

Who We Are
Let's Make Messy Art is an art and play-based learning organization that uses multiple modalities of artistic expression to help families and their children connect and learn with other families in the community.
At our brick-and-mortar open play art studio, we offer activities that incorporate paint, textures, organic materials, movement-based projects, and other artistic modalities that are presented in a play-based format.


Our Services & Programs

Calendar

Where to Find Us
Address
19 E Canon Perdido St, Suite A
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Walk-ins welcome
See Calendar for event details
Contact
Phone: (510)-737-1606
Instagram: @messyart805
Email: hello@letsmakemessyart.com

Our Philosophy
Art and sensory play encourages open-ended exploration, allowing even very young children to experiment and use their imagination to interpret different sensations.
Sensory and art play can be calming and soothing, which helps children better manage their emotions and self-regulate. As children interact with the activities, they naturally practice problem-solving approaches to complete the task independently, or with other children.
Our activities engage multiple senses and allow children to build an understanding of spatial relationships, cause and effect, measurement, and shapes. They also involve manipulating objects, which helps refine fine and gross motor skills like grasping, reaching, and coordination. As children explore different textures, sounds, and sights it provides opportunities for children to learn new vocabulary words.​
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And don't just take our word for it!​
Check out these articles highlighting the benefits of sensory play:
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​Cognitive development and sensory play (Michigan State University)
Sensory Play - Is it Worth the Mess? (Indiana University)​
The Benefits of Messy Play for Infants and Toddlers (HeadStart.gov)
The Power Of Sensory Play In Childhood Development (Forbes)​​

Meet the Owner

Karrmen Rodriguez
Studio Owner
Karrmen Rodriguez is a passionate community advocate, First5 SBC alt. board commissioner, a single mom of a fierce, equally art-adoring four-year-old, and co-founder of Let's Make Messy Art, an initiative dedicated to providing accessible, creative spaces for children and families. Her passion for art began through creative projects with her grandfather, and her daughter carries on that joyful tradition by creating together. Karrmen believes that all children are born curious and imaginative, and it is our role as a community to nurture these qualities. Play = growth and discovery = development, which she channels through Let’s Make Messy Art. Developed alongside Tamara, Karrmen facilitates and cultivates artistic experiences for kiddos to foster confident, creative, and caring individuals.

Community Partners
We are proud to have partnerships with organizations in our local community, allowing us to meaningfully share our mission with Santa Barbara County families.
Check back regularly for information on upcoming community events!
Upcoming Events:
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May 12: Toddler Tuesday at MOXI

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