“Let’s Put Glitter on Everything”: Big Things Happening at The Little Art House

By Jessie Eden, co-owner of Living Magazines

Tucked in the Highland Square shopping center, The Little Art House is doing big things. 

From art workshops and birthday parties to adult ‘paint & sip’ parties, wreath-making around the holidays, week-long camps and tie-dye classes in the summer, there is always something colorful happening at The Little Art House.

Fort Thomas resident Ella Surrey, opened The Little Art House in October 2023 as a space to create. In November 2023, she started organizing art workshops. Now, she is preparing for additional 6-week workshops over the summer, Spring and Summer pop-up sessions and even more fun activities are planned over the summer.

Yet, her career path didn’t start with The Little Art House. After graduating from Highlands High School in 2020, Surrey started attending UC DAAP for the fashion design program but eventually found that she wanted to return to her creative roots – art. 

A Creative Path

The Little Art House was an idea that stemmed from Surrey’s passion for art. “I’ve been an artist and painter since high school,” said Surrey. “I’ve done pet portraits and house paintings for people with acrylic paint. I wanted to open a studio for myself so I talked with my mom and then we talked about workshops and people were supportive of the idea, there seemed to be a demand in the area and before we knew it, the word had spread about our idea.”

Surrey says she drew creative inspiration from her mom, Andrea, who is an interior designer and her grandmother. “I’ve always been interested in creative activities. I’ve looked up to my mom and grandmother’s skills with sewing, designing, and drawing,” said Surrey. “I always valued having an active and rich imagination. I think that’s such an important part of a good childhood. So I am always encouraging the students to tap into their imagination when they’re creating. To always be thinking of what else is possible and don’t be scared to try.” 

While in high school, Surrey, like many students, found herself in the middle of a pandemic and turning to creative endeavors to stay busy. “When the pandemic hit at the end of my senior year of high school, the time at home gave me the opportunity to focus on developing my senior portfolio,” said Surrey. “We were in the middle of wrapping up our collections for the year and the extra time gave me the chance to get more creative with the processes I was using. So I was able to try new materials with the extra time.”

Surrey says she’s grateful to everyone’s support…especially her mom who has been there every step of the way. “I’m very grateful that people have been so supportive and helped me find a path that could be an option for me. My mom is super supportive of my decision. She always encourages me and she’s an interior designer so she helped paint and organize the space,” said Surrey. “She’s my biggest supporter.” 

Stretching Those Creative Muscles

Surrey said The Little Art House’s presence has been enthusiastically received by children and adults alike. “Moms seem to love it because their kids are counting down the days until the next time they can come,” said Surrey. “The kids’ classes are the best part because they’re so excited to be here and work with different materials. I’ll ask them what their favorite colors are and what they like best. For preschoolers, they tend to have consistent color themes and their own styles and personalities. Being here helps them stretch their creative muscles.”

With stretching those creative muscles comes… well, mess, and that’s okay! Surrey says that’s a big part of The Little Art House. “The kids really have a lot of fun and are excited to come back. They even miss each other!” said Surrey. “Messes are welcome here and the kids love that!”.

When asked where she sees The Little Art House in five years, Surrey invisions a staple of the community reaching all ages. “I would love to eventually have a bigger art studio and reach more kids. I want to do more community outreach and involve the disabled and elderly as well.”

To learn more about The Little Art House, visit thelittlearthouseky.com.