how to be creative, and putting those creative potentials to use in the community. I think about all the possibilities and I appreciate the way you’re serving the community. But having a mobile classroom that goes around and you’re providing this wherever somebody wants it and making yourself available for that type of service is also pretty incredible because it shows your willingness to reach out into the public and take what you have to offer and spread it around as opposed to people having to come to you to get those services. So what an incredible, unique offering; what an incredible, unique opportunity for people to learn and experience the things that you have to teach them.”

Sandoval County Commission Chair Dave Heil and District 1 Commissioner Katherine Bruch, along with her dog Chief, were also on hand.

“Sandoval County Commission wants to thank you for making your commitment and bringing the pleasure of art to Sandoval County,” Heil said.

Tarr is not a licensed art therapist; she is a creativity coach. She uses Create U 505 to reach people in the community and find out what interests them. Then she finds ways for each person to create art pieces that are significant to them.

Create U 505 offers community classes at Sabana Grande Recreation Center, Broadmoor Senior Center and Meadowlark Senior Center. The class schedule is listed on Create U’s calendar. Create U also offers private classes and group paint parties.

For more information on Create U 505 or to sign up for a class, check out the Facebook page, email [email protected] or contact Tarr at 505-604-0272.