Somewhere between a fine arts program and arts play center exists Small Hands Big Art (SHBA), an award-winning children’s art studio. SHBA has been serving up a truly unique, creative experience–for toddlers to teens–in Charlotte and Fort Mill over a decade now.
Owned and operated by Jennifer “Jen” Bryant, who facilitates events herself along with a talented team of experienced art teachers, she describes the SHBA concept this way:
“Regardless of the project, materials or medium we are working with, children are given suggested topics and techniques to stimulate their imagination and help them to visualize their ideas. We balance this approach with a mix of more structured, instructed projects so they can experience the realization that yes they can draw a giraffe! They are not always given prescribed step-by-step procedures, directions, or examples to copy, which can inhibit self-expression and lead to a frustrating urge for perfection.”
On-site sessions are not the only offerings either. SHBA makes programming so accessible, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
– Weekly class rotations, at many times of day
– Stand-alone Workshops for one-and-done creativity (Some now even let parents join in on the fun. Next on my list to try…)
– Camps specializing in pottery, mixed media, or both
– Offsite Programs where they bring the art to your organization
– Retail Merchandise like curated art kits to DIY at home (great for quarantined creativity!)
– Parties where you bring the bday girl or boy and leave behind the mess
Originally, I had scheduled my children for a summer camp to try out the CLT studio; however, germs had other plans, so we had to cancel to keep everyone safe. Jen did everything in her power though, which I appreciated, to find a way for my kids to still experience art with her team of professionals. After exploring the wide array of options on their site, I decided to use our credits for some weekend workshops instead. These also extend the flexibility we need with remote learning and work schedules right now.
Originally, I had scheduled my children for a summer camp to try out the CLT studio; however, germs had other plans, so we had to cancel to keep everyone safe. Jen did everything in her power though, which I appreciated, to find a way for my kids to still experience art with her team of professionals. After exploring the wide array of options on their site, I decided to use our credits for some weekend workshops instead. These also extend the flexibility we need with remote learning and work schedules right now.
It has been uh-mazing!
One Saturday morning, I dropped my two off to try out pottery while I leisurely strolled Waverly shops for some badly-needed wardrobe updates. How often do we moms get to do that? Not enough! They had a blast (even the tween) and made some pretty cool wall hangings and sculptures. I was a little jealous to be honest. I’ve never even touched a potter’s wheel. And “slip”? What’s that? They had a lot to teach me afterward at pick up.
Then, on a Friday night a few weeks later, my husband and I dropped them off and walked down the sidewalk one lovely evening to an even lovelier dinner at The Porter’s House. Who doesn’t need a chance to break out of the house and regularly connect with their partners right now–beyond talking schedules for the week?
If you also are seeking ways for your children to Zoom away from the computers and get their hands a little dirty, check out SHBA. The possibility of what they’ll create is limitless.
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