Artsy Partsy in Pasadena has become a place where families connect, creativity thrives, and community comes to life – all thanks to founder Jeannette Fonseca’s unexpected journey.
When Jeannette Fonseca helped her sister throw a birthday party for her niece years ago, she didn’t expect it to change her life. But what began as a simple afternoon of crafts and laughter quickly revealed something bigger – a need in the community for a space where creativity could flourish. That moment planted the seed for Artsy Partsy, a Pasadena studio located at 8055 Ritchie Highway that’s been inspiring artists of all ages ever since.
“I never set out to start a business,” Fonseca said. “It really happened by accident.”
After that first party, word quickly spread among families who loved the idea of a place where kids could create freely. Fonseca soon found herself teaching small evening classes in the back of a nail salon. But her vision – and her passion – outgrew that little space. One Sunday afternoon, she wandered into the Glen Burnie Mall, where an old RadioShack storefront stood empty. The rent was $1,000 a month – a big leap at the time – but she took the chance. “That’s when Artsy Partsy, as people know it today, was really born,” she recalled.
At first, my vision was pretty simple: I just wanted kids to have a safe, fun place to make art. Over time, the vision grew into creating a true community hub where kids, teens, and adults could all find joy in creativity.” — Jeannette Fonseca
From its humble beginnings, Artsy Partsy has since grown into a vibrant hub of imagination and joy. In September 2017, Fonseca moved Artsy Partsy into its current location in Patriots Plaza, located off Jumpers Hole Road and Ritchie Highway. Children, teens, and adults alike gather at the studio to paint, draw, sew, and sculpt in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. Inside the space, they offer everything from art camps and homeschool programs to private events, fundraisers, and even mobile art experiences for schools and companies.
Some of the programs currently offered include Mom & Me Sewing Class, Preschool Art, Toddler Art & Storytime, Teen Art Club, Digital Art, Action Art, Elements of Art, and an Anime Club.
Corporate partners have also taken notice. Fonseca and her team bring art to workplaces for “Bring Your Kids to Work Day” events and family celebrations, setting up creative stations that leave both parents and children smiling. “It’s so rewarding to see how art brings people together – whether it’s in a family setting or a professional one,” she noted.
But at its core, Artsy Partsy remains grounded in Fonseca’s simple philosophy: art should be about the process, not perfection. “We celebrate happy mistakes,” she said. “That’s where the magic happens.”
“We celebrate happy mistakes,” said Fonseca. “That’s where the magic happens.”
Fonseca’s passion for art runs deep – all the way back to her childhood and her Puerto Rican roots. “Growing up, we were surrounded by color and creativity,” she explained. “My father loved art, and we always had beautiful paintings in our home.”
The studio’s walls tell that story too. They’re lined with pieces from her father, her grandchildren, and even artwork from her own youth. Each piece is a brushstroke of her life – a tribute to family, heritage, and the joy of creation. “Art has always been a way of life for me,” she says. “It’s woven into who I am.”
Over the years, Artsy Partsy has become more than just a studio – it’s a creative family. Many of the children who once dipped their first paintbrushes there have grown up to work alongside Fonseca as instructors or assistants. Some parents have joined the team, too, bringing their own talents to the space.
“It’s so special seeing my students come full circle,” Fonseca says. “For many of them, this was their first job, and they tell me how much confidence and experience they gained here. That means the world to me.”
The community’s love for Artsy Partsy is evident in the awards and recognition it has earned over the years – all voted on by local families. But Fonseca is quick to credit her team for the studio’s success. “I couldn’t do any of this without them,” she says. “They believe in the mission as much as I do.”
Beyond the paint, glue, and glitter, there’s something intangible that keeps people coming back: a sense of belonging. Collaboration is a key part of Fonseca’s vision – she frequently partners with schools, nonprofits, and other local artists on projects that inspire unity. One of her favorite memories is a giant collaborative art piece for a school – a five-foot painted tree covered in leaves decorated by students. “It still hangs in the school,” she says proudly. “It’s a lasting symbol of their creativity.”
Today, when visitors step into Artsy Partsy, they’re met with color, warmth, and inspiration – the kind that invites even the shyest beginner to pick up a brush. Fonseca’s hope is simple but powerful: that everyone who walks through her doors leaves feeling capable, joyful, and creative.
“I want people to walk in and feel inspired by everything around them,” she said. “And I want them to walk out thinking, ‘Wow, that was great – and I can do this.’”
After more than a decade, Artsy Partsy has become more than an art studio; it’s a space that reflects the community’s creativity as much as its founder’s. Fonseca continues to expand her programs and partnerships, but her focus remains steady – to give people of all ages a place to explore, make something new, and feel proud of what they create.
Artsy Partsy is located at 8055 Ritchie Highway, behind Dunkin Donuts and Bob Evans, on the third floor of Patriot Plaza, Suite 302. They are open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00am – 4:00pm. To plan a visit to the studio, call the studio at 410-760-KIDS (5437). For a complete schedule of classes, programs and events, visit their website www.artsypartsy.net.
