Estero Bay Art & Craft Store Fosters Community

Conveniently located next to Morro Bay’s Post Office, Estero Bay Art & Craft sits with open arms, awaiting the community to take various art classes or simply purchase supplies for their next creative project. The business opened in Aug. 2025 and is approaching its five-month anniversary as a third space for many. From high-quality pens, paints, and sketchbooks to a stunning workshop space, the shop is bountiful in artistic opportunity, a complete vessel for Morro Bay

Owner of Estero Bay Art & Craft, Hilary Soldati, always toyed with the idea of an art & craft store that offered both supplies and instruction in Morro Bay, but soon her dreams became a reality. 

Soldati was introduced to her love of art at a very young age, as her mother was a potter who also practiced other artistic disciplines. From this root, working within the arts always lingered in the back of her mind, but felt it was a dream for someone else.

“It was through that process that I said, ‘I think I’m going to try to do that. It’s not a dream for someone else. Maybe it’s my dream,” said Soldati.  

And soon enough, from the moment she saw the space, it all felt certain for her. Soldati acquired materials and all different mediums of art to have one shelf for people to purchase, and quickly began experiencing the active community of Morro Bay in support of the shop. 

“It’s been so warm, so much excitement and gratitude to be able to have something like this here, to anchor the community, to be a touchpoint, to be a resource, to be a connection point– it’s been wonderfully positive,” said Soldati, reflecting on the wonderful response to her storefront’s opening. 

Whether it be an inventory of small vendors or niche high-quality goods, the shop is simply overflowing with passion. With every item that is sold, it’s quick to tell how much care, research, and integrity go into picking the pieces sold. Though the shop is quaint, there is truly something for everyone. 

In addition to the storefront, the shop also hosts classes, workshops, and events in the arts, serving audiences ranging from adults to kids and homeschooled children. Some of the courses the shop hosts include crocheting, watercolor, broom-making, silversmithing, and embroidery classes, all of which vary in price. 

“I just love how it makes people feel, and hearing how much it means to them to either be able to find supplies that they need, or find supplies that stimulate growth in them creatively,” said Soldati. 

Soldati also mentioned that the shop may begin hosting classes for teenagers, such as block-printing t-shirts and various other artistic endeavors.

The shop will be moving its storefront just a short walk away to 315 Morro Bay Blvd., where Babydudes was previously located, but will be keeping its classes and events hosted at the 523 Harbor St. location.

The sheer connectivity and warmth that is vested in the storefront and practice space is mind-blowing, giving customers and those visiting the essence of integrity in all that is fostered there. 

“Whether it’s the classroom or the supplies, the warmth and the joy and the connectedness it gives to people, and having them share that is just absolutely beautiful and amazing,” said Soldati. 

Next time you’re dropping off a package and perusing the store for art supplies, or want something fun to do on a Friday night, the shop offers itself to the community of Morro Bay in all its glory.