Art Finds a Way at Creative Chem Co. In Bloomfield

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Feeling uninspired is an occupational hazard for folks like Marla Solnik, an Emmy-winning creative director for numerous local brand campaigns.

Traditional coworking spaces didn’t do it for the freelancer, so she designed one that was more like a club — specifically, The Club, a New York City art space where Mid-Century Modern artists gathered to share and spark ideas.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Located in the century-old Creative Chemical Company building in Bloomfield, Creative Chem Co.’s second-floor coworking club offers flexible work spaces, meeting rooms and a wet studio, shared equipment including a laser printer, a full kitchen with free coffee and tea, lockers and the good vibes that go along with working around other artsy types. It’s open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Solnik calls it coworking without the commitment.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Potential coworkers may visit the website or download the app to book a designated hot desk for a few hours, purchase a day pass or spring for a multiple-day pack that lets you cherry-pick your visits over a two-month period. Hell, I’d go just to sit in one of the soundproof call booths and scream. I bet this foodie Clark Kent would emerge feeling like Superman.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Speaking of heroes, artist Jeremy Raymer painted a mural of Pittsburgh native Jeff Goldblum on the wall of the downstairs cafe, which will open to the public in 2026 with seating for 30, caffeinated beverages from Commonplace Coffee and locally sourced pastries.

In 2023, Solnik purchased the building from Sapling Press and has been breathing new life into the building’s old bones with the help of interior designer Kacie Cope.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

The place is a treasure trove of vintage goods, including furniture, fixtures, decor, gadgets and books. Every piece — from the steel-back chairs and knob-and-tube TVs — has a story to tell. In some cases, detailed auction tags are still attached to the item so you can read all about it.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

In addition to the Jeff Goldblum masterpiece, Creative Chem Co. has designated spaces where local artists can display their work on a rotating basis. It could even be something they create on site.

Creativity loves company.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

“I’ll be working here along with everyone else,” Solnik says. “This is a small business. My husband and I, we aren’t a corporation and don’t plan on franchising. It’s very from the heart. I grew up in Pittsburgh and we live in the neighborhood. We are here to make something for the neighborhood. That’s really important right now for the state of the world.”

Creative Chem Co. is at 4618 Friendship Ave. in Bloomfield.