Start your morning with art, stories, and creative play! Each session begins with a short story to spark imagination, followed by a simple, guided art activity designed for toddlers and preschoolers to complete with their caregivers. Afterward, children explore a variety of open-ended art and sensory materials that invite experimentation, discovery, and joyful mess-making. Caregivers stay and create alongside their children, making each class a meaningful shared experience that encourages curiosity and creativity. 

(18 months - 5 years old)

Young artists experiment with color mixing, brushwork, and composition to create beautiful paintings. Each class encourages creativity and self-expression while teaching foundational art techniques. (Ages 5-10)

Students explore visual storytelling through comic creation! They develop characters, panels, and narrative flow while learning composition, gesture, and expression. (Ages 8-12)

Relaxed workshop for beginners to advanced. Develop an understanding of human anatomy, proportion, and gesture through classical figure drawing study using a life model. Working in graphite, charcoal, and ink, students will focus on line, movement, and form to capture the expressive qualities of the human body.

All materials and model fee are included. Ages 18+

Students 16+ welcome but you and your parent/guardian must obtain instructor permission prior to enrollment. For questions, please email info@emmateachesart.com

Join Emma Stevenson Cowan for a relaxed and inspiring Open Studio experience at Emma’s Art Studio in downtown Bethesda. This is your time to slow down, explore, and create in a welcoming, thoughtfully designed space.

A curated selection of high-quality materials will be available, including acrylic paints, watercolors, and collage supplies. Whether you’re continuing a personal project or starting something new, Emma will be there to offer guidance, encouragement, and artistic insight as needed—without the pressure of a structured class.

Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this open-format session invites you to make art at your own pace in a calm, creative community setting.

Start your day making art, experimenting, and reconnecting with your creative practice. Ages 16+

Design, create, and take home your own custom bracelets in this relaxing, hands-on workshop using natural gemstone and precious metal–filled beads. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on bracelet design and construction, along with personalized assistance during the finishing process to ensure each piece has a polished, professional look. Students can expect to complete approximately 2–3 bracelets during the session. Perfect for jewelry makers of all levels — no prior experience necessary.

All materials are included. Ages 16+ welcome with instructor permission.

Sculpt small decorative designs with polymer clay using simple shapes and texture tools and adhere magnets to bring whimsy to metal and magnetic surfaces! All materials provided. Pieces not baked in class will be available to pick up at the studio throughout the following week. (Ages 16+)

Get into the Halloween spirit with a next-level pumpkin carve! This workshop is a fun introduction to the techniques of sculptural pumpkin carving. Students will receive guidance on the ideal pumpkins and tools for this style of carving, and will learn through both detailed demonstration and then guided carving of their own project. This class is great for beginners and veteran artists alike. The instructor will provide individual attention within the context of a supportive class environment. Students will bring their own pumpkin to the workshop and leave with a seasonal and whimsical piece of art to display. (Ages 16+)

Most tools are provided. Students provide their own large pumpkin, at least 11 inches in diameter, and a sharp small knife (Exacto).