Westhampton Art Studio Opens Location in Water Mill

Karen Hogan, who has owned an art studio in Westhampton for five years, said parents from further east on the South Fork would bring their children all the way to her studio because there wasn't much for kids to do closer to home.

Seeing a need, Hogan opened a Studio Art location in Water Mill, just off Montauk Highway in the center of the small hamlet, wedged between Southampton Village and Bridgehampton. 

"It seems to be a hub, a central meeting area," Hogan said, adding that she was searchin to open a studio in the area for a couple of years before finding the space at 670 Montauk Highway in the Water Mill Square. It opened June 15.

Open just over a month, Hogan said the studio has been fairly busy and already has regular customers looking for activities for kids during the summer. 

The studio — perfect for kids 4 to 14 looking to channel their creativity, she said — offers art materials, face painting and supervision. Walk-ins are welcome, though camps and birthday parties also offered. She plans to be open year-round.

From paint to glitter, tie dye to air brush, gems to glow paint, stencils to silk flowers, Hogan, who has a master's degree in teaching and was a substitute teacher in the Hampton Bays School District, said children are encouraged to use all of the materials provided to come up with a creative design. 

"Our most popular project is the sneaker project," Hogan said, explaining that it's something she started at her Westhampton studio. She provides a white Converse-like sneaker that children can decorate. In turn, the studio donates $1 to Soles4Souls, which will buy a pair of shoes for a child in need. Girl scouts can earn a badge for their part in this endeavor, she said. 

Parents can leave their children for an hour-and-a-half to do one project, said Hogan, a mother of five ranging from 20 to 13. Prices range from $25 to $75 depending on the project. Most fall between $25 and $45. 

Those who join the Studio Art Camp have a choice of three projects per day. Their parents can bring them in for two-and-a-half hours on any day and any time. Campers can also enjoy a pizza party every Friday and snow cones daily. No reservation is required. 

Party packages include Sneaker and Skateboard parties. They last two hours and include an art project, face painting, "slime," music and dancing, pizza, and drinks. Up to 10 children can take part. 

The studio is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. 

Hogan's Westhampton studio remains open. A studio she had in Commack relocated to Huntington and has since been closed.