art classes for kids

Studio Downstairs is a children’s art program located in my home studio in Bethesda. Designed to nurture creative thinking, the classes incorporate ideas beyond the boundaries of making art. I encourage an environment that supports creative curiosity, confidence, and self-expression. Children explore ideas, innovate, and enjoy a sense of community with other young “artists” in the process of making art.

Small classes offer students the opportunity to explore many facets of art, including the fundamental elements: color, line, and shape. We experiment with varied materials: paint, color pencil, and multi-media. My classes integrate art historical figures and movements: Mondrian, Picasso...abstract, realism...

Inspiring and encouraging students in the creative process allows them to invent their own visual language and experience the joy of their unique expression.

“Erica (the Studio Downstairs program) have kept my 7-year-old engaged and excited to learn. He's so proud of the techniques he's learned that he now spends a good deal of time on non-lesson days drawing… he eagerly looks forward to his Studio Downstairs sessions and is rapt for the duration of the varied, interesting, educational, hands-on customized lessons. We already see an improvement in his art and his fine-motor skills, but more important, he is happily occupied. Highly recommended for kids of all ages."

- a Bethesda Mom

"Erica is a true artist who is committed to teaching these kids about art. It’s not craft projects, it’s art. My son took a class and really enjoyed it and everyone that I know who has enrolled during this covid time has been so thankful they did! She somehow makes “online” seem less so, by focusing the kids on their work, and not on the screen. Can’t recommend Studio Downstairs enough!"

- Sara, Bethesda