Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
Sarah Coldwell’s Pick
Why she chose them:
“We’re lucky to live in an area with so many wonderful art studio options for kids and adults, and my family takes lessons at many of them. Petite Art Studio reminds me of the studio I frequented growing up; it was such a large part of my high school career.”
What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year?
We have gotten better at creating projects that balance skill building with true creative choice. Each day we refine our lessons so children are learning meaningful fine art concepts while still feeling free to follow their own ideas and make their own choices.
What was your “I made it” moment?
We are not sure we have had just one defining moment yet, although being recognized by your magazine certainly feels like one. That said, at a recent community event, one of our first grade artists happened to be there with her family. She was quietly drawing a self portrait when the mother of her friend leaned over, admired her work, and told her how good it was. Without missing a beat, our student smiled and said that she has been coming to our art classes for over a year, then proudly handed this mom our business card. Watching her feel confident in her art and in us did feel like a “we made it” moment.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?
We would probably be writing and illustrating children’s books about all of our woodland art creatures, getting lost in the little adventures they have together.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Follow warmth. We were told early on to stay close to the way we wanted the studio to feel for children and families and to make decisions from that place first. Whenever we are unsure, we come back to that question: “Does this feel warm and true to us and to our artists?” It has become a practice in authenticity. Each choice we make, if it feels warm, we follow it.
Describe your business in three words.
Calm. Curated. Intentional.
What’s the funniest customer request you’ve ever received?
We had a group of parents ask if we host sleepovers, or if they could just sleep over in the studio themselves. Children often ask if they can live here. It seems no one ever wants to leave!
What’s your business’s unofficial motto?
Every idea and every artist matters, no matter how small.
What’s your dream customer reaction?
Our dream reaction is a child walking out the door saying, “I cannot wait to come back,” and a parent saying, “They are so calm and proud when they leave here.” That mix of joy and ease is exactly what we hope for. We also love when parents tell us they can see their child growing in both art skills and confidence, or when a child who came in after a hard day at school leaves feeling peaceful and understood. In those moments, it feels like families truly see what we are trying to create here.
What’s something your business does differently than anyone else?
We approach art education and our studio like a tiny fine art school for both children and adults. Our projects are rooted in real fine art mediums and techniques, but they are always centered on the artist and the process of creating. Our space is fun but sophisticated, a place where you can play with materials and ideas while also feeling that what you are making truly matters. We care just as much about how someone feels in the studio as we do about the artwork they carry home.
What’s the smallest detail your customers notice—or that you hope they notice?
We believe love is in the details, and we have tucked it into every corner of our space. The touches are subtle and not overstimulating, but they are intentional. The sea snails have a tiny living room. The plants have names. Each art medium we teach is connected to a different animal. The studio is curated to feel calm and cozy, like you have stepped into a lived-in home where you are welcome to take off your shoes and settle in. We want it to feel like your own space the moment you arrive. There is plenty to look at, but it is never overwhelming. Our hope is that it feels like a place where you feel safe enough to try something new and see what creativity you have inside you.
What’s the one thing your business couldn’t function without?
We could not function without the families who truly understand how important art is in a child’s life. They believe in the role of art in child development, in building confidence, and in creating an outlet their children will be able to access for their entire lives. Their trust allows us to do this work in a deep and meaningful way, and we are endlessly grateful for them.
What’s one thing people often say when they first walk in?
We often hear parents say they wish they could stay when they drop their children off, or that it feels like a spa, or that they instantly feel more relaxed. People step inside, pause, and say, “It feels so calm in here.”
What’s the unsung hero of your business?
Our incense. The simple act of lighting incense before class and taking a moment to center ourselves has become our quiet ritual. People often comment on how good it smells, and we hope that when children walk through the door, they begin to associate that smell with calm, safety, and a peaceful place to create.
What’s a word or phrase customers often use to describe your business—and do you agree?
People often describe the studio as “calm” and “thoughtful,” and we are very proud of that. We want everyone who comes here to feel inspired, and we hope families can feel that level of care in the way we plan every class.
What is your most popular service?
Our after-school art classes fill quickly. They currently run three times throughout the year, with each session focusing on one or two fine art mediums. The studio becomes a calm space for children to unwind after a full day at school, slow down, and practice sustained focus as they continue to work over many weeks on a single project. Although, our adult nights are also gaining popularity, as parents are realizing they need a calm, creative outlet just as much as their children!
What is something you wish more people knew about you?
We are both certified art educators and practicing artists, and every class is intentionally designed. We devote many hours to planning our curriculum, and because we are full-time art teachers during the day, we remain closely attuned to what children need and respond to. In each lesson, we are carefully considering child development, fine art skills, and social and emotional well being. Beneath the beautiful artwork that goes home, there is a thoughtful structure of pedagogy and intention holding it all together.
Address: 23 Valley Rd. Suite #2, Katonah, NY
Email: [email protected]
Website: petiteartstudio.com
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
