Hi there! I'm Christian Gochenour, and I have been immersed in the world of children and art since 1999. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working in various capacities, including after school programs, preschools, Pre-K classes, and even as a professional nanny for four years. In 2018, I finally took the leap and established my own art studio.

My journey began with a strong foundation in early childhood education and graphic arts and design. As a lifelong learner, I pursued these areas of study to better understand how to engage and inspire young minds. In 2012, my family expanded with the arrival of my son and I found myself as a stay-at-home parent. Being at home provided me with the perfect opportunity to pursue a business of my own. One that would combine my passion for working with children and my love for creating art.

February 2018, the studio was born when the time seemed right.

When you step into my studio, you'll quickly notice that I'm no stranger to creative chaos. You'll often find me with paint brushes in my hair and colorful smudges on my clothes. Keeping my nails perfectly manicured is a challenge, and it's not uncommon to spot a hint of paint or playdough on my glasses. In fact, I've been told that I emit a "Ms. Frizzle" vibe, although I can't claim to possess her vast knowledge! If our studio had a messy mascot, it would undoubtedly bear a striking resemblance to my face. (Haha!)

As a child, I spent countless hours exploring different artistic mediums and engaging in imaginative play. I never quite fit the mold of traditional art classes—I was always looking to add or cut things off instead of simply pasting papers together. Even in college, I struggled to conform to the prescribed styles, finding them tedious and uninspiring. For me, art has always been a means of personal expression and a way to process my thoughts and emotions. It's a part of who I am. I credit a mother who encouraged independent play and taught me how to be a critical thinker.

In my graphic design pursuits, I developed a fondness for the Bauhaus aesthetic. I so related to the movement. Was I born in the wrong time? While my classmates reveled in Helvetica and black-and-white visuals, I found it difficult to deviate from my inherent maximalist style. I often incorporated tangible art mediums by scanning them into my computer graphics. Fortunately, I was blessed with supportive classmates and teachers who encouraged me to embrace my unique artistic voice. They reminded me that while my style might not resonate with everyone, it had a place in the world—I just had to keep exploring until I found it. It's a pep talk I've heard time and time again, echoing the words I've shared with countless young minds: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." (Oscar Wilde)

And now, here we are—a culmination of my journey. I have discovered my rightful place in the world, right here in my art studio. Creating my own mini maker Bauhaus movement. Carrying on the process-over-product movement that started so long ago.