What is Playful Artist Studios?
Playful Artist Studios is born from the idea that we are all inherently creative and built to explore and learn - no matter what our age!
The vision for this space is to create access to open-ended, exploration and expression focused art and sensory experiences. Currently our focus is on ages around 2-10, but who knows what the future holds!
PAS Hosted Sessions will include at least…
One sensory or potion tuff tray
One small world, clay, or play dough tuff tray
One larger, collaborative process art provocation
One smaller, take-home process art invitation
We operate from a Reggio-inspired lens, seeing children as capable and curious, allowing the environment and their own curiosity to guide them through their experience.
18 months - 2 year old sessions focus mostly on sensory and material exploration - often with schematic play theory driving exploration.
3-5 year old sessions focus on continued material exploration, with guided multi-step projects with a wider range of tools provided. Expanding on schematic play and into representational work.
6-10 year old sessions focus on self-expression and skill building, exploring more complex materials and processes and using the art to express themselves.
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In the future…
The goal we are working towards renting an indoor studio for after-school programs and camps as well as offering our art set-ups as pack-in, pack-out party packages!
Why does Playful Artist Studios Exist?
Hello!
I’m Amanda Pedrelli, founder of Playful Artist Studios in Tacoma, Washington.
Art wasn’t always a central part of my life. Like many, I lost touch with my creativity as I grew older, only to rediscover it through my work in early childhood education and process art. That experience transformed my perspective. By letting go of the pressure to create something “perfect” or to follow prescribed outcomes, I was able to reconnect with my creative voice in a meaningful way.
This shift not only reignited my passion for art but also opened the door to exploring a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylic painting, pottery, sewing, and embroidery. I’ve found the creative process to be deeply restorative and empowering.
Today, I’m passionate about creating art and sensory experiences that nurture this same sense of freedom and self-expression in young children—supporting them as they begin to develop their own creative identities.