Karst Studio is an inclusive art studio offering several different art classes for kids aged 18 months - 12 years located in East Nashville, Tennessee.
Come create with us!
classes & PRICING:
TWO HOUR PROCESS ART CLASS
Ages 2 years - 12 years
2 HOUR DURATION: XAM-XPM
$45
This is a 2-hour drop-off session in a neuroaffirming, inclusive space for children ages 2 - 12 to explore creativity and self-expression. Through flexible art-making and playful activities, children engage in sensory-rich experiences that support their unique learning and sensory needs.
THREE HOUR PROCESS ART CLASS
Ages 18 months - 6 years
3 HOUR DURATION: XAM - XPM
$55
This is a 3-hour drop-off session for children ages 18 months to 6 years. Each session is thoughtfully designed to be child-led, allowing young artists to explore at their own pace. There’s no “right way” to create—just plenty of room for curiosity, mess-making, and joyful self-expression in a relaxed and supportive environment.
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS
Ages 2 years - 6 years
6 HOUR DURATION: 9AM - 3PM
$80
Creative Explorations is a fun and engaging pre-k program for children ages 2-6, where little ones dive into hands-on creation and explore various materials and mediums. With time for experimentation and process art, kids develop problem-solving skills and personal expression. The program includes four outdoor breaks to help children recharge and stay energized, all while fostering creativity in a supportive, playful environment.
AFTER SCHOOL OPEN STUDIO
Ages 6 years - 14 years
2 HOUR DURATION: XPM - XPM
$45
Our After-School Art Studio class is a creative, open-ended space where young artists (ages 6–14) are free to explore, experiment, and express themselves at their own pace. Rooted in the philosophy of process over product, our studio fosters creativity, confidence, and curiosity in a relaxed, supportive environment.
KINDLY TAKE NOTE:
Payment is due before your artist attends a class.
You must sign up ahead of time in order to attend a class. If you do not receive a confirmation email from us, you are not signed up. We cannot accommodate walk-ins as we must know ahead of time in order to properly staff for the day.
Thank you for understanding!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR ART CLASS:
• Dress for mess: Please send your child in clothes that can get colorful and stained.
• Extra clothes: Pack a change of clothes for spills or paint-covered adventures.
• Food & drink: Provide a full lunch, snacks, and a water bottle — creating can work up a big appetite!
• Collect creations: Bring your child’s art portfolio folder (which is provided at drop off at their
first class) each day to safely collect all their masterpieces at the end of class.
• Comfort items: Feel free to bring a favorite comfort item to help with transitions or snuggle support. Know that they are subject to paint spills and the like.
I’m Nic!
artist, educator & founder of Karst Studio
My Journey
For nearly twenty years I’ve worked with children ages 2–10: as a nanny, in private preschools, and within public school systems. My career began in a Montessori preschool, where I developed a deep appreciation for child-led, hands-on learning.
I earned an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education in 2009 and in 2021 a Bachelor of Arts in Child & Adolescent Development with an emphasis in Art.
After supporting neurodivergent learners in public schools and taking time to raise my own children, I returned to the field in 2023 — reigniting my passion for fostering creativity, growth, and inclusion.
Why I Created Karst Studio
I founded Karst Studio because every child deserves a space filled with joy, freedom, and the safety to show up as their whole self. I’ve seen how art opens doors — it bridges communication, encourages expression, and builds trust, especially for neurodivergent children and those whose identities are too often overlooked.
My Approach & Values
Karst is more than an art studio — it’s a dynamic, heart-centered space for discovery, imagination, and unapologetic self-hood.
Here’s what we stand for:
• We emphasize play, process-oriented creativity, and emotional development.
• We deeply affirm LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC children and families, shaping a truly inclusive, affirming space where all are welcomed with care.
• We lift up bold thinking, make space for big emotions, and shine a light on diverse artistic voices.
• We value wonder over perfection, questions over answers, and believe every child’s journey is valid and beautiful.
Kids Lead the Way
At Karst, children take the lead — we support their instincts, help them explore their inner worlds, and set the stage for delightfully messy masterpieces. Because when kids are free to create, the magic unfolds.
I chose the name KARST because karst landscapes have always spoken to me. On the surface they can look simple, even ordinary — just rocks and ground. But beneath that “everyday” outside is an entire world: winding caves, quiet water, shining crystals, life growing in places you’d never expect.
To me, that feels a lot like people — especially neurodivergent kids. So many of them carry these brilliant, intricate inner worlds that aren’t always seen right away. And when you take the time to listen, to slow down, to meet them where they are… you start to see all that depth, creativity, humor, sensitivity, and color they’ve been holding.
I named my business Karst because I wanted a place that honors that. A place that believes every kid has a vibrant inside, and that it’s worth noticing, nurturing, and celebrating. A place where no one has to hide the parts of themselves that make them truly happy.
Ready to join us?
Schedule an art class, book a birthday party in the studio, or contact me directly and let’s create something amazing together.
what KARST is all about
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NEUROAFFIRMING
Our neuroaffirming space is designed to be inclusive and supportive of children with diverse neurological profiles, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions. We recognize and value the different ways children think, process information, and interact with art.
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LGBQTIA+
At Karst, we provide a safe, inclusive space where every child can express themselves freely. We proudly support the LGBTQIA+ community and ensure all kids feel welcome, respected, and valued. Send your child to a place where creativity thrives and diversity is celebrated.
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SELF ADVOCACY
At Karst we believe that children’s voices are valuable and worthy of listening to. For this reason, we believe that art is a language that allows children’s voices to be heard by bringing visibility to their thoughts, ideas, creations and feelings. Paint a canvas, make something from clay, create with beads, glitter, glue and more, paint the walls! At Karst creativity is the only limitation.
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PROCESS ART
Picture this: you splash, squish, and swirl paint on paper, exploring textures, colors, and shapes without worrying about the end result. It’s like being a mad scientist in an art lab, where the goal is to experiment and have fun rather than create something "perfect." The real magic happens in the way we interact with our materials and let our imaginations run wild, making every project a unique, joyful exploration of our creative selves.