Q&A with Mystic founder Andrea de Francisco

Did you catch the Northern Lights on Tuesday? Lucky for us, our fellow Marin sky-watchers were at the ready (with the right cameras and everything!)

And if you’re suddenly asked point-blank by, say, a toddler or even a grown-up (eh-hem, me) “what are Northern Lights caused by?” here’s what you say:

The sun sometimes sends out little bursts of energy called solar wind. When those tiny particles reach Earth, they bump into gases high up in our atmosphere and — like magic — the sky starts to glow with waves of color. Astronomers call that glow: aurora borealis, which comes from Latin for “dawn of the north.” (In the Southern Hemisphere — places like Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica — the same glow is called aurora australis, or “dawn of the south.”)

As if that’s not inspiration enough — get ready to meet Andrea de Francisco, the creative force behind Mystic, a new art studio and shop that’s lighting up Mill Valley in its own spectacular way.

Enjoy,

Kim Neumann

“People come for the art supplies, but they leave with inspiration and connection (and most often a crystal).”

When the local art store closed, it felt like such a loss — every town should have an art store. I’ve had other businesses in the past and missed doing my own thing, and since no one else was opening one, I decided to leave my job and to do it myself: an art store and a studio.

I love building “third spaces” — a community hub where creativity and connection meet. I wanted to bring together all my favorite things — part art store, part studio, part gathering space — where people of all ages can come make things, learn something new, and feel inspired.

After years of running other businesses, I opened Mystic in downtown Mill Valley in 2024 to reconnect with what I love most: art, design, and the joy of creating just to create. I also wanted to build something that included my young daughters (they love art, too) and gave me the flexibility to spend more time with them while doing something meaningful and creative.

A lot of people come in not quite sure what Mystic is. I think the name throws people off, which I really love. There’s a whole studio next to the shop where classes, workshops, and creative events happen almost every day. We work with local artists and teachers (many of them friends and neighbors) and offer workshops that make art approachable, not intimidating. I have big plans for the space and can’t wait to keep expanding what we offer. There are also some fun collaborations in the works.

Mystic blends a curated art supply and gift shop with a welcoming community studio — a mix you don’t find often. It’s not just about selling things; it’s about sparking creativity. We offer a wide range of classes that are truly unique, and I love supporting local artists and my neighbors through both the shop and our events.

I’m constantly inspired by the people who walk through our doors. Workshop SF was also a big inspiration for our studio. When I lived in San Francisco, I lived nearby their studio and loved going to their classes.

I’m also inspired by nature, my children, and always by music.

I want people to feel inspired. There’s nothing better than hearing someone say they feel creative again after visiting the shop — even people who swear they aren’t artistic.

Don’t wait for the “right materials” or the “perfect idea” or a class. Just start making something — anything. Creativity grows through play, not perfection. JUST PLAY! HAVE FUN! EXPLORE! It’s also never too late…

My dream is for Mystic to be a creative hub in Marin — a space that supports local artists, inspires creativity in kids and adults, and reminds people that art isn’t just for artists. It’s something everyone can do, and it makes life richer.

I’d love to continue expanding our programs, bring in more teaching artists, and keep growing a strong, creative community. I also have some other big dreams, but you will have to stay tuned…

We’re hosting our Winter Market (in our hallway!) on Sunday, November 30th from 11 AM to 3 PM — a free community event featuring local artists and makers.

We also have tons of new workshops on the calendar, including more Collage Nights at Madrona Bakery!

Shop local, take a class!!, tell a friend, or just stop by and say hi. Every small purchase and bit of encouragement keeps Mystic thriving and helps us continue offering creative opportunities for everyone.

Follow Mystic on Instagram, sign up for their newsletter, or just say hi to Andrea!

See more events here.

Thanks for reading,
Kim

Kim Neumann, Publisher