Former high school art teacher Kelly Emmert had been a stay-at-home mom for several years when she decided to re-enter the workforce. With a lifelong passion for creating art and a determination to make the world a better place for her kids, Kelly began teaching art lessons and hosting events out of her garage. In 2011, she opened her first Art Garage studio in Oak Hill and now has two Austin-based locations with a full-time staff — including her daughter, UT alumna Kaiya Emmert.
As a walk-in art studio for kids and adults, the Art Garage offers paint-your-own-pottery, canvas painting, mosaics, fused glass and tie-dye, according to their website. This summer, the Art Garage hosts week-long summer camps, with themes including Enchanted Forest, Mario Party and Harry Potter. The Art Garage also hosts classes, workshops and themed events, including Taylor Swift paint nights, an October Ghouls Night and a Paint with Kittens event.
“My favorite part is the people,” Kelly said. “It’s just so sweet to be able to be a part of these (kids’) lives from the time they were little babies to high school. It’s special to be able to celebrate the big moments.”
Kelly said the events her daughters Kaiya and Joie host are among her favorite memories.
“When ‘Frozen’ was a big hit, Kaiya dressed up as Elsa, Joie dressed up as Ariel, and they both put on (princess) paint nights,” Kelly said. “Those are some of my best memories, … to see them interact with the kids and the kids’ faces light up like they’re at Disney World.”
Both of Kelly’s daughters grew up at the Art Garage. Joie, who just graduated from high school, now works part-time as a studio assistant. As studio manager, Kaiya said she taught workshops, summer camps, birthday parties, corporate events and more.
“(I) definitely tagged along a lot when I was a kid,” Kaiya said. “We had a little room in the back of the Art Garage (with) a box of Barbies and stuff to do while Mom was at work. … I learned by observing my mom when I was little, and then taught my first workshop when I was 16 (or) 17.”
Kelly said that Kaiya’s involvement significantly contributes to the growth and expansion of the business, as well as many positive changes to the Art Garage as a whole.
“She has the biggest heart and cares for people very deeply,” Kelly said. “Our whole business is (about) providing a safe place (for people) to create and celebrate, and she’s so welcoming and warm to everybody who comes in.”
Art Garage employee Lilli Gonzales said that visiting the Art Garage is a great bonding experience.
“For families and kids, it’s a great way to make lasting memories, because you can take something home with you that you’ve made together,” Gonzales said. “It’s (also) a really fun first date.”
Grateful for the opportunity to pursue what she loves alongside her family, Kaiya said she especially enjoys interacting with customers and being surrounded by art.
“Everybody that comes in is happy and excited to be here, and I get to give that energy back,” Kaiya said. “I get to be happy with them.”