Art Loft Collective was a studio and gallery spaced started by Ashley Matelski. The shared studio space was located on the top floor of the Switzer Building, the original hardware store of historic downtown Flagstaff complete with old antique elevator. With the help of other resident artists Jeff Urdang & Haley Jacoby, the gallery and studio opened for August First Friday Art Walk in 2021.

In the time Art Loft, also known as ‘The Loft’ was open, Ashley and groups of local artists volunteered their time to offer workshops, art shows, events, film viewings and free children’s art classes. It was Ashley’s vision to create a space where artists of all ages and skill levels felt welcome and included. In addition to events and classes, The Loft also offered retail space to other artists to sell their work. In the following year, Art Loft Collective won Best of Flag for the category of Favorite Local Art Gallery as well as a Viola Nomination for Community Collaboration.

The studio remained open to the public for first Fridays for just over a year until Ashley decided to close the Art Loft Collective and continue to pursue her career as an independent artist. The space remains a private shared studio space for local photographers and film artists.