Walking into Studio 88, you’re immediately surrounded by iconic Kingston-inspired art, vibrant handcrafted jewelry displayed on rustic shelves, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia you won’t find anywhere else.
In the span of a month, Meghan Janke transformed 70 Princess Street into Studio 88, an artistic hub hosting weekly workshops and teeming with local art, jewelry, wellness products, and more. Janke sat down with Visit Kingston to explain:
The store’s eclectic array of locally made products
Studio 88’s artistic workshops and events
The origins of Studio 88 and Janke’s creative background
More than just a unique shop selling sustainable and affordable products, Studio 88 is an inclusive, welcoming creative space open to locals and visitors alike.
Ecofriendly, affordable, and inclusive
From gothic art by Hollow Amber, to paintings and monotypes by local Kingston artist Monika Rosen Art, to thrifted beads and vintage items by Cada Lenda, there’s something for everyone at Studio 88.
“The whole theme of my store is ‘Canadian-local,’ with most makers from Kingston. My theme is also ecofriendly, affordable, and inclusive,” Janke said in an interview with Tourism Kingston.
Janke explained that the store’s selection of home goods, wellness items, cleaning materials, and other products are made from sustainable materials that fall within a range of price points, reinforcing Studio 88’s ecofriendly and affordable ethos. Displayed on the shelves and walls of Studio 88 are products for customers of all ages, demonstrating the store’s commitment to inclusivity.
Studio 88 also sells Janke’s personal art—glass domes featuring worldwide butterflies with Lake Ontario stone, glass, shell, fossils, and drift woods. Janke educated herself on the various types of butterflies and sources them from an Ontario conservatory, further highlighting her commitment to environmental consciousness.
“Each of the glass domes say where the butterflies and stones originated from, with some of them being locally based,” Janke said. “All of the species of butterflies are unique in their own way.”
The butterfly domes make perfect gifts; Janke can help you select the species of butterfly that best aligns with your gift recipient. And if you want to buy a Kingston souvenir, Janke recommends the store’s artwork.
“We do have a lot of Kingston landmark art here, including canvas and cross-stitching,” Janke said.
Artistic workshops and events at Studio 88
In addition to walls of art and shelves of sustainable products, you’ll find couches and a large table inside Studio 88 where Janke hosts workshops and community events for adults and kids alike.
“For kids, we have princesses come in once every month on the second Saturday around noon. They do snacks and stories with the kids,” Janke said.
On May 30 from noon-7 pm, Studio 88 will be hosting an all-day studio market featuring local artists.
Follow Studio 88’s Instagram to learn more about their upcoming events and workshops.
Opening Studio 88 on Princess Street
After starting her own jewelry brand, Great Lakes Jewelry, Janke began making glass domes with preserved butterflies inside. Janke uses her degree in graphic design to handcraft her unique artwork you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Janke started gifting her work to friends and family and sold the domes at markets and pop-up events in and around Kingston. She embedded herself into Kingston’s vibrant artistic scene and pondered ways to further support local artists as well as elevate her own work.
“Creating art is an outlet for Kingston artists, and I wanted to find a location where I could spread their art around the city,” Janke explained.
Janke eventually opened a store front on Wellington Street in 2025 where she sold both her own products as well as other Kingston artist’s works. She quickly outgrew the space and after a successful five months on Wellington Street, she moved to her current location on 70 Princess Street.
With one month to transform the Princess Street location into the creative space of her dreams, Janke spent many late nights and early morning building the store’s rustic accents and curating the shop’s displays of handmade products.
Janke plans to add a coffee bar and outdoor patio to the space, shaping Studio 88 as more than just an artisan shop, but a creative community hub.
Make sure you follow Studio 88’s Instagram for updates on the space, their products, and events.
