Open Studio
For Children and Youth Ages 6 to 14
Open Studio is a welcoming, drop-in creative space where young people explore art, build skills, and express themselves freely. In a fully-equipped studio filled with paints, clay, drawing tools, and mixed media materials, participants are invited to follow their curiosity and bring their ideas to life.
Designed for beginners but can accommodate all skill levels, students can:
Self-select up to three daily activities or work on their own projects
Enjoy a snack and take an outside break
Try out different art mediums such as sewing, clay, painting, drawing, printmaking, and much more!
Create anything they can imagine!
Guided by supportive staff and mentors, youth engage in hands-on artmaking, from pottery and painting to sculpture, collage, and collaborative projects. The environment encourages experimentation, creativity, and self-expression, allowing each participant to work at their own pace while developing confidence and their artistic voice.
Open Studio is more than an art class. It is a community space where young people learn communal responsibilities such as cleaning, caring for supplies, and organizational skills. They also are encouraged to take creative risks, and discover the joy of making.
Current Class Schedule (Weekly)
Monday - Friday
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
(Summer Hours will be 1 - 4 pm, M-F)
Cost: No Cost, Donations Appreciated
Drop-in after-school class. No reservations are required. First-time attendees must be registered by a parent or caregiver.
Open Studio provides a safe, inclusive environment where young people can explore their creativity while building essential life skills. Through consistent access to art materials, mentorship, and a supportive community, participants develop confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a strong sense of self-expression.
The program fosters:
Creative confidence through self-directed artmaking
Social connection by working alongside peers in a collaborative space
Emotional well-being by offering a positive outlet for expression
Skill development in both artistic techniques and critical thinking
Social-Emotional Learning through intentional activities
Building character and social skills through communal art projects
By centering creativity and community, Open Studio empowers youth to see themselves as artists, thinkers, and capable individuals, both inside and outside the studio.
FREE after-school art classes have been a key part of DAVA for over 30 years.
Open Studio serves as an important entry point where students discover their interests, build relationships, and grow within DAVA’s creative community.
Open Studio is DAVA’s welcoming, exploratory art space for elementary and middle school youth to experiment, create, and discover their creative voice. Designed as a flexible drop-in environment, Open Studio encourages curiosity, hands-on learning, and self-directed exploration across a wide range of artistic media.
Students choose from daily project ideas or develop their own independent creations using materials such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, collage, textiles, and mixed media. Teaching artists guide students through new techniques while allowing room for imagination, problem-solving, and personal expression. The environment fosters confidence, collaboration, and a sense of belonging as youth learn alongside peers.
Open Studio supports:
Creative exploration across multiple art forms
Self-directed learning and experimentation
Skill-building through hands-on projects
Collaboration and peer learning
Confidence and creative risk-taking
Introduction to STEAM concepts through art
Students build foundational artistic skills while developing independence and decision-making abilities. Many youth begin in Open Studio and progress into more structured programs, such as Job Training in the Arts & Technology and advanced digital media opportunities.
Our Open Studio offers a variety of art mediums so that students can experiment and try different types of creative methods.
Our Educators
Kristin Smith
Community Arts and Engagement ManagerKristin Smith leads DAVA’s Open Studio, creating welcoming spaces where youth explore materials, experiment with new techniques, and develop their creative voice. As a visual artist and educator, she designs open-ended projects that encourage self-expression, confidence, and hands-on learning. Her work helps ensure Open Studio remains an inclusive environment where every student can discover their creativity.
Admin & Open Studio CoordinatorLauren Violet
Lauren Violet guides students in Open Studio through drawing, painting, and foundational ceramics while encouraging individual creativity. Known for her patience and attention to detail, she supports multiple projects at once and helps each student feel seen and successful. Her calm, organized approach creates a space where young artists can explore, experiment, and grow with confidence.