Workshop SLC

Address: 153 West 2100 South Expressway

Telephone: 801-997-8902

Website: workshopslc.com

District: South Salt Lake

 

“My mission has always been to bring art closer to people,” begins Lucia Murdock, owner of Workshop SLC. A passionate artist and entrepreneur originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, Lucia was raised in the culturally vibrant city of Guadalajara. Her early life was steeped in the arts, where murals and art openings were as common as the city’s bustling streets.

Despite studying 3D animation with dreams of working at Pixar or Disney, Lucia’s true calling was always more grounded in the tangible world of fine art. "I've always been an artist, but when it came time to pick a major in college - I went to a private university - so my parents told me I needed to study something that would bring money in. It couldn't just be fine art, so I chose animation. For me, this was the mix of technology and art."

While at university, Lucia volunteered in a museum during her free time. "Working at the Contemporary Art Museum, families would come, and I would explain the art to them, and we would do different activities. It was rewarding and fulfilling being that bridge between inaccessible contemporary art and families looking to have a fun weekend activity.”

Following her college education, Lucia dabbled in teaching art to children. She also spent a few years working as a production assistant at a contemporary art gallery in Mexico, where she helped internationally renowned artists create their work during their six-month residencies. "It was an incredible experience to be part of the process that leads to their gallery openings."

After a successful stint in marketing, Lucia's life took a turn in 2015 when she met her now ex-husband during his vacation in Mexico. Their serendipitous meeting led her to Salt Lake, where she initially struggled to find her place in a city that lacked the artistic community she craved.

Determined to immerse herself in the art world, Lucia began volunteering at various art institutions and eventually found herself working as an assistant to local artist Lucia Heffernan. “We were kindred spirits,” Lucia recalls, and her role quickly evolved from helping with canvases and framing to managing Heffernan’s growing business. This experience laid the foundation for what would become Lucia’s own thriving venture.

In 2021, Lucia took a leap of faith, buying the art studio she had managed and transforming it into Workshop SLC. What began as a modest space with a few private studios blossomed into a dynamic art school and creative hub offering a wide range of classes - from fine art oil painting to ceramics. “When we launched our pottery program in 2022, it was like opening the floodgates,” she says, describing how the community’s demand for ceramics classes led to rapid growth and expansion.

Lucia’s journey is one of resilience and adaptation. She faced many challenges, from managing the business during COVID-19 to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship while dealing with personal upheavals. Yet, her dedication to creating a space where people can connect through art is unwavering. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see people come together here - forming friendships, rediscovering their love for art, and even changing careers to pursue their passion full-time.”

Today, Workshop SLC reflects Lucia’s vision of making art accessible and meaningful for everyone. Whether through weekly classes, corporate events, or community outreach programs, Lucia’s impact extends far beyond the walls of her studio. “This isn’t just a business; it’s a place where people find joy, connection, and a sense of belonging.”