Our Studio

Did You Know?

Children who participate in the arts each week through at least one full year are:

  • 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
  • 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
  • 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
  • 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance
  • 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem

Young artists, as compared with their peers, are likely to:

  • Attend music, art, and dance classes nearly three times as frequently
  • Participate in youth groups nearly four times as frequently Read for pleasure nearly twice as often
  • Perform community service more than four times as often

Art education for children:

  • Stimulates and develops the imagination and critical thinking, and refines cognitive and creative skills.
  • Strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and school success…
  • Plays a central role in cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional development.
  • Motivates and engages children in learning, stimulates memory, facilitates understanding, enhances symbolic communication, promotes relationships, and provides an avenue for building competence.
  • Provides a natural source of learning. Child development specialists note that play is the business of young children; play is the way children promote and enhance their development. The arts are a most natural vehicle for play.

Source:  Americans for the Arts, 2002; Young Children and the Arts: Making Creative Connections, 1998, Introduction Americans for the Arts

Who Is

Small Hands Big Art?

Small Hands Big Art is a Charlotte-based company with studios currently in South Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill, SC.   Kids from toddlers to teens are excited & enriched through our fine art age and developmentally appropriate classes, parties, camps and workshops. Mixed media activities include painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, sculpture & more!

Small Hands Big Art studios are bright and open, and provide a lively space that is safe, engaging, organized and welcoming. Here children can feel free and uninhibited to explore their creativity without worrying about making a mess – and parents don’t have to scrub markers off the walls or paint out of the carpet!

Toddlers and Pre-school Children are introduced to a supportive social environment in which to gradually explore their creative independence, to build social and coordination skills, and self confidence. Older students are guided through the creative process through encouragement of their original self expression partnered with eye-opening experiences with traditional and innovative art making mediums and influencers.

The Small Hands Big Art

Approach

To promote each child’s unique expression and discovery of the joy of art, we believe it is important to provide them 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. 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. 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 in the child.

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.

Your Local Studio

Serving Fort Mill, Rock Hill & Tega Cay!

The Fort Mill studio’s programs are a fabulous blend the owner, Jen Lumpkin’s, unique style and love of color, craft and modern design, paired with the popular + time tested curriculum & vibe that Small Hands Big Art is known for.  Jen has a genuine passion for teaching and working with children, and the families that spend time in the Fort Mill studio are in for years of unforgettable creative experiences!

The Fort Mill, SC studio is located at the swanky new Kingsley Town Center, 1365 Broadcloth St., Suite 105, Fort Mill, SC  29715.  Stop by and peek inside!   We hope your kids leave their face prints on the windows!

VIEW OUR PROGRAMS