In the heart of Prospect Heights, Little Makers Studio has quickly become a creative haven for children and families. Founded by Bianca Mayle, the studio is built on a simple but powerful belief: kids thrive when given the freedom to explore. Rather than focusing on “perfect” finished projects, Little Makers celebrates the messy, magical process of making art. With walls meant for painting, bins brimming with recycled treasures, and endless invitations to create, it’s no wonder children—and their parents—leave the studio buzzing with inspiration.
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Q: You call Little Makers a “process art studio.” For those new to the idea, what does that mean?
A: Process art is all about the journey, not the finished product. When a child comes into our studio, we’re not saying “paint this flower” or “make it look like this picture.” Instead, we invite them to explore the materials—mix, pour, glue, rip, experiment. The value is in what they discover along the way. It’s about cultivating curiosity and confidence, not creating a “perfect” piece of art.
Q: Why do you believe creativity is so important in early childhood?
A: Creativity is more than art—it’s a life skill. When kids are allowed to explore freely, they learn problem-solving, resilience, and flexibility. They begin to trust their own ideas. In a world where kids are often over-scheduled and over-directed, I think it’s a gift to say, “Here’s space. Here are materials. Now see where your imagination takes you.”
Q: What kind of programs do you offer for families?
A: We love being able to grow with children through every stage. For our youngest makers, we offer baby and toddler playgroups—like Tiny Makers and Mini Makers—where little ones can explore textures, colors, and sensory play with a caregiver. For school-age kids, we have after-school programs, camps during school breaks, and specialty workshops that dive deeper into an art material. This October, we’re especially excited to launch our crochet workshop series just for tweens—it’s already generating so much buzz! Parents can explore all of our offerings and register directly through our website and Sawyer listings.
Q: What’s different about your Open Studio sessions?
A: Open Studio is really at the heart of who we are. These are one- or two-hour sessions where kids (and often their families) can explore our space at their own pace. Instead of a single, step-by-step project, we set up multiple creative stations—painting, building, collage, sensory play—and kids get to follow their curiosity from one to the next. Parents often end up sitting down to draw, glue, or build alongside their child—it’s amazing to see grown-ups rediscovering their own creative side. Families tell us they love the variety of materials and the fact that it’s a different adventure every time they visit.
Q: What do kids love most about being there?
A: Kids often say things like, “I get to make whatever I want!” or “I tried something I’ve never done before.” They love that no one tells them it has to look a certain way. One child might spend the whole session painting with both hands, another might build a cardboard rocket and announce, “It’s going to the moon!” They get excited about trying wild ideas, making a big mess, and showing their grown-ups what they invented. For them, it feels like play—but with endless possibilities.
Q: And what do parents notice after a session?
A: Parents often tell us they’re amazed by the excitement their child brings home. Kids come running out saying, “Look what I made!” That kind of pride and joy is contagious—you can see it in the way they hold their projects like treasures. Parents notice their kids can’t wait to share every detail of how they made it, and almost after every visit they laugh and say the same thing: “They’re already asking when we can come back!”
Click HERE to learn more on their website. Follow them on Instagram @littlemakersstudiobk!
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Testimonials:
"We had a great time at Little Makers Studio! I don’t usually leave reviews, but the staff were so kind and attentive that I felt compelled to share. They were wonderful with the children and made sure every need was met. It’s clear they truly care about creating a fun and nurturing environment. Highly recommend!" – Roman B.
"Throughout the Spring, my pre-K child has loved the afterschool program at Little Makers- and she’s excited to be a part of the camp this summer. The teachers are caring and attentive, and support the kids’ artistic expression and exploration. its a sweet space loaded with tons of supplies but even more creativity. We love little makers." – Danny F.
"My daughter loved the two days she spent here. I wish we had known about this place earlier! Great friendly staff members, we felt completely at peace." – Alex S.
"This was the first place I could drop my 4 year old off for a workshop unaccompanied by an adult and he was totally ok with it. He hadn’t even been there before, it’s just such a warm and inviting place. We love this place!" – Lola C.
"My 3yo daughter had an awesome time here at an art class when school was closed. The staff are lovely and do a great job with the kids. We will 1,000% be regulars here. Also, they have a nice range of art/creative supplies and activities if you're looking for a place to just pop in and buy some." – Rob C.
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