The Loft is a creative space for young makers.
Through art, we build a foundation for social engagement, compassion for each other, and respect for the natural world.
The Loft began as Little Loft, a neighborhood art space in Capitol Hill, Washington DC in 2012, offering small-batch art experiences to young children using simple materials, a nurturing setting, and a curated selection of children’s books. In 2015, we opened in Takoma Park MD, building a thriving after school program, continuing art classes and camps, and expanding our class offerings to include makers skills like sewing.
When small businesses were closing all over the country during the pandemic in the spring of 2020, Little Loft closed also, taking some time to reimagine the role of a children’s art studio in the nation’s capital during a tumultuous historical moment.
Re-opening as The Loft Collective in 2021, we still provide an enriching art experience with an emphasis on the natural world and quality children’s literature. We have expanded offerings for older students, exploring the power of art to amplify voices, shift mindsets, and impact change.
The Loft Collective provides children with a creative sanctuary and parents with a trusted place for child care. It also offers families a forum and structure to participate in the public life of our community through partnerships with local artists and events that promote cultural healing and growth.
Staff
Lia Salza
Founder & Executive Director
Lia is an educator, an entrepreneur, a school activist, a dedicated citizen, an enthusiastic community member, a parent, a birthmother, a weaver of social fabric and a stitcher of literal fabric. She co-founded Little Loft in 2012 (now The Loft Collective), and has been nurturing young people through art education ever since. She has a BA from Wesleyan University in American Studies, and a Ed.M. from Harvard University in Mind, Brain and Education. She lives in Takoma Park MD with her three children and her cat Narnia.
Meg Ryan
Creative Director
Meg is a creative maven, rock hoarder, competitive runner, craft wizard and lover of all mediums and processes. When she isn't wrapped in thread or hot glueing herself to cardboard, she is imagining the paintings she might create if only she wasn't out running endless distances through road and trail. That is what that BFA in Fine Arts from MSU was for, right? Once a conservation picture framer, luxury bedding designer, realtor, stager and product design specialist assisting artisanal groups around the world, she has a wealth of experiences to share with makers young and older. She lives in Takoma Park with her husband and 2 daughters who share in her love of the creative process (except when they have to drag her off Michigan's rock beaches).
Martina Loncar
Program Manager
Martina is a multimedia artist and educator from Toronto, Canada. In her day-to-day life, she wears multiple hats with enthusiasm. Martina dedicates her time to the aftercare art program at The Loft, and is also an instructor in the studio art department at American University. Her personal art practice includes sculpture, paper-cutting, drawing, collage, and installation. In her work, she explores how trees and humans are connected to their environments through deep-rooted networks of care. From time to time, she writes and exhibits poetry alongside her work. Martina earned her BA from Colgate University in Studio Art and Educational Studies and her MFA in Studio Art from the American University in Washington, DC. She lives in Takoma Park and enjoys reading, playing soccer, and museum hopping in her free time.
Lola Bloom
Art Teacher
Lola Bloom has dedicated her career to providing the space, time, and resources for children and families to creatively experience the world through art, food and nature. She taught K-12 for 9 years after studying Art Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, and then utilized those creative skills to co-found City Blossoms, a nationally-recognized garden-based organization that works to build healthier communities. Since 2016 Lola has worked as the Director of Food and Wellness at DC Bilingual, and is excited to begin teaching art again after years of creating award-winning culinary and gardening programming for PK-5th grade. Lola enjoys dance parties, food-themed costumes, baking, and making funny drawings with her 7 year old son and 42 year old husband in DC.