The Children's Art StudioWashington, D.C.

The Children's Art Studio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded on the belief that children reap tremendous emotional, intellectual and developmental gains from making art and that this opportunity should be made available to all children regardless of their family's ability to pay.  Need based scholarships are awarded.

The quality of the instruction is a core characteristic of the program.  Each student is given individual attention, and special care is given to the development of their talent.  Children are guided to navigate the social terrain of the class and the projects are structured to encourage problem solving with an eye towards solutions that benefit the group.  Each individual is cherished and the common good is valued.

Long class sessions provide children with the opportunity to focus on their work for uninterrupted periods of time and to move past self-imposed limitations.  Children learn to slow down, concentrate, plan, think, persevere, and do.  A wide range of high quality, non-toxic and eco-friendly materials are used and children learn to manipulate the materials with skill and acuity.
The Children's Art Studio is a member of the North American Reggio Emelia Alliance, whose mission it is to envision a world where all children are honored and respected for their potential, capabilities and humanity.  CAS is also a member of the DC Cultural Development Corporation.
The Children's Art Studio Internship Program provides a learning opportunity for young adults to develop creative leadership and time management skills in a unique education context.  The Studio benefits tremendously from the talent, intelligence and thoughtfulness of our energetic interns.  We recruit the very best from American University, The Corcoran School of Art, Georgetown Day School and Deal Middle School.  If you are interested in applying for an intern position at the Studio, please email Nicole.
Nicole Brandes is the founding director of The Children's Art Studio.  Nicole holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California and DCPS teaching credential.  She has taught at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Henry Street Art Settlement and the New York City Public Schools.  In Washington, she has taught at Fillmore Arts Center, The Maryland College of Art, The Lab School and Bancroft Elementary where she worked with over five hundred children a week.  She is represented by Pierogi Gallery in Brooklyn, New York and has received the Puffin Award, Art Matters Award and Russell Award for Artistic Excellence.
In the studio, children are digging for new meaning with their own hands and minds.