Encouraging Creativity Beyond the Screen
Children today spend hours glued to screens, whether on TV, smartphones, or other digital devices. However, a local business is successfully shifting its focus to hands-on creativity.
Sarah Longridge, the owner of Artworks Art Studio in 78209, encourages kids to explore creativity, embrace messiness, and learn from mistakes.
“We’re an after-school program that gives children the freedom to express themselves and create whatever they want,” Sarah explained. “We also offer directed classes where we explore history, study famous artists, and work on projects inspired by them.”
This approach contrasts with today’s technology-driven world, where kids rely on touchscreens for instant entertainment and information. Many students welcome the break from screens and enjoy engaging in hands-on creativity at Artworks.
“They love stepping into a non-digital, tactile space where everything isn’t instantly available at their fingertips,” Sarah said. “Here, they must work for what they create. When parents arrive to pick them up, the most engaged kids don’t want to leave because they’re so absorbed in their projects.”
At Artworks, kids have the freedom to be messy and make mistakes—two things that don’t always work well at home or school. Sarah believes mess fuels creativity, and mistakes spark imagination.
“At Artworks, a mistake can turn into something even better and more beautiful,” she said. “That’s one of the best lessons art can teach. It’s powerful for kids to realize they can transform a mistake into something positive.”
More Than Just an Afterschool Program
Parents can purchase a set number of after-school classes and renew them as needed. Artworks also hosts birthday parties, offering two-hour private bookings with a variety of art activities and a separate room for refreshments.
“The group has the whole studio to themselves,” Sarah said. “We offer almost 100 different projects to choose from, some of which match popular birthday themes.”
Summer camps at Artworks continue to grow in popularity. These camps feature mixed-age groups, diverse themes, four daily projects or lessons, studio free time, and snack breaks.
“We book out well in advance,” Sarah said. “Customers are asking about summer camp registration earlier each year. This time, they were inquiring about it as early as Christmas.”
Creativity for All Ages
While Artworks focuses primarily on kids, adults can also explore their creativity. The studio offers team-building workshops and adult art parties, including BYOB and DIY activities.
Recent adult programs have included a mosaic project for a local temple and a corporate event for Whataburger.
From Teacher to Entrepreneur
Artworks allows Sarah the unique opportunity to blend her creative thinking with the analytical skills needed to run a business.
She attended Trinity University, where she earned dual degrees—a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a Master of Arts in Education. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, later taking a part-time job at Artworks. Eventually, she left teaching after securing a full-time position at the studio.
When the previous owner decided to step away, she approached Sarah with the idea of buying the business.
“I thought she was crazy. I didn’t know anything about running a business,” Sarah recalled. “I still feel more connected to my creative brain than my business brain. But now, I have a great handle on how things work. Being an entrepreneur is hard, but it’s really fun.”
Providing kids with an outlet to explore art is incredibly rewarding, especially for their physical and mental development.
“I tell the kids all the time that art and creativity are good for their brains. When they smear paint all over their hands, it generates new nerve endings. It’s about creating those neural pathways through sensory play, which is so important for child development.”
