Who we are.
Creativity Has the Power to Change Lives
Come and See
At Small Hands Big Art, we believe creativity is about so much more than making art.
Since 2009, we’ve watched children discover confidence, solve problems, express themselves, take healthy risks, and develop a lifelong love of learning through the creative process. We’ve seen shy children find their voice, budding artists discover their passion, and families create lasting memories together.
What began as one small Charlotte art studio in 2009 has grown into a community of educators, artists, and creative entrepreneurs who share a belief in the power of art to inspire, connect, and transform.
Along the way, we’ve learned something important: creativity doesn’t just change children—it changes adults, careers, and communities, too.
Today, Small Hands Big Art continues its mission through independently owned studios led by passionate educators who are dedicated to creating meaningful art experiences for children and families. Through consulting, mentoring, and shared resources, we also help aspiring studio owners, teachers, and creative entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses centered around creativity, connection, and purpose.
Whether you’re searching for an inspiring art experience for your child, fresh ideas for your classroom, or guidance on building a creative business of your own, we’re glad you’re here.
From the Founder
Meet Jennifer!
Jennifer Bryant is the founder of Small Hands Big Art, a creative education company built on the belief that art has the power to transform lives, build confidence, and nurture creative thinking in children of all ages.
After a successful first career in the financial industry, Jennifer traded securities compliance regulations for paintbrushes, pottery wheels, and the joyful energy of young artists. In 2009, she opened Small Hands Big Art in Charlotte, NC, creating a colorful, welcoming space where children could explore their creativity through meaningful artistic experiences.
Over the next 17 years, Jennifer developed the programs, teaching philosophy, and creative systems that became the foundation of the Small Hands Big Art brand. In 2018, a second independently owned Small Hands Big Art location opened in Fort Mill, SC under the leadership of Jen Lumpkin, whose daughters had spent years creating and learning at the Charlotte studio. Together, the Charlotte and Fort Mill teams have inspired thousands of young artists through classes, camps, workshops, parties, and community partnerships, helping families discover the value of creativity, self-expression, and hands-on learning.
In January 2026, ownership of the flagship Waverly location transitioned to Katie and Nick Breaux. Katie began her Small Hands Big Art journey in 2012 and spent more than a decade helping shape the culture, programs, and community that define the studio today. Her transition from teacher and leader to owner felt like a natural next chapter, ensuring that the heart and mission of Small Hands Big Art continue to thrive for future generations of young artists.
Today, Jennifer’s work has evolved from studio ownership to mentoring and consulting. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience building a successful creative education business, in addition to continuing to support the Charlotte NC and Fort Mill SC studios, she now helps aspiring art educators, studio owners, and creative entrepreneurs turn their passion into sustainable, purpose-driven programs and businesses of their own.
When she’s not helping others bring their creative visions to life, Jennifer and her husband Scott can be found tackling DIY projects, exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina, where they now live, and spending time outdoors with their rescue dog, Mirabelle.
Our Success
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.
