YELLOWKNIFE - It's nice to have a space to work away from home, according to painter Beth Covvey.

She and two friends, Jen Walden and Roberta Hickey, decided recently that they would share studio space to help them all with their artistic endeavours.

Beth Covvey is one of three women who will be sharing studio space in the back of Squatterz Books and Curiosities. - Laura Power/NNSL photo

"It's really just an opportunity to have a good space with some good light that isn't in our homes," said Covvey. "We don't have to pack our stuff up completely to be able to live our lives around it."

They were looking at places to rent at the same time Daron Letts of Squatterz Books and Curiosities was looking for someone to rent a room in the back of the old dinosaur museum building, which often hosts exhibits.

"This one had the benefit of already having such a wonderful gallery to work with," said Covvey.

The cost of keeping studio space open in the winter here is one of the reasons the three painters have decided to share space.

Walden, who closed her previous space in November last year, is happy to share the new Raven Studio with her friends in a place where other artists such as Terry Pamplin work.

"It's awesome because there's a community of artists," she said.

Walden added that when people come to look at items in the gallery, they experience more than just what they came for, which she says is helpful for the artists making use of the space. For example, when a photography exhibit took place last week for photographers Batiste Foisy and Noemie Darisse, some of her work and Covvey's was also on display.

Though Walden said right now the space is mainly just for working in, she said her goal is to eventually make art her full-time job and considers the new studio to be a good opportunity to network.

Covvey also said it's a good opportunity to learn from each other and gain confidence.

Hickey will move into the studio in a few weeks. The three plan to have an open house at some point in the future.