FAQ

You will be billed for the next month on the 25th of the month prior; allowing time for you to review your account. Payments will be processed on the first of each month.

If you plan to take a break, simply email info@smallhandsbigart.com with a 30 day notice; we’ll develop a plan to wrap up your project flow within that timeframe, and open the spot to someone on our waitlist. Tuition will be prorated according to the timing of your cancellation notice.

Payments for weekly classes are processed using a credit card on file, on the first of each month.

You will only be billed for classes that are scheduled for that month. Weekly classes are not scheduled for the weeks below (although special events and camps are available):

• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• New Year
• Easter/Spring Break

Because your seat is saved in your class, pausing enrollment is not an option. Cancellations can be submitted with a 30 day notice and your spot is open to the public or next person on the waitlist. Whenever you are ready to re-join weekly classes, reach out and we’ll help you find a spot in an available class.

Cancellation can be submitted to info@smallhandsbigart.com with a 30 day required notice.

WEEKLY CLASSES

Planned Absences
Each student is granted two (2) planned absences per academic year for our weekly. Planned absences must be submitted to info@smallhandsbigart.com by the 15th of the month prior so that we can prorate the next month’s tuition accordingly. The full studio will take a break from weekly classes the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter/Spring Break and you will not have to use a planned absence for those weeks.

Unplanned Absences
Life happens and we totally get that. We truly appreciate when a sick student stays home from class. Makeups for unplanned absences will be scheduled on a case-by-case basis with priority being placed on providing all students with a consistent and positive experience within the curriculum cycle. If a makeup class option does not align with the curriculum, our instructors will do their absolute best to ensure each student is caught up, sent home with extra info/supplies to work on their own, or pivoted to stay on track within their regularly scheduled next class. Prorations towards future classes will not be provided for unplanned absences.

Cancellation
Cancellation of enrollment requires a 30-day notice and can be submitted via email to info@smallhandsbigart.com.

SINGLE CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, SCHOOL’S OUT CAMPS, AND DROP-INS
Upon registering, single classes, workshops, school’s out camps and drop-ins are nontransferable and nonrefundable.

The nature of our fine art and pottery curriculum is that students work in multi-step and layered processes to complete their work. We will make every effort to schedule a suitable makeup for your student when possible – OR catch them up in their next regularly scheduled class. As always, our talented team of instructors will support each student’s learning and individual needs to determine the best next steps for staying on track with the curriculum and provide a consistent, high-quality creative experience for all students. Class credits are not provided for unplanned absences.

In the spirit of flexibility, we generously offer 2 planned absences per student, per school year and will prorate your tuition for each planned absence. Planned absences must be submitted via info@smallhandsbigart.com by the 15th of the month prior.

We will honor all 2026 makeup credits with a proration of your class when registering for a 2026-2027 weekly class. Makeup credits prior to 2026 are expired.

Our teachers are scheduled for a consistent, weekly class for the school year. Substitutes from our internal team of teaching artists may occasionally lead the class due to unforeseen circumstances.

Our open enrollment means that new students will periodically join the class and others will drop; but most students will continue in the same class throughout the school year.

Provided space is available and your child has completed the current project, you are welcome to transfer to a class that better suits your needs. Pricing is according to the duration of each class and adjustments will be made to reflect the pricing for the newly selected class.

Your spot is reserved until you cancel. When a class fills up, a waitlist will be started and seats will be filled from the waitlist when one becomes available.

New students can enroll at any time, but our priority is to deliver the best possible classroom experience for every student. After registering, we will review the curriculum and contact new students to confirm the best start date for your child.

Guess what? Your child painted it! No, really! We really try to discourage perfection and erasing or starting over (unless we sense a meltdown brewing). As a general rule, our teachers don’t touch a student’s artwork – it is what it is, and by that we mean fabulous! It’s amazing what kids can create when their imaginations are stimulated and they are listening, following directions, and trying their best! You probably haven’t spied on them sitting quietly in their room drawing a giraffe like that before, but we bet you will now! Ask them to play “art teacher” and show you what they learned in class!

Maybe.

With few exceptions, most of the materials we use in the studio are washable, but in our experience, even “washable” paint can have a mind of its own and can stain, depending on the fabric and other factors.

For parties, please don’t arrive decked out in your best party dress or black tie tux – party projects are usually planned with only washable art supplies but better safe than sorry!

Yes! We have a lot of repeat campers who come either year after year, or for multiple weeks during the summer, and we spend a lot of time logging the projects our students complete each week (in class as well as camps), and reviewing that historical information when finalizing our project plan for the following week. This helps us avoid repeating an exact same project using the exact same materials.

A non-refundable $150 deposit, per child, per enrollment, is required to register and reserve the spot. The full balance (less your deposit) is due no later than the first day of camp. If you need to cancel and have already paid for the session, your payment (less the $150 non-refundable deposit) will be applied towards a studio credit if we are notified in writing seven days prior to the start of camp (info@smallhandsbigart.com). There are no studio credits offered for last minute cancellations or no shows. If you’d like to change the camp dates & times, please submit a change request via email at least one week prior to the start of camp to info@smallhandsbigart.com, and we will be happy to accommodate your request, space permitting.

Guess what? Your child painted it! No, really! We really try to discourage perfection and erasing or starting over (unless we sense a meltdown brewing). As a general rule, our teachers don’t touch a student’s artwork – it is what it is, and by that we mean fabulous! It’s amazing what kids can create when their imaginations are stimulated and they are listening, following directions, and trying their best! You probably haven’t spied on them sitting quietly in their room drawing a giraffe like that before, but we bet you will now! Ask them to play “art teacher” and show you what they learned in class!

If you bring us Starbucks.

We recognize many parents have to be in three places at once during the summer so you’re welcome to drop off 10 minutes early. If you require an earlier drop off that that, or have an appointment and need to pick up late, please call in advance to discuss.  704-246-8271

We strive to be allergy conscious and provide a safe environment for your child. Parents/Guardians are responsible for indicating any allergies or other medical conditions of the child on the Permission Form, and promptly updating us if there are any changes to that information. ANY FOODS CONTAINING NUTS OR NUT INGREDIENTS, OR MANUFACTURED IN A FACILITY THAT HANDLES NUTS, ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. ALL SNACKS DURING SUMMER CAMP, EXCLUDING FRESH FRUITS & VEGGIES, MUST BE IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING, NO EXCEPTIONS. Click here for a list of nut-free snacks.

We exercise reasonable care and precautions to minimize the risk of food-related allergic reactions during summer camp snack time, including implementing, communicating, & enforcing our strict no-nut snack policy; however, small hands big art does not in any way ensure that the risk of food-related allergic reactions are completely mitigated, nor does it assume liability for any food-related allergic reactions. We require all children who are prescribed an epi-pen, inhaler, or diabetic monitor carry it with them at all times while on the premises, no exceptions. Parents/Guardians assume full responsibility for their child’s allergies and medical conditions.

Maybe.

With few exceptions, most of the materials we use in the studio are washable, but in our experience, even “washable” paint can have a mind of its own and can stain, depending on the fabric and other factors.

For parties, please don’t arrive decked out in your best party dress or black tie tux – party projects are usually planned with only washable art supplies but better safe than sorry!

The day of your party, our team is bustling around setting the scene for your shin-dig.

For birthday girl or boy parents –  we’d hate for you to get steamrolled by an art teacher zipping through the studio with a tray of paint & glitter, so for the sake of the cake you’ll be carrying, we recommend arriving just 10 minutes before your party time!

For guests – please plan to arrive right on time, you’ll check in at the door with a QR code so we have your emergency contact before dropping off, and pick up is promptly at the end of the party.  If you arrive for pick up before the end of the party, unless it’s raining, please gather outside until the end of the party and we’ll swing the doors open and welcome everyone in together!

Guess what? Your child painted it! No, really! We really try to discourage perfection and erasing or starting over (unless we sense a meltdown brewing). As a general rule, our teachers don’t touch a student’s artwork – it is what it is, and by that we mean fabulous! It’s amazing what kids can create when their imaginations are stimulated and they are listening, following directions, and trying their best! You probably haven’t spied on them sitting quietly in their room drawing a giraffe like that before, but we bet you will now! Ask them to play “art teacher” and show you what they learned in class!

We’re not a cookie-cutter / “pick from this menu” type of art studio!  We are always coming up with new projects tailored for different ages and interests and will do our best to work with you on specific theme or project interests. We always strive to use the highest quality art materials with projects often completed on canvas panels and ready to hang at home.  You can see some past projects from our Art or Pottery studio in this photo album, with a variety of ages and interest.

Our party experiences are over-the-top, so there is no time to open presents during the party.  If opening presents during the party time is a priority for you, please let us know when you book so that we can plan an abbreviated art experience to allow time to open presents.

Our party experiences are over-the-top, so the time we spend creating takes center stage. We want your child and his/her friends to have maximum creative time at the party, so we strategically plan our party times right before and right after lunch.

Art Parties in the Art Studio:  Guests are always happy with a just a sweet treat (cake, cupcakes or doughnuts), + a drink!  If you prefer to use the entire time creating, you are welcome to send kids home with a “to-go” treat (wrapped cake pop, individually packaged cupcake, etc.).   We sing happy birthday and take group photos at the end of the party and it’s a perfect time to hand out a treat and thank guests for coming.

Pottery Parties:  Our pottery studio at the end of a party can be quite messy and is not conducive to serving food.  Parents are welcome to send kids home with a “to-go” treat (wrapped cake pop, individually packaged cupcake, etc.).   We sing happy birthday and take group photos at the end of the party and it’s a perfect time to hand out a treat and thank guests for coming.

Birthday party deposits are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation, we will be happy to refund your deposit if we are able to book another party or event in your time slot. Non-refundable party deposits may not be applied towards other programs at the studio.

Maybe.

With few exceptions, most of the materials we use in the studio are washable, but in our experience, even “washable” paint can have a mind of its own and can stain, depending on the fabric and other factors.

For parties, please don’t arrive decked out in your best party dress or black tie tux – party projects are usually planned with only washable art supplies but better safe than sorry!

This is probably one of those questions you already know the answer to. At small hands big art, we prefer to share creativity, not germs. We sit side by side sharing Sharpies and pencils and oil pastels, so in consideration of others, please refrain from sending your child to the studio when they are feeling under the weather. Also, if your child is too sick for school, they are presumed to be too sick to attend art class later that day, no matter how miraculous their instantaneous healing is when you inform them they have to miss it. We reserve the right to restrict admission or send a child home, when, in our opinion that child is ill or risks the health or well-being of other children.

Please refer to our Class or Camp FAQs for information about make up opportunities.  Please note that “no shows” are treated the same as if you attended class.

WEEKLY CLASSES

Planned Absences
Each student is granted two (2) planned absences per academic year for our weekly. Planned absences must be submitted to info@smallhandsbigart.com by the 15th of the month prior so that we can prorate the next month’s tuition accordingly. The full studio will take a break from weekly classes the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter/Spring Break and you will not have to use a planned absence for those weeks.

Unplanned Absences
Life happens and we totally get that. We truly appreciate when a sick student stays home from class. Makeups for unplanned absences will be scheduled on a case-by-case basis with priority being placed on providing all students with a consistent and positive experience within the curriculum cycle. If a makeup class option does not align with the curriculum, our instructors will do their absolute best to ensure each student is caught up, sent home with extra info/supplies to work on their own, or pivoted to stay on track within their regularly scheduled next class. Prorations towards future classes will not be provided for unplanned absences.

Cancellation
Cancellation of enrollment requires a 30-day notice and can be submitted via email to info@smallhandsbigart.com.

SINGLE ClASSES, WORKSHOPS, SCHOOL’S OUT CAMPS, AND DROP-INS
Upon registering, single classes, workshops, school’s out camps and drop-ins are nontransferable and nonrefundable.

SUMMER CAMPS
A non-refundable $150 deposit, per child, per enrollment, is required to register and reserve the spot. The full balance (less your deposit) is due no later than the first day of camp. If you need to cancel and have already paid for the session, your payment (less the $150 non-refundable deposit) will be applied towards a studio credit if we are notified in writing seven days prior to the start of camp (info@smallhandsbigart.com). There are no studio credits offered for last minute cancellations or no shows. If you’d like to change the camp dates & times, please submit a change request via email at least one week prior to the start of camp to info@smallhandsbigart.com, and we will be happy to accommodate your request, space permitting.