Kara Canal, Enthusiast and Founder

Hi! As an art teacher and a new mom, I was excited to take my young son to local art classes in Brooklyn. Surprisingly, I never found one that resonated with how I taught and how I know young children learn best—with open-ended, materials-rich explorations. I decided to launch Open Studio to share my teaching experience with our community of children. Before having my son, I helped to found a vibrant arts program at a Brooklyn based Reggio Emilia inspired program in Williamsburg, and I hold the philosophy of Reggio Emilia close to my heart—prioritizing exploration with materials and following the children’s interests. Children learn best when they make their own discoveries, and that is just what I will offer—a space for open-ended sensory explorations that will enrich their curiosity and inspire them to keep exploring and making connections.