Sharnikya Howard, Kidcreate Studio - Bethesda

Meet the Owner

Sharnikya Howard

Sharnikya is a former software engineer with a heartfelt passion for introducing people of all ages to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) through fun, hands-on experiences that lead to discovery.

She has spent more than 20 years in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area engaging kids in STEAM, supporting women in transition, and addressing homelessness, driven by a commitment to spark curiosity, creativity, and growth in every person she encounters.

Today, she is excited to share this journey with her daughter, whose boundless curiosity and love for both the arts and STEM serve as a daily source of inspiration. Together, they celebrate the joy of learning and the kid in everyone, while creating a welcoming space where both children and adults can explore, imagine, and fall in love with discovery.

Sharnikya welcomes you and your children to visit the studio, put on an apron and create. After all, making a mess is the best at Kidcreate!

What is Kidcreate Mobile Studio?

Serving families and organizations in the Bethesda area, Kidcreate Studio - Bethesda is an on-the-go art studio that specializes in children's art classes, camps and art-themed birthday parties. Our mobile art studio brings Kidcreate’s award-winning art curriculum just about anywhere, by bringing art directly to schools, community education programs, daycares, homes and more! With Kidcreate, your child will create fridge-worthy masterpieces, learn creative concepts and experiment with many different art materials.

How our story
began

Once upon a time,
There was a kindergartner who was frustrated by spelling, but loved art!
So it began...

Founder, Lara Olson, started Kidcreate Studio after being discouraged by the limited art exposure her son was receiving at school. In art class, he found tremendous joy in the creative process and none of the frustrations he was experiencing in some of his other classes.

Lara understood this. She too gravitated toward art as a child. Lara believed in the power of art to teach, inspire and build self-esteem. She also understood that art makes learning fun and a fun learning environment was exactly what her son needed. Lara started a quest for art classes for her son. She searched in vain for an art studio designed just for kids that combined quality art education with a fun kid-friendly environment. Finding nothing that met her requirements, she decided to create it!

Lara understood this. She too gravitated toward art as a child. Lara believed in the power of art to teach, inspire and build self-esteem. She also understood that art makes learning fun and a fun learning environment was exactly what her son needed. Lara started a quest for art classes for her son. She searched in vain for art classes designed just for kids that combined quality art education with a fun kid-friendly environment. Finding nothing that met her requirements, she decided to create it!

Kidcreate Studio was born!

Kidcreate Studio - Bethesda - About Us - Kids Art Studio

Portrait of Lara, drawn by her 9 year old daughter

Read Our Rave Reviews

Awesome experience for my daughter’s 5th birthday party. Everyone was so helpful, patient and friendly. Great place to host a kids party. Thank you all 💕
— Ingrid Parsons, Posted March 7th 2026 on google
My kid’s birthday party was pleasant. They enjoyed working with clay and doing independent work. It was so fun for them. The owner and staff are wonderful. We will be back for classes. Here is a picture of a blue unicorn, one of the four year olds made independently of help from adults.
— J ShuntĂ© Takyi, Posted February 22nd 2026 on google
Our kiddos (3 and 6) love it here! I would definitely recommend to any parents with kids that enjoy being creative
— Brad, Posted February 16th 2026 on google
Excellent space for my child’s birthday party. There were a bunch of 1st graders that had a lot of excited energy! The amazing staff handled everyone beautifully. No stress on the parents at all! Highly recommend them for events
— Amanda Cralley, Posted February 9th 2026 on google
We had an extremely positive experience hosting our daughter's birthday party here. She loves art, and it was a joy to see her creating with her friends. She felt so celebrated, and the teachers were excellent with the little ones and their enthusiasm (and chaos). We will absolutely consider having another birthday par...
— Alli McCann, Posted February 2nd 2026 on google
Had a great time for my daughter’s 3rd birthday party! The teachers were very helpful and patient with the kids.
— Sara Ross, Posted January 18th 2026 on google
We chose KidCreate Studio for our child's 3rd birthday party, and we chose a sensory play experience. This party EXCEEDED our expectations. Livia and Sky did an amazing job keeping the kids engaged in the projects. The kids loved the sensory play and the painting. It was such a fun time for the kids and I felt like...
— Ana Ostman, Posted January 4th 2026 on google
My daughter has done two of the parents nights out and she has had a blast. She is always so excited to participate and she is proud to share her creations when I pick her up. We look forward to the next one!
— Amy Hansen, Posted December 31st 2025 on google
My kiddo had a really fun time in the classes, though they might be a bit geared more toward younger kids than those 10 and up. Thomas was her instructor, and he was very friendly, enthusiastic, and welcoming! My kiddo took the slime-making class and was always excited each week to tell us all about the different types...
— Nadia Anderson, Posted December 16th 2025 on google
I brought my 5-year old nephew to an ornament making class and it was great! The instructor was so kind and the quality of the projects was excellent. Highly recommend.
— Heartbeet Kitchen, Posted December 16th 2025 on google
We signed our son up for two of the date night classes. He loved both classes and didn't want to leave. He says, "best art classes ever!" Thank you Kidcreate for the fun for him and the date night for us!
— Leah Hill, Posted November 20th 2025 on google
This was our 2nd date night art class and our kiddo always has an amazing time.
— Carissa Dressen, Posted November 17th 2025 on google
We can’t say enough good things about Kidcreate! Our kids absolutely love going, they have such a great time at camps and classes. The staff is amazing, they're so engaging, patient, and genuinely fantastic with the kids. Every experience has been wonderful, and our kids always look forward to going back. We've atten...
— Natalie Kalas, Posted November 10th 2025 on google
Great experience hosting a birthday party here! Kids had a blast doing an art project, getting faces painted, and playing with slime. One kiddo’s parent was 30-min late for pick-up at the end of the party and Sky let her and my other kids paint while we waited. We really appreciate how accommodating they were!
— Alexandra Bates, Posted October 27th 2025 on google
They made my son feel very comfortable when he was nervous about me leaving and when he came home was so excited to go back again.
— Tamara Ward, Posted October 22nd 2025 on google
The front desk staff is very welcoming and patient with parents and kids. The art teacher is extremely positive and encouraging, and so excited for every child in the class and their ability to create. We will definitely be continuing to take classes here.
— Becky Streeter, Posted October 13th 2025 on google
We just had my son’s birthday party there. They were great! Easily accommodating 17 kiddos. They all had a blast. We even got a giant sign all his friends signed and drew on. It is now in our living room for the foreseeable future. One of the best parts is it is closed to the public. I always feel safer with younger ...
— Tara Lyn, Posted October 13th 2025 on google
We had such a great time celebrating our daughter’s birthday here! They made her feel extra special! They also went above and beyond during the project time and even after to keep the kids entertained! We will definitely be coming back!
— Ashley Myers, Posted September 21st 2025 on google
My son enjoyed his four day art camp! He is particularly wriggly and even did fine with four FULL days. Half days might have been better, but he was a trooper. The projects were fun and he liked them. The staff was great! Handled any issues kindly and promptly.
— A. Canavan, Posted September 5th 2025 on google
Would recommend for birthday parties, was a great experience. They even wrote a list of the gifts given and who gave them. Details were great!
— Hannah Nicol, Posted August 30th 2025 on google
Things to Do With Kids Near Me - Kidcreate Studio - Bethesda Things to Do With Kids Near Me - Kidcreate Studio - Bethesda

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