Today we’d like to introduce you to James Lough.
Hi James, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My wife Jenn is an actor, and I am a writer, so we wanted to create a space where artists could learn and create. We’re also into spirituality, so we wanted a space where people could meditate, do yoga and qigong, and attend sound baths and ecstatic dances. The “clearing” in Clearing House means clearing out the old in order to bring in the new.
We’re also excited about our newest offering — Historic Kindergarten Tours! The gorgeous building we’re located in was once a kindergarten before kindergartens were in schools. When we learned the history of kindergarten, we were blown away.
It started with one man in 1817 in what is now Germany, and it was so controversial the government actually banned it! Luckily, it spread throughout Europe and hopped the Atlantic to the US, where it caught on like wildfire. It’s an amazing story about an amazing man with an amazing plan. It changed the world. We can’t wait to share its history with tourists and locals, and kids from age 3 to 103. It’s an interactive tour, so visitors can look forward to making cool things with cool educational toys.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Renovating the space took longer than we had planned because of Covid and supply chain issues. Luckily, we worked with wonderful contractors and designers who made the space so beautiful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My wife teaches voice for actors at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and I taught writing there for 17 years. She’s been in numerous productions — including a play at Clearing House with her theater company Unvarnished — and coached voice for stage and screen.
I’ve published 5 books, including This Ain’t No Holiday Inn, about New York’s Chelsea Hotel, a haven for artists, writers, filmmakers, and a host of creatives.
We feel fortunate that we can share our skills at Clearing House. My research skills have come in handy designing the Historic Kindergarten Experience, and Jenn’s voice an acting skills will be indispensable as a tour guide.
What does success mean to you?
Success to us means helping as many people as we can in the deepest ways we can. If people leave our space relaxed, refreshed, and inspired — then our mission is accomplished.
Pricing:
- Yoga and Movement classes are $20
- 8-week writing classes are $325
- Ecstatic Dance is $20
- Historic Kindergarten Experience tours are $25. Kids under 6 get in free.
- Sacred Sound Journey Sound Baths are $40
Contact Info:
- Website: Clearinghousesavannah.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearinghousesavannah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clearinghousesavannah/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/james.lough.3
Image Credits
Donna Von Bruening
