About Us
Welcome to Viva Art Studio, a family-owned Latino creative space where art, language, and community come together! Inspired by my daughter’s love for art and my own journey of rediscovering creativity. I founded Viva Art to celebrate culture, connection, and confidence.
Growing up as a first-generation Dominican American from the Bronx, Spanish was my first language, but over time I began to lose some of it. Now, as I reclaim it, I’m passionate about helping others do the same through creativity, play, and meaningful connection.
Although my daughter has always loved art, I used to feel anxious about it, believing I “wasn’t good at it.” But art taught me something beautiful: everyone is creative. It’s not about perfection, it’s about expression, joy, and belonging.
At Viva Art Studio, we’re proud to be a Latina- and family-owned business dedicated to creating a welcoming space where families can explore their artistic side, embrace bilingualism, and celebrate their roots, one colorful masterpiece at a time.
At Viva Art, we offer Spanish dual-language art classes along with a few predominantly English classes. All designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and nurture the cognitive and social benefits of bilingualism.
Our classes take place in a nurturing, judgment-free environment where children are encouraged to express themselves fully while developing both their artistic and language skills. With an inclusive approach, we ensure every child feels welcome and supported, no matter their background or language level.
Our Classes
Considering Viva?
Worried about Spanish?
There’s no need! Our classes are bilingual, not full immersion, so they’re accessible to children at all levels of Spanish. Each session begins with a short vocabulary list connected to the art project. By the end, kids take on a fun challenge to say a sentence or two in Spanish and they’re rewarded with a small incentive to celebrate their effort.
It’s always light, fun, and encouraging, making bilingual learning a natural part of the creative journey.
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Cognitive Development
Dual language learners often outperform their peers in tasks requiring problem-solving, multitasking, and creative thinking. Studies have shown that bilingualism strengthens executive functioning skills, such as attention control and cognitive flexibility.
Academic Achievement
Research indicates that students in dual language programs tend to achieve higher academic outcomes, particularly in literacy and math, compared to monolingual peers. One longitudinal study showed that by the 5th grade, dual language learners performed better in reading than students in English-only programs.
Cultural Competency and Social Benefits
Dual language programs foster a greater understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, promoting empathy and effective communication across cultures. This helps students thrive in increasingly globalized societies.
Dual Language Learning
The dual language teaching approach provides numerous cognitive, academic, and social benefits. Research shows that students in dual language programs develop stronger skills in both their first language (L1) and second language (L2), compared to students in monolingual or traditional second-language learning settings. Its key benefits are:
Children are seen as active participants in their own learning process. The curriculum is flexible and adapts based on the interests of the children.
Child-Led Learning
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The physical space is intentionally designed to promote exploration, creativity, and interaction, encouraging children to engage with their surroundings.
The Environment as the Third Teacher
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Teachers in this approach are seen as co-learners and facilitators rather than traditional authoritative figures, guiding children’s exploration rather than dictating the learning process.
Role of the Educator
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Key principles of this approach include:
Benefits of Bilingualism
"Bilingualism enhances a child's cognitive flexibility, allowing them to switch between tasks and think creatively. It's not just about language, but about fostering a smarter, more adaptable mind."
American Academy of Arts & Sciences
"Dual language education gives children the gift of communication in multiple worlds. They become ambassadors of cultural understanding and empathy."
Elena López, National Institute for Early Education Research
"Research shows that students in dual language programs outperform their peers academically, not just in language, but in math and reading as well. Bilingualism is a powerful tool for academic success."
American Educational Research Journal
"Children who learn in two languages develop a more global perspective and greater social-emotional awareness. They gain the confidence to navigate diverse environments and communicate with people from all walks of life."
Center for Applied Linguistics
"Dual language programs give children a lifelong advantage. They build stronger literacy skills in both languages, preparing them for a future where bilingualism will be a highly valued skill."
Stanford Graduate School of Education
Our Values
Bilingualism Builds Bridges
We are a melting pot of cultures, languages, and stories. Viva Art is a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone is invited to be part of our creative family. Regardless of where you’re from or the language you speak, we believe that art has the power to bring us together in a supportive and joyful community.
Every child is an Artist
We believe in the innate creativity of every child, no matter their background or experience. Our goal is to nurture their creative instincts, allowing them to express their ideas and emotions without fear of judgment. There’s no “right” way to create art here—only your way. Every splash, stroke, and idea is part of the artistic journey.
Creativity is a Superpower
At Viva Art, creativity is at the core of who we are. We believe that art is a form of freedom, offering children and families the opportunity to explore their dreams, ideas, and emotions without limits. We celebrate each unique creation, encouraging everyone to express themselves openly and authentically, no matter where their creative journey leads.
Our Manifestos:
We are creators, explorers, and dreamers who speak the language of art. Our voices may be in English, Spanish, or somewhere in between, but here at Viva Art Studio!, the language of creativity transcends them all.
We welcome all cultures, all languages, and all levels of fluency. Whether you speak with words, colors, or something in between, you have a place here. Perhaps you’re learning a new language, or maybe you’re eager to share yours with others—either way, you belong.
We are a community of artists who celebrate the messy, the bold, and the playful. In every smudge of paint or swirl of color, there’s a story waiting to be told—a story that reflects the beauty of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
We see the world through a vibrant lens, where every child’s imagination takes flight. We embrace the joy of learning through play, the wonder of self-expression, and the power of connection across cultures.
Our Team of Tutors
Jane Clarke
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Michelle Knight
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Ben Preston
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David Shtien
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Laura Kingsley
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Joelle Louv
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