Messy Kids Art School opens doors to little makers in Downtown Carson City
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Fri, 12/09/2022 - 9:00am
Haley Albarran has always had a passion for preschoolers. While some might blanche at the idea of spending their days providing artistic messes for young makers, Albarran has made it a career.
“This has always been my passion,” Albarran said. “I’ve always worked in preschool programs, and ever since I was little I’ve been interested in pre-K art.”
Messy Kids Art School opened in the beginning of December at their new studio at 104 Telegraph St. behind Eve’s Eatery in Downtown Carson City.
Messy Kids grew over time, first when Albarran had her own children who enjoyed art projects, and then through playdates with other children.
Albarran first began providing art classes at her home in Carson City, where local children were invited to come and play first in her front yard during the summer, and then into her converted garage studio when the colder months came.
However, it soon became time to take Messy Kids onto its next step and create a new studio location in Downtown Carson City.
“I have a vision of being able to come together where moms are able to let their kids play without having to worry about not making messes,” Albarran said. “It’s the perfect name for us.”
During the month of December, art class themes will generally be holiday related, and are broken up by age group.
There is the Babe Group for ages 1-3, Messy Kids Art Play for ages 3-6, and After School Creators Club for ages 6-10.
After School Creators Club will include activities for more advanced makers, such as canvas drip and spin painting, jewelry making, tie dying, and more.
After the holidays, themes will change weekly, and will be updated on Messy Kids Art School social media sites and their Facebook.
“This is an open space to come and create,” Albarran said. “We are children led; we set out items and let them create whatever their hearts desire.”
While many downtown strollers may not have realized that 104 Telegraph St. existed, Albarran and the other small businesses in the building are working to change that.
“Eddie Miller Counseling has created this amazing atmosphere in small business in the second level around my space,” Albarran said. “We are all women-owned businesses. There is counseling, energy healing, holistic nutrition, an attorney, yoga, and a dental therapy specialist. We are all going to be partnering on community events and community outreach. Our whole idea for the space is to create a health and wellness center.”
Albarran shares the studio Messy Kids is held in with a yoga instructor named Jet who holds Yoga for Every Body classes in the studio.
Yoga classes take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:30 p.m., Friday at 10 a.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m.
For more information on yoga classes, call or text 775 430 1442, or drop in for a class.
Booking
Messy Kids is also a place to host birthday parties for all ages, with spots for up to 10 children.
Spaces for classes are limited and must be booked ahead.
Weekday classes are booked by sessions, while weekend classes are booked as a drop in basis, both through their online booking system.
“I wanted to makes sure that there are options available for parents who work during the week as well,” Albarran said.
Drop in Art Play takes place Saturdays, and are not limited by age group. That way, busy families with multiple children with age gaps can all find something they enjoy.
Classes are generally $15 per child per hour. Weekday classes are booked by session, which lasts four weeks.
