Tucked away behind two magical doors in Symmes Township is a studio space unlike any other. Hidden here amongst the paint and paper, glitter and glue (and clay to boot), is a world of creativity—a place where no child’s idea is too big, and each one is encouraged to chase their creative sparks ... those initial idea-bursts of creativity. When you walk into The Art Spark: A Creative Classroom, you enter a space where the only boundaries are your imagination.
The Art Spark was created in 2010 by Emily Dinardo and Jacquelyn Hoffman, two aspiring art educators who were fresh out of college. “We were both so passionate about what we had learned from working with Julie Pfeiffer at The Imaginattic, that we both wanted to start our own business,” Emily reminisces on the early years she spent working with Jacquelyn in the community. When The Imaginattic decided they were closing their doors for good, Emily and Jacquelyn decided it was their turn to step up to the plate to fill the spot this closure would leave behind. With some help and resources from mentor Julie and the former Imaginattic, Emily and Jacquelyn initially opened The Art Spark at Rockwern Academy in Kenwood. And while this location was a great place for their passion project’s birth, The Art Spark’s growth and expansion called for a change in space, so in 2016 The Art Spark moved to its current location—an adorable beige building between Loveland and Indian Hill with bright teal doors, two rooms for studio space, and plenty of windows to let in the natural light.
Getting The Art Spark started was a big effort, but through perseverance, Emily and Jacquelyn made it happen. Jacquelyn emphasizes that letting the community know they existed was the start of it all. “We didn’t say no to any opportunity. We supplied arts and crafts all over the city to get the word out. And it was great because some things would come up that we never even thought of offering … but we’re still doing those things today!” Now, the programs and possibilities The Art Spark offers are endless. From summer and winter camps to Sparklers’ night out and birthday parties, there’s something for every child at The Art Spark.
So who is the target audience of an Art Spark class? Put simply—kids. Of all ages. There are offerings for children as young as 1-1/2 and going all the way up to 10 years old—including Mommy and Me classes starting at 18 months. Once they reach 3 years old, kids can be enrolled in the Little Painter’s Preschool program, where children are in class Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and follow a class schedule.
“It’s all related back to art—they’re learning math, science, reading and more all through art projects,” Emily explains. “All of the subjects are seamlessly integrated while they’re creating—they don’t even realize that they’re learning because we’re always creating while we’re doing it—and parents sign them up because they love art.”
And that’s the beauty of The Art Spark. Why just talk about what lives under the ocean, when you can create a whole underwater castle with papier–mâché fish swimming right in front of your eyes? Through immersive adventure, the students at The Art Spark can learn through play in a world they’ve created.
After they graduate from preschool at age 5, summer and winter camp options are available. The Art Spark even spends time in local schools providing after-school art education. Want to enjoy a night out and let the kiddos have some fun of their own? The Art Spark has a program on Friday nights called Sparklers night out, which provides kids with an art project and pizza while their parents can enjoy some time of their own.
It’s not unusual to see lots of familiar faces at The Art Spark. “What kids accomplish when they’re here is really up to them … their creativity and their ideas,” Emily smiles. “I think that’s part of the reason why kids always come back. They know their ideas matter here.”
But community is key to The Art Spark’s continued function, and in fostering a sense of comfort and welcome in their studio, Emily and Jacquelyn have made a safe space for kids to express themselves and be social with their peers. “That’s our thing here at Art Spark—creating really good memories for kids. That way they can look back for the rest of their lives and think ‘I was creating then. I was making things. I was talking to people and they were kind ... and my ideas mattered there.’” Now that’s a spark worth igniting.
TheArtSpark.com | 9430 Main Ave, Cincinnati
We’ve established a space in our community where people feel like it’s a second home ... a place to feel creative, comfortable and safe, and kids are excited to come back here.
