Mini Makerz Art Studio is a free community oriented visual arts program for young children and their families, based in Providence, RI. We offer free visual arts programs for young children and families in Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and Central Falls, RI, including weekend workshops, after school classes, and special pop up events.

The Mini Makerz curriculum is grounded in material exploration, play, collaboration between children and their families, and culturally responsive teaching. We believe that every child/family, regardless of income or financial ability, should have access to high quality and joyful visual arts experiences.

Our Founder + Director

Dr. Shana Cinquemani is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching + Learning in Art + Design (TLAD) at the Rhode Island School of Design, with a specialty in elementary and early childhood art education. She has worked as a museum educator, a preschool teaching assistant, as well as an elementary and middle school art teacher. Shana has published her research in various peer reviewed publications and edited collections, and is currently co-editing a book on motherscholarship, young children, and the arts. She has presented her work at local, national, and international venues, and is also the past president of the Early Childhood Art Educators Interest Group for the National Art Education Association. She lives in Rhode Island with her 8 year old son, husband, and two cats.