Who we are.
Our Approach
We value the creative process
We believe it is important to provide kids with artistic freedom and latitude to make their own creative choices and work at their own pace, while downplaying the aesthetic value of the finished product. This promotes each child’s unique expression and discovery of the joy of art.
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.
We strive to stimulate their thoughts, feelings, and perception in a way that inspires and encourages each child to express their ideas visually, while offering individualized guidance during the creative process as needed.
This is a Happy Place
Come and See
Our studios are bright and open, warm & inviting. They are buzzing with the sound of watercolor brushes clinking against glass jars, chalk pastels scraping on toothy, textured paper – and busy chatter about random events in busy little lives, and passing colors. Inside a Small Hands Big Art studio, children can feel free and uninhibited to explore their creativity without worrying about making a mistake or a mess.
Our fine art infused classes, camps, & workshops are geared towards kids ages toddlers to 15, and feature mixed media activities include painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, & sculpture! Some locations also offer pottery classes and summer camps!
Pre-school kids are introduced to a supportive social environment in which to gradually explore their independence with a parent or caretaker, building social and coordination skills, self-awareness and self-confidence. Older children are guided through the creative process through encouragement of original and creative self-expression.
Our Leadership
Meet Jennifer!
As the founder of Small Hands Big Art, Jennifer learned at an early age the transformational power that art and creative thinking can have. After a “first” career in the financial world, she traded in the “corporate ladder” for one that was thrifted, slathered in paint, decorated with DIY tassels, and surrounded by smiling children eager to learn how to wield a paintbrush.
She dreamed, schemed, planned, and invented a world where the colors are bright, and the little artists are growing, learning, and laughing. Jennifer has nurtured this sweet studio, cultivated the brand and methodology behind how we create, and inspired young artists in the Charlotte community since 2009. She is the brains behind this operation: keeping the creativity and paper towel supply flowing! Jen knows the best secrets of where to purchase art supplies, is extremely talented at inventing the fastest way to cut circles, and oh! she’s a pretty great art teacher too!
After 15 years at the helm of the studio, Jennifer is inviting other creative dreamers into our whimsical world so that our special variety of artsy goodness is available to all little makers. Jennifer partners with our studio owners to empower their creative and operational success and is here to guide and support them every step of their own creative journey.
When not in “Small Hands Big Art” mode, Jen and her husband Scott can be found mastering a new DIY project at their cabin, taking their sweet dog on a walk, and enjoying the great outdoors in the mountains of Western NC!
Hannah Anabtawi
A graduate of Wingate University with her degree in Fine Arts, Hannah was one of the first art instructors to ever work at Small Hands Big Art, back in 2010! After playing a key role in defining SHBA’s unique brand and teaching style in our early years, she took a brief eight year sabbatical during which lived the nomadic life of a military wife and started a family. Hannah always stayed connected and cheered us on from afar, and we waited patiently until 2021 for Hannah & her sweet family to move back to Charlotte. She even kept her original SHBA aprons!
As the South Charlotte Studio Manager, Hannah brings a wealth of experience to the Small Hands Big Art team! With her love of children, prior art teaching experience, and her formal education in the Fine Arts, she cultivates a fun and safe learning environment where kids of all ages discover and explore their unique creativity.
Continuously introducing new & exciting ways to inspire a love and joy for making, Hannah believes that getting messy is an essential part of the learning process. With the goal of fostering a long-lasting love and appreciation for all aspects of art – not just the finished product – she trains, mentors & leads our team of talented instructors, ensuring that Small Hands Big Art lives up to its reputation for delivering the highest quality art & pottery learning experiences, and being the most magical place in town!
When she’s not in the studio, Hannah can be found binge watching Bravo, baking copious amounts of sweets, and enjoying quality family time with her daughter Stella & husband Ash.
Katie Breaux
Katie’s vibrant and larger-than-life energy has been bouncing off the walls at the South Charlotte Small Hands Big Art studio since 2012.
Her passion is cultivating a studio environment for students to express themselves freely, make brave creative choices, be encouraged to think critically about art, and grow in their creative knowledge and confidence.
Her fine art background and creative vision have have been hugely instrumental in the South Charlotte’s studio success. Educating and inspiring students of all ages keeps her on her toes as an educator and creative force. She strives to ensure each family is able to connect to the creative experience of their young artist. If you are wondering who organized the paintbrushes, built a 5 foot art cupcake, or busted into the glitter cabinet – look no further.
She has a passion for innovating unique art projects and programs for our curriculum. Katie coaches and mentors other studio owners and teachers on the vision, brand, styling, and process of art education within a Small Hands Big Art studio.
Outside the studio, Katie enjoys life with husband Nick & two boys while they take on creative updates at their 1960’s rambler, get creative in the backyard, and enjoy taco night on more than just Tuesdays.