From “mess-friendly” classes to collaborative play, at this vibrant new studio, creativity runs wild, and children (and adults!) are free to explore, play, and create without limits. The brainchild of Brittney Wysong, a wife and mother of two with a passion for fostering authentic creative expression, Artsy Studio was born from the idea that art should be fun, freeing, and focused on the process.
“I’ve always believed creativity is a fundamental human need,” says Brittney. “As a parent, I saw firsthand how many kids’ activities are structured and achievement-oriented. I wanted to create a space where kids—and grownups—could engage in art that’s all about curiosity, experimentation, and joy. There aren’t many activities that give kids full creative freedom or control.”
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Photographs courtesy of Brittney Wysong/Artsy Studio
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Photographs courtesy of Brittney Wysong/Artsy Studio
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Photographs courtesy of Brittney Wysong/Artsy Studio
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Photographs courtesy of Brittney Wysong/Artsy Studio
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Photographs courtesy of Brittney Wysong/Artsy Studio
Artsy Studio centers around the concept of “artplay”—a term that captures the unique blend of hands-on exploration and artistic learning. Unlike traditional art classes, where everyone follows the same set of instructions for a similar outcome, each session at Artsy Studio offers open-ended materials and creative prompts, encouraging participants to chart their own course. “Whether a child spends the hour mixing watercolors or crafting with cardboard and clay, the emphasis is always on the process and not the product,” says Brittney. “We’ll ask, ‘What else could you try?’ or ‘I notice you’re using lots of blue—what drew you to that color today?’, rather than directing how something ‘should’ look. This approach builds creative confidence and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the art studio.” She notes that what makes artplay so powerful is how it taps into the way humans naturally learn: through curiosity, experimentation, and discovery. “When you watch a child deeply engaged in artplay, you’re witnessing not just creativity, but also genuine learning in action,” she says.
Yes, that means things can get messy—and that’s exactly the point. “We’ve intentionally designed our studio to embrace the creative mess! Everything from stain-resistant flooring to our easy-clean furniture has been selected with the understanding that meaningful art exploration is rarely neat and tidy,” says Brittney. The studio’s setup includes practical zones where different types of messy exploration take place, but there’s also an important team mentality: Spills and splashes are fine—everything can be cleaned up. “This approach is crucial because children sense when adults are anxious about mess, and that anxiety transfers directly to how freely they engage with materials. When a child worries about keeping clean, their movements become tentative. True creativity requires the freedom to get too much paint on the brush, to mix unexpected materials, and to try something that might not work.”
And it’s not just for kids. Due to popular demand from parents, Artsy now hosts adult classes, like the monthly Scrap and Yap night (think scrapbooking, cocktails, charcuterie). The studio also brings in local artists to lead workshops for adults eager to try something new or reconnect with their creative side. The studio is also available for special events like birthday parties, baby showers, and field trips. They provide materials, setup, and cleanup, so it’s stress-free for the host. “We tailor each event to the guest of honor and focus on making art together. It’s all about creating memories through making,” says Brittney. Because, at the end of the day, “everyone has an artsy side. Sometimes it just needs the right environment to emerge and flourish.”
Learn more or sign up for a class at artsystudiotrussville.com.
Visit Artsy Studio
- Classes range in formats to accommodate ages, interests, and schedules, but the method is always the same: “We provide approachable materials, thoughtful provocations, and skilled facilitation, rather than step-by-step instruction,” says Brittney.
- Mini Makers: A first-time art experience for toddlers. Each class contains process-based projects—paint walls, clay, sensory bins, pretend play—and different stations offer materials and provocations that rotate to reflect seasons, interests, or specific artistic concepts.
- Little Art Club Class: For “big” little kids and all about the joy of creating! Each class contains a signature process-based project—paint wall, sensory bins, pretend play—as well as process-art crafts and collaborative art projects.
- Homeschool Art and Afterschool Art: These classes focus on materials ranging from clay and paint to colored pencils and wood. Children explore art experiences such as print-making, collage, papier-mâché, and more! They also learn about artists and styles from around the world.
- School Break Camps: During breaks, the studio offers half- and full-day creative experiences. This summer, kids can attend Mini Camp every Friday; Dollhouse Camp; Welcome to Artsy Summer Camp, which explores nostalgic camp crafts; and more.