Buena Vista, Virginia · A 501(c)(3) nonprofit
A drop-in art studio built for little hands and big ideas.
Art is a place for children to learn to trust their ideas, themselves and to explore what is possible.
Open art bar, story hour, art classes, and a bright space you can rent for birthdays — all under one roof, designed for early learners and welcoming to every age.
What we do
A space to experiment, together.
Our drop-in art studio is specifically designed for early learners, but our goal is to provide a space for children of all ages to use with their parent(s) — a place where they can come and experiment together using a variety of art mediums and engage in age-appropriate activities, such as story-time and crafts, thus enhancing creativity, self-esteem, and healthy cognitive, social-emotional and multi-sensory development.
We also offer our space to rent for parties & events.
Everything at Little Beasties
Five ways to make something today
Come once, come weekly, or book the whole studio. Every program runs out of our Magnolia Avenue space in Buena Vista.
The Art Bar
Our unique art bar encourages free art play and creativity — stocked with beads, buttons, pom poms, foam shapes, pipe cleaners, plus papers, paints and drawing materials.
Explore the Art Bar
Fall Art Classes
Five creative options for young artists, teens, and adults: Falling into Art Camp, Mud & Magic Clay, Gouache Explorers, Stain Glass with Sam, and Ornaments & Cookies.
See fall classes
Clay, Paint & More
Make functional pottery in Mud & Magic, learn vibrant gouache painting, create glowing stained-glass pieces, or celebrate the season with ornaments and cookies.
Browse fall classes
Story Hour
We read exceptional, often award-winning children's literature aloud, then create an art project inspired by the story — and finish with a snack inspired by the book.
Join Story Hour
Parties & Events
Our studio is available to gather, celebrate, sing, play and create. We rent our space and supplies for all types of parties and groups — and all ages.
Plan your partyRegistration and payment for fall classes happens in our online shop — or pay by Venmo, PayPal, cash, check or card at the studio.
From the studio
A Look into Little Beasties
A little bit messy, a lot creative — memories and masterpieces to carry home.
Meet the instructors
Learn from educators who love what they do
Come enjoy the incredible instruction they offer in our Art Classes.
Kelly Dorey
Studio Art & Education, BA
BA in Studio Art and Education from Mary Baldwin College. Taught Art and Drama (K–8) in Lexington City Schools and three Rockbridge County elementary schools, with over 25 years working with children of all ages.
Melissa Branin Wheeler
Art Practice, MFA
Multidisciplinary artist with an MFA in Art Practice from the School of Visual Arts, NYC. Six years in ceramics, and teaches ceramics and book arts at Southern Virginia University.
Sara Walker
Potter & Teaching Artist
Local artist and creator behind Let It Be Pottery. Sara loves helping young artists explore clay, learn new skills, and feel proud of their perfectly imperfect pieces.
Paysen Grandy
Designer & Illustrator
Artist, designer, and children's illustrator with a design degree from Southern Virginia University. Paysen creates a welcoming environment where students feel encouraged to explore.
Jennifer Barney
Artist & Art Educator
Experienced elementary art educator who helps young artists build confidence, work through creative challenges, and take pride in their work.
Samantha “Sam” Cary
Stained Glass Artist & Instructor
Stained glass artist with a background in Clinical Psychology and Early Childhood Development. Sam loves sharing art with her daughter and the Buena Vista community.
Follow along
Lately on Instagram
Recent posts from @little.beasties.art, refreshed automatically each day at noon Eastern.
Come Fall into Art. Look at our creative fall season for young artists, teens and adults. Detailed information about all classes can be found at littlebeastiesart.com.
Thanks for joining us at story hour today!
Enjoy the last story hour of the summer this Wednesday, August 5. We will be making these adorable lighthouses.
Five days and counting down to our next story hour — save the date: Wednesday, August 5.
Thank you for joining us for a patriotic story hour as we celebrated our country's 250th birthday! 🇺🇸
🖌️ Escape the Sun. Create Some Fun!
We will be closed for Independence Day July 4–7. Business will resume on Wednesday, July 8.
We had a marvelous Red, White and Blue Art Camp Week. Thanks to all our young artists for sharing their love for art and their country.
Loading the latest Instagram posts…
Plan your visit
Fall hours
- Tuesday10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Wednesday10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Wednesday Story Hour10:30 a.m.
- Thursday10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Upcoming closures: August 24–September 8 (except Story Hour on September 2), September 29–October 1, November 23–28, and December 22–27.
Get in touchFind us
2067 Magnolia Ave., Suite A
Buena Vista, Virginia 24416
Little Beasties Art Studio, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization.