Located on the corner of East Ave and Highway 32, we're a gathering place for the Chico community to explore creativity, make connections, and have fun. We open our space to host meetups and networking groups for local creatives and we also offer unique workshops and group game events. Our vision is to build a community of creatives who support and uplift each other while also enriching the Chico community with imaginative events and opportunities.
Imagine. Play. Connect. Create.
Penny Ranch History
Once upon a time, there was a store called the Penny Ranch. For nearly 50 years, it was run by John Kranz and his wife, Judy. At the Penny Ranch, you could buy or sell coins, stamps, jewelry, and various collectibles. With its distinctive signage and location, it became somewhat of a Chico landmark and was one of the last dedicated coin stores in this area of the state. As John grew older and his health began to decline, business hours grew shorter and more limited until the store eventually closed permanently in 2020.
Now John and Judy's grandchild, Julian Lacombe, is excited to bring life back to the space in a new form. The revived Penny Ranch Art Studio is a space for people of all ages to explore their creativity and learn new skills. We offer ongoing art classes, single-day workshops, community events, and more.
Meet the Owner: Julian
It’s my passion to help people of all ages unlock their creativity and explore imagination! I have an M.A. in Education from the University of the Pacific and I’ve been teaching for around a decade. I’ve worked in secondary school art education, museum education, arts summer camp, and recreational art settings. I love to share my creativity with others and help them learn and grow as artists and creatives. My teaching practice encourages creative exploration, focus on process, and individualized artistic decision-making. When I’m not teaching, you might find me playing D&D, volunteering with Stonewall Alliance of Chico, hanging out with my dog (Luna), reading, or selling my fantasy art as Moonshadow Makers Workshop.