the loft collective

formerly little loft

small batch art experiences for toddlers to teens

We are born makers. We move what we’re learning from our heads to our hearts through our hands.

- Brené Brown, researcher, educator, public speaker

The Loft Collective is an art studio for children and families, located in Takoma Park, MD, just at the edge of Washington DC. Formerly Little Loft, the studio reopened in the fall of 2021, offering many of the same programs, as well as some new classes that focus on making as a conduit for making meaning and making connections. With an eye on public art and a diverse group of artists, we choose projects and stories that explore the power of art to amplify voices, shift mindsets, and impact change.

SPECIAL NOTE: Postponing weekend classes on Saturday, April 5

Beloved community,

The Loft Collective is a small place, but we are motivated by the idea that when we have spaces in our lives where we feel seen and valued, we heal ourselves, each other, and our broken world. Many in our community have been directly impacted by the cuts to federal programs, and I’m guessing all of us have been heartbroken by the destruction of agencies defined by compassion, equity, and scientific advancement. 

A founding principle at The Loft is that we encourage students to approach differences with curiosity and view diversity as enrichment - this is true both in ecosystems and in societies. Each different element adds to the whole. Each voice has power and value. We step into our own power to lift those around us, not to keep others down. We don’t just believe this, we also show up for each other. 

We are postponing classes this weekend to allow our teachers to attend the Hands Off! rally in Washington DC on Saturday April 5, to stop this administration (and its unelected associates) from grabbing medicaid, medicare, social security, books, fair elections, personal data, public lands, veteran services, cancer research, and consumer protections, among other things. We have inherited a system of government that requires our vigilance and participation. “A republic, if you can keep it” as Ben Franklin said. And for better or worse, we are geographically placed in our nation’s capital, which means we have the opportunity to show up visibly and publicly as well. Cory Booker, in his historic 25 hour floor speech this week, noted “This is a moral moment. It’s not left or right, it’s right or wrong.”

Our sphere of influence may seem small, but it is our responsibility to together bend this moral arc of history toward justice. We can do this in our workspaces, in our homes, with our words and our actions. If you can’t join this march, I hope you are finding ways to use your voice in the service of those around you. 

We will hold our last classes of the session on Saturday, April 12 and look forward to seeing you then.

Go get in some Good Trouble,

Lia and Meg

Opening soon: The Loft Hyattsville!

We’re thrilled to announce our second location:
4214 Gallatin St, Hyattsville MD

Please join us for a mini-session of Saturday classes in May, and for Summer Camp 2025! (website coming soon)

All classes are on Saturdays: May 3, 10, 17 and 31 (no class May 24)

Art Exploration (2-4 year olds)
Saturdays, 10:00-11:00
For our youngest artists, we center our curriculum around children’s literature. Each class includes an invitation - a short activity introducing children to the concept or material we’ll be working with that day, an interactive story, and a process-based project tied to the story exploring a variety of materials. Each class includes 30 minutes in our sensory room for open play. Caregiver attends with child and is encouraged to assist when needed while giving the child freedom to guide the experience and make their own art artistic choices. Great bonding time with your little one, with no stress and no clean up!

Adult caregiver must attend with child. Please save snacks for after class - no food in the studio space.

Elementary Art: Draw + Paint (5-7 year olds)
Saturdays, 11:15-12:15 + 1:00-2:00
For kids who love to draw, this class will give an imaginative prompt for creating scenes and characters with pencils, pastels, watercolors and paint.

Little Stitchers Club (7-11 year olds)
Saturdays, 2:15-3:15
Felt is the perfect material for little stitchers! This intro to sewing class focuses on basic skills like tying knots and threading needles, while creating little felt friends, practical and decorative items, and so many variations on the embroidery hoop. Hand sewing builds confidence and skills as kids get ready for machine sewing classes later.

Use code NEWFRIEND25 for 25% off spring classes!

Summer Camp 2025: Takoma and Hyattsville

2025 SUMMER CAMP will run from June 23-August 8 in Takoma Park, and June 30-Aug 1 in Hyattsville, with a two week maximum enrollment per child. The camp day is 9:00-3:00, with optional aftercare until 5:30.

Summer camp registration opens Saturday, January 25, 12 noon, and as you may know, fills very quickly. We always pull from the waitlist, so please add your child if you don’t get a spot. If there’s a week you really want, let me know (lia@theloftcollective.org) and we can try to work you in!

While we work to keep our costs down, we prioritize using quality materials when it makes a difference, and paying our staff a living wage. If our costs present a hardship for you, please email lia@theloftcollective.org for a discount code prior to registration. This will allow you to register on January 25 at a discounted rate. We want this experience to be accessible for everyone!

2025 Summer Camp Themes and more information is on our CAMPS page!

Spring Class Registration Open

We have art programming for children ages 2-12. Classes run in 6-week sessions. If you have a maker at home, this is your place! Register on the CLASSES page.

Spring Session 1: Feb 27 - Apr 5
Spring Session 2: April 24-June 7 (no class May 23-24)

Tinker Time

Bring your toddler and come in and play! Open to children 1.5-3 years old. Rotating art activity, sensory play, blocks, magnet tiles, great book collection, light table. No guided instruction. 

Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30am (please note: closed on April 16 for camp)
$12 (new families: first visit is free, but please register!)

School Day Off Camps

Single day camps are open on Montgomery County and DCPS school days off, except for federal holidays. All day art for creative kids! 9:00-3:00, grades K-4.

Winter/Spring 2025:

DCPS days off
Fri Jan 17
Mon Jan 27
Fri Feb 14
Thu-Fri, Mar 13-14
Fri, Mar 21/Mon, Mar 24 (Stokes Charter School only)
Mon, Apr 7

MCPS days off
Wed Jan 29
Mon Mar 31

DC/MCPS Spring Break
April 14-18

Please contact lia@theloftcollective.org for scholarship information.

We look forward to seeing you! Please sign up below to stay in the loop.