For all the art lovers in Wallingford, the Splat Art Studio is a popular place in town to interact with all kinds of fine arts.
Founded in 2007 by art enthusiast Ms. Kate McNamee, the studio was established to cultivate a fun and loving environment to inspire the next generation of artists.
The studio offers year-long art classes in an extensive range of mediums. Of the most popular art classes, Ms. McNamee points out, “Painting is probably the favorite … and drawing.”
The studio also offers an after-school program during the school year. Describing the general structure, Ms. McNamee said, “We kind of start slow with still life and a really strong foundation, and it could be food or it could be landscape. Then, we just really kind of grow from there.” Usually lasting for an hour and a half, the classes are geared towards both younger artists, in the Draw & Journal class, and older, more advanced artists, in Studio Art III.
Splat Art Studio hosts exciting events several times a month. On May 19, the studio will be hosting a kids’ painting night with its long-time partner, the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department.
“It’s a three-hour event where the parents drop off [their kids], and we proceed to teach painting with all the kids. We also listen to music, and we just really have fun.” Ms. McNamee continued, “It gives the parents a safe place to bring their kids to do something creative.”
Apart from attending fixed events, individuals can also host their own events at Splat Art Studio. The studio offers adult paint parties for groups of eight to 16 guests, with employees working to help guests recreate a painting selected by the host.
After the end of every school year, summer camps for children ages seven to 14 are also open for sign-ups. Older children between the age of 14 to 15 have the opportunity to be hired as counselors-in-training for the camp.
Each week of camp revolves around a different theme for which young artists will create corresponding paintings and drawings. Some examples of upcoming themes include Harry Potter, the ’80s, aloha vibes, and fashion. Campers delve into them and create artistic products in all different types of mediums, such as sculptures, sewing, and paper-mâche.
Ms. McNamee said, “It will be all kinds of media, which is the fun part in the camps, as we can do bigger projects because we’re all together for five days, and we can take our time –– not, you know, stuck to a deadline.”
With Splat Art Studio being a twenty-minute walk from campus, Choate students looking for creative opportunities can participate in Splat Art Studio’s commitment-free, drop-in classes!
