Welcome to the Messy Middle Studio!
At Messy Middle Studio, we believe children learn best when they are trusted as capable creators. Our process-based art classes give elementary-aged children meaningful materials, thoughtful guidance, and the freedom to bring their own ideas to life.
Rather than asking every child to copy the same example, we invite children to explore, experiment, make choices, solve problems, and discover more than one way forward. Along the way, they develop creative confidence, persistence, independent thinking, and the ability to trust their own ideas.
Our developmentally appropriate art experiences focus on the creative process—not achieving a “perfect” finished product. Each class, party or event is designed to be joyful, welcoming, and engaging, giving children space to connect with themselves, with others, and with their community through hands-on creativity.
Through children’s art classes, workshops, camps, parties, and family experiences in the St. Louis area, Messy Middle Studio creates places where every child can feel like an artist.
We don’t teach children to copy our ideas. We help them learn to trust theirs.
Our curriculum includes science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) to make learning fun. Kids love it!
We use the Creative Crafting Curriculum.
Messy Middle Studio uses thoughtfully designed art and STEAM projects from Creative Crafting Curriculum that invite children to experiment, problem-solve, build, create, and reflect. Activities may include process art, crafting, clay, engineering challenges, sensory materials, and playful design prompts.
With Messy Middle, your child will develop all of the skills below in an engaging, hands-on way!
Creativity
Fine Motor Skills
Problem-solving
Self-expression
Confidence
Social Skills
Time Management and Planning Skills
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Skills
Check out everything we do in each class!
Think & Brainstorm
We think outside the box, explore creativity, and practice our problem-solving skills.
Craft
We practice our fine motor and time management skills.
Play
We practice our gross motor and social skills while having fun!
We practice our gross motor and social skills whilst having FUN
Wind Down
We reflect on what we’ve learned.
Hi! I'm Ms. Messy Jessie!
I’ve followed creativity my whole life — from glazing pottery in high school, to designing buildings as an architect, to raising my own kids and to leading a preschool full of little learners.
Along the way, I realized something important: the joy isn’t in the finished product — it’s in the messy middle.
That’s why I created Messy Middle — a place that blends art, education, and hands-on exploration. We experiment, build, paint, explore, problem-solve, and of course, enjoy the messy middle of learning.
But don’t just take our word for it…
See what others are saying about us!
The fact that the curriculum was developed by an architect, engineer, occupational therapist, and artist is just amazing.
The benefits of the lessons to a child's developmental skills blow my mind!
The fact that the curriculum was developed by an architect, engineer, occupational therapist, and artist is just amazing.
The benefits of the lessons to a child's developmental skills blow my mind!
Claudi, Mom
What a wonderful activity for my four-year-old son to partake in! It really sparks his creativity.
The Occupational Therapy reasoning (provided to parents about the activity post-class) allows you to understand the super-skills practiced through each creative class.
Sarah, Mom
We make cool crafts that can DO STUFF. Like rockets that can shoot and cars that drive!
Sometimes we work with cardboard, and other times with paint or clay, and that's why I love this club.
Lucas, Student (9)
We can't wait to connect with you! Fill out our interest form below!
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Have questions? Let us answer them for you...
Do I have to buy the supplies?
No. The supplies are included with the cost of registration.
How big are the classes?
We feel it is important that everyone receives special attention; therefore, all classes are typically kept to a maximum of 10 students.
What do I bring to class?
We provide all the supplies and materials. All you need to do is bring a good attitude and an open mind.
What do I wear?
The classes tend to get messy and could result in paint or other damage to personal items or clothing. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to wear old clothes. We are not responsible for any damages.
What if a class is canceled?
In the rare case that a class may be canceled, you will be notified as soon as possible, and your class will be rescheduled.
How do I sign up?
Click on the "Contact" button and reach out to us.