If you’re interested in becoming a studio and/or exhibiting artist at Picnic Studio, we’d love to hear from you!

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Picnic Studio is for adults (18+) with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a genuine interest in making art. We welcome artists of all experience levels — whether you’re just starting out or have been creating for years.

Although our main focus is supporting adults with disabilities, a big part of our mission is to build an inclusive environment where adults of all abilities can socialize, collaborate, and create together. We’ll do this through community events, open studio days, and workshops designed to bring people together in a space where everyone feels welcome to drop in, connect, and make art.

Absolutely! We encourage new artists and families to contact us to schedule a free studio tour, where we can meet each other and share more about our program.

All new artists begin with a trial session to ensure a good fit. Trial sessions are billed at the standard session rate. For artists receiving scholarships, the trial session fee is waived.

At Picnic Studio, we believe everyone deserves access to creative expression, regardless of financial circumstances.

We offer several ways for families to access Picnic Studio:

• Self-Determination Program (SDP)
• Regional Center–supported funding (including vendor pathways such as Aveanna)
• Private pay
• Scholarships

If you’re not sure what option is best for your family, we’re happy to help guide you through the process.

Studio sessions are $75 per hour, with a 2-hour minimum for ongoing participation. This includes studio time, all art materials, and individualized support within a small group setting (approximately 1:3 ratio).

Artists typically attend in 2–4 hour sessions, depending on their needs and the studio environment.

We are committed to keeping the studio accessible. If you have questions about funding options or need support coordinating payment, please reach out, we’re happy to help.

Artists at Picnic Studio work independently with support and guidance from our mentors in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Rather than offering structured classes, we focus on personal projects, skill-building, and creative exploration.

Our team supports each artist in developing their craft, preparing for exhibitions, brainstorming merchandise ideas, and pursuing art-based opportunities both within the community and beyond. The studio offers a mix of individual work tables and a large shared community table, allowing artists to choose the space that best suits their comfort and creative process.

Yes! Through our exhibitions and online store, artists can sell their work and earn income. Artists receive 60% of each sale, and 40% goes back to Picnic Studio to help fund programming and materials.

We also actively seek opportunities for artists to license or commission their work — whether it’s painting a mural in the community, designing artwork for a local business, or creating merchandise for a touring musician. Our goal is to help each artist share their creativity with the world in meaningful, professional ways.

We offer a wide range of art materials for all kinds of creative projects. We stock essentials like acrylic and watercolor paints, brushes, paper, pencils, and paint pens, along with other mixed-media supplies.

If an artist wants to explore something new, whether it’s a specific technique, medium, or idea — we are committed to make it happen. Our team will source the materials, set up the workspace, and provide one-on-one support throughout the creative process. Every artist’s vision is unique, and we’re here to help bring it to life.

As we continue to grow, we plan to expand our offerings to include ceramics and other specialized art forms.

Our main focus is open studio time, where we emphasize independent work supported by highly individualized, one-on-one guidance. We also occasionally host special workshops and events led by visiting artists, community members, and Picnic Studio artists — fostering collaboration between people with and without disabilities.

Our studio and gallery are in a shared space at 723 N. Los Robles Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104

Our studio is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Friday 10am-2pm and Saturday from 12 – 4 p.m.

We also host gallery openings and special events — dates to be announced.

Yes, our studio and gallery are ADA accessible, with wide doorways, a single-level layout, and an accessible bathroom.

As we grow, we plan to make additional improvements — such as installing a pocket door in the bathroom once we receive additional funding.

We welcome and encourage feedback and suggestions to help us make our space as accessible and comfortable as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We are a small program led by founders Molly and Sascha, and we rarely need daily volunteers. However, if you’re interested in volunteering for a special event or teaching a workshop, we would be absolutely overjoyed!

Simply send us an email to reach out — we’d love to hear from you!

Yes! Picnic Studio is proudly a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — all donations are tax-deductible. Our EIN is 99-1690225.

You can support Picnic Studio by donating funds, art supplies, or simply helping us spread the word. Both monetary and in-kind donations — especially art materials — are always deeply appreciated.

Before dropping anything off, please contact us so we can confirm whether we’re currently in need of the items you’d like to donate.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us keep our studio accessible and thriving!