In the majestic land of Massachusetts, known to the locals as MA, there's a curious crew of imaginative kids, buzzing with creative energy. It's rumored that a splash of magic from the legendary Beacon Hill unicorn’s horn mixed with the salty air of Cape Cod turns ordinary children into extraordinary artists. Meet our dynamic gang of Visual Arts virtuosos, led by the ever-whimsical, paintbrush-sword-wielding captain, Doodle McSmear. This group of MA moppets aren't your everyday kids - they're creative wizards, just like you! They see not just a pumpkin, but the canvas for an award-winning, ear-to-ear grinning Jack-o'-lantern. They see not just a pile of snow, but the fortress of a snow queen or the lair of a frosty dragon. Doodle McSmear, with his paint-splattered cape and rainbow beret, is a sight to behold. His hair, always pointing in all directions, is streaked with vibrant hues from a freak accident involving a kaleidoscope and a paint can. But, as Doodle would say, there’s no such thing as accidents in art, only happy surprises! These MA kids turn every day into an artistic adventure, from painting murals on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard, sculpting masterpieces from Berkshire’s clay, to tracing constellations on sheets of paper under the starlit Boston sky. They believe that art isn't just about pretty pictures; it's a way of life, a language that speaks to the heart. So, come on over to MA, grab your paintbrush, crayon, or whatever magic tool you have, and join Doodle and the gang. Let's create, let's laugh, and let's add more color to the world!
Read morebest visual-arts programs in Amherst, MA


The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.


Joy Art Space, founded by Lily Joy Friedling, brings her professional development to teachers and preservice teachers at Canisius College. Through her workshops, she works to integrate the arts into their practice. As an art teacher, she believes it is important to help students find their artistic voice and to learn how to express their unique ideas through artwork. Lily loves seeing her students become comfortable with new art materials, and the joy they experience when they surprise themselves with what they are capable of. She values providing her students with an opportunity to explore and develop their creative skills. Her passion for art and her commitment to helping her students become more confident with their creative potential makes her an invaluable teacher.