Karst Studio is an inclusive art studio offering several different art classes for kids aged 18 months - 12 years located in East Nashville, Tennessee.
classes & PRICING:
Karst Kids: Early Years
Ages 18 months - 5 years
YOUR CHOICE BETWEEN:
4 HOUR DURATION 9AM - 1PM
6 HOUR DURATION: 9AM - 3PM
$70 // $90
For our tiniest artists, explorers, feelers, and rock collectors (ages 18 months–5 years), Karst Studio has transformed into a natural materials, loose parts studio designed just for them. Each season, we ground our exploration in earth science and local geology, giving little hands geology field tables to touch, sort, stack, and discover at their own pace. Guided by the Anji Play philosophy, we trust children to lead the way. There's no "right" way to create here, just child-led, individualized exploration through loose parts, natural and modern art mediums, sensory play, movement, and time outdoors every single day. Every material is chosen with intention, to spark curiosity while supporting emotional regulation, helping your child build the internal tools they'll carry for life: calm, confidence, and connection.
With small classes of 10 or fewer, meeting Monday through Friday, our teachers get to truly know your child, honoring the way they sense, move, and make sense of their world. Whether you're looking for a little breathing room, some dedicated focus time, or simply want your little one immersed in a warm, developmentally-rich space among peers, Karst Kids: Early Years meets your family right where you are. Spots are limited by design, because small is the whole point. Give your little artist a place to explore, create, and grow exactly as they are.
AFTER SCHOOL OPEN STUDIO
Ages 2 years - 12 years
2 HOUR DURATION: 4PM - 6PM
Our After-School Art Studio class is a creative, open-ended space where young artists (ages 2-12) 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 creative play 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.