MANSFIELD — Bursting with color, craft supplies and imagination, Little Artists Loft officially opened its doors July 1 at 1329 Lexington Avenue.
Inside, owner Nicole Weightman has created a vibrant space where kids and families can roll up their sleeves and dive into projects like slime making, ceramic painting, clay modeling, tote bag painting, canvas art and jewelry design. The prices range from $8 to $22.
Weightman created the mini ceramic characters that can be painted, while she buys the other items wholesale.
The studio even features a giant chalk wall, a favorite among children, she said, who are eager to doodle and draw.
Little Artists Loft is open Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parents, Weightman said, often tell her how refreshing it is to let their children create freely — without worrying about the mess they usually have to clean up afterward.
“There really is nothing like this in the area for kids,” she said.
Little Artist Loft sparks creativity for all ages
Little Artists Loft targets children and families, but Weightman also welcomes adults for girls’ nights, date nights, and more.
“Most people see us and may think it’s only for kids, but we let anyone come in and participate,” she said.
Guests can drop in during open hours or book for parties and events.
Guests can choose party packages for any of their craft options — tote bag, canvas painting, and plaster parties cost $250, while jewelry making and slime parties cost $215.
The packages include 2 hours of crafting for 7 kids with each additional kid being $15. The package includes pizza, refreshments and all supplies for your chosen activity.
Little Artists Loft recently teamed up with Lexington Schools to host a step-by-step pumpkin patch canvas and pencil patch painting event at Western Elementary, giving participants a guided, seasonal art experience.
The event will be located inside the cafeteria from 6 to 8 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 18, for all ages. They will also offer free cotton candy, cookies and beverages.
“We will supply all the materials,” Weightman explained. “It’s similar to a paint and sip.”
The cost for the event will be $15 per person with 40% of the proceeds going to Lexington PTO (parent-teacher organization).
While the registration deadline was Sept. 11, Weightman said they plan to host more events in the future.
Weightman brings her creative vision to life
The idea for Little Artists Loft took root after Weightman and her family visited a similar studio in New Jersey.
One day she noticed the empty building while driving by and decided it was the perfect time to bring the concept to life.
Weightman who works as a respiratory therapist at a children’s hospital. She recently made the move to Lexington from Ashland, with her family.
She still works weekends at the hospital, but said the loft allows her to spend more time with her family.
To learn more or check out upcoming events, visit the Little Artists Loft website and Facebook.
(More photos from Little Artists Loft. Photo credit: Hannah Martin)
