About Us
¡Bienvenidos to Viva Art Studio!
A familia-owned Latino creative art space in the heart of Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, where arte, language, and comunidad come together. Born from my daughter's love for painting and my own journey back to speaking Spanish with Fluency.
Growing up first-gen Dominican American from the Bronx, el español was my first language. Somewhere along the way, I lost some of it. Now, I'm taking it back and helping others do the same, through color, creativity, and a little bit of fun.
That's why we opened our studio on Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, to give Brooklyn families a place where kids, teens, y adults can explore bilingual art classes, afterschool programs, summer camps, and toddler art and sensory play all en español and English, no experience with either required.
Because here, we believe your cultura is worth celebrating, your roots are worth reclaiming, and every lienzo is a chance to do both.
¡Así que ven, crea, and make something beautiful with us one colorful obra maestra at a time! 🎨
At Viva Art Studio in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, we offer Spanish dual-language art classes for kids across Brooklyn along with a few predominantly English classes. From toddler art and sensory play (ages 1–5) to afterschool art programs, weekend classes, summer camp, and school-break camps for ages 5–11, everything we do is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and nurture the cognitive and social benefits of bilingualism.
Our classes take place in a nurturing, judgment-free studio just off Cortelyou Road and Newkirk Plaza , where children are encouraged to express themselves fully while developing both their artistic and Spanish language skills. With an inclusive approach, we ensure every child feels welcome and supported, no matter their background or language level — no Spanish (or art experience) required.
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 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
This is your Testimonial quote. Give your customers the stage to tell the world how great you are!
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