About Creative Jam
Art Belongs to Everyone.
Creative Jam is a community-rooted creative space in the Capital Region & Adirondack area of New York — built on the belief that making things together changes people.
Our Story
Where Creative Jam Comes From
Creative Jam grew from a simple belief: creativity is a basic human need, not a talent reserved for people who already call themselves artists.
Too many people have been told they're not creative, not talented, or "not the type." Creative Jam was built to push back against that — to create a place where people can show up, try something new, make mistakes, laugh, learn, and feel like they belong.
What We Believe
Our Values
Creativity is for everyone
Not just trained artists. Not just people with time and money. Everyone. We design our programs, pricing, and spaces around that belief.
Community over competition
Making things alongside other people is one of the most connective experiences available to us. We cultivate spaces where that connection can happen.
Process over product
The point isn't a perfect finished piece. The point is what happens in you while you're making it — the focus, the problem-solving, the surprise.
Access is a design problem
When people can't participate, it's usually because of a barrier we haven't removed yet. We take that seriously — in our pricing, our scheduling, our physical space, and our outreach.
Place matters
We're rooted in a specific community and a specific landscape. That rootedness isn't incidental — it's the source of what makes Creative Jam what it is.
Joy is serious work
Delight, play, and laughter aren't frivolous. They're how people open up, take risks, and make things they didn't know they could make.
Our Founder
Why Darcy Built It This Way
Before founding Creative Jam, Darcy Leigh spent years working in New York State government as a highly rated, award-recognized trainer and facilitator. She designed and delivered learning experiences for thousands of employees across training, leadership, workforce development, and group learning.
That experience taught her something important: people grow when an environment feels welcoming, engaging, and safe enough to participate. That idea now shapes everything Creative Jam does — from classes and retreats to private events and team experiences.
A Different Kind of Creative Space
- No auditions. No prerequisites. No "you have to be good at this."
- Beginners and experienced makers create side by side.
- Connection happens naturally through making together — no forced networking or awkward icebreakers required.
What started as a gathering place for makers has grown into a community, a foundation, and a set of programs designed to make creativity genuinely accessible — not just available, but welcoming.
In the Community
Recognition & Media
Hear the Story
Creative Jam founder Darcy Leigh joined Capital Region Today to talk about creativity, community, and the story behind Creative Jam.
Recognition
LakeGeorge.com · 2026
Fab Five 2026
These community-voted awards recognize favorite things to do in the Lake George region. Creative Jam was selected across five categories, reflecting the breadth of experiences we offer year-round.
Named a winner in five categories:
- Best Group Activity
- Best Winter Thing To Do
- Best Indoor/Rainy Day Thing To Do
- Best Family Friendly Thing To Do
- Best Thing To Do Open Year Round
The Post-Star · 2026
Best of 2026
Third Place — Amusement/Recreation
The Post-Star's Best of recognition celebrates local favorites across the region. Creative Jam was recognized in the Amusement/Recreation category.
Georgie Awards · 2026
People's Choice Award
The Georgie Awards recognize businesses and organizations chosen through community voting. Creative Jam was honored with a People's Choice Award in 2026.
2026
Women of Distinction
Creative Jam founder Darcy Leigh was recognized as a 2026 Woman of Distinction for her leadership, community impact, and work expanding access to creativity.
Adirondack Community Foundation · 2026
Kindling Award
Recognizing community-builders who bring people together and strengthen connection. Darcy Leigh was selected as a 2026 Kindling Award recipient, directing a $1,000 grant to The Creative Jam.
The Creative Jam Foundation
Creative Jam operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. That structure isn't incidental — it's how we fund the programs that make access real. Reduced-cost classes, community outreach, supported participation for people who couldn't otherwise afford it: these are the things the Foundation makes possible.
Come Make Something With Us.
Whether you're a lifelong maker or someone who hasn't touched a paintbrush since third grade — you're welcome here.