Wonderful art school that my daughter absolutely loves & thrives in! Sebastian & his teachers are a most inspiring team who continuously instill the love of art in the children. The classes teach real art concepts and expose the children to different artists, genres, mediums etc. Above it all, Sebastian really cares for each of the kids, and creates unique art lessons that he knows will inspire them. Driven by COVID, Sebastian adeptly turned his art studio into a virtual escape for the children - this was the one Zoom that my daughter truly looked forward to each week. It has been healing for my daughter, amidst all the other changes going on to her life as a result of COVID. My daughter also recently had the opportunity to participate in Spark's Plein Air camp and she had a splendid time drawing in iconic locations all across the UWS. It was such a breath of fresh air (literally!) for her to be sitting outside, enjoying the outdoors, while drawing. Sebastian believes in balancing the mind through art & meditation - so he also incorporates ways for the children to channel their energy into their art, be it through yoga or meditation. Art class at Spark is truly a holistic, mind & body experience for the children! Highly highly recommended! read more

My daughers 6 and 8 did camp there this summer and last summer. They had such a great time with this camp. This year they had Michelle and Joy as camp instructors who were so good with the kids. Everyday they came home with wonderful art and had lots of stuff to say about their day rather than the typical "I dont remember or I don't know." My children also became close with the other kids in the camp as the instructors foster a good environment. My daughers told me that next year they want to go back to Sparks camp but for longer! The camp instructors are very assessible. We are given their contacts. In addition, they post a summary and pics after each day of camp so you have a nice idea of what they did and pictures of the kids having fun. Would highly recommend for your children read more

A+++ experience. First off, I couldn't imagine a better place to have my daughter's 9th birthday party. Sebastian and his team were so warm, welcoming, INCREDIBLY organized and prepared. They took the guesswork out of everything for me. Sebastian also has the unique ability to zero in on each individual child and ​really ​connect with them. He truly has a gift on what engages kids, what they like/need, not to mention - what parents need. ​After the kids were welcomed and everyone settled in, he took them through an hour long polymer clay lesson (geared to what my daughter had interest in) and the second half we had pizza, cake and fun. My daughter and her friends had a ​complete ​blast. I should also note, the overall vibe, ease of the booking, and the party itself, was unparalleled to anything in the area. It was well-priced, well-thought-out and a lot of fun. The UWS has a wonderful sense of community engagement and I am so glad SPARK is part of it. It's truly a neighborhood gem​ and I would 100% recommend SPARK without reservation and with enthusiasm! read more

Spark is an extremely immersive and incredible program for kids. Not only is Sebastian a great teacher he really cares about his students and goes above and beyond to make sure everybody is included and happy. I cannot stress that Spark is the best art / yoga program for kids. Our LO loves him and did I mention they do field trips to the Met!!??? We'll be coming back for more sessions. read more

Sebastian and the team were just great! The kids loved every part of it. And some of the parents already scheduled Spark for their birthday parties as well. read more

We hosted our youngest daughter 6th birthday party. Sebastian was very flexible with our dates and time. He even accommodated our date change without making me feel horrible. Sebastian keep in communication open. He allowed us to be there 30 minutes early to set up. He had his assistant there. They both gave each child time to understand the craft. He praise each child which made them feel special. Also, he made the tallest chair "the birthday girl chair". My daughter always wanted to seat on that chair. Sebastian and his team make a birthday party special easy, and mostly stress--free. All the kids had fun and parents were able to mingle because Sebastian is amazing with kids. read more

Spark - Cake - Art Classes Near Me - New York, New York

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Our daughters discovered Spark Art during the pandemic. After taking a couple of Sebastian's drop in art classes, we set up a weekly art class for my daughter and a group of her friends, which the LOVED. This spring, my older daughter wanted a painting birthday party and I knew just who to ask. I reached out to Sebastian and hired him on the spot. He could not have been any easier to work with - so flexible, responsive, and reliable! And of course, he was wonderful with the kids. He has an amazing energy and creativity that really captivates the kids. We set up painting stations for each of the party guests on the lawn in Central Park. Sebastian brought everything needed for the girls to create their own paintings. He gave them inspiration, encouragement, and guidance throughout the painting party. He was also very flexible with late arrivals and even dealt with the rain that came out of nowhere, essentially incorporating it into the art lesson! The girls had a blast and proudly went home with their finished work of art. I can't recommend Sebastian enough for a perfect socially distanced birthday party! read more

One of the best summer and after school program in town! Sebastian and team has put their heart and soul into this. My 7 year old daughter had amazing experience be it the summer camp or the museum tours on school holidays. The fact that spark ties art with yoga and meditation and ensures 5+ year old's understand, experience and practice it is pretty impressive. read more

Had our daughters 7th birthday with Sebastian and SPARK art today. Exceeded all expectations. My daughter likes landscape and nature designs. Sebastian chose a Monet painting and taught the kids how to create a similar painting. It's was amazing. They loved it. Even the adults joined in the artistic activities. read more

I was on the hunt for a more pro art teacher to help my teenage daughter build her high school application art portfolio, when I discovered Spark & Sebastian! He is a wish come true; dedicated, talented, passionate, informed, on top of kids and parents. they worked in a small group & she produced some amazing art work. No matter where she lands this experience brought her to a new level! Thank you Sebastian. read more

Our 7.5yo son loved Spark camp so much. He came home talking about Alexander Calder, Van Gough and Calvert Vaux with a passion I had no idea he had! They visited museums, learned about famous sites in Central park, did yoga, meditation, and-- of course-- made beautiful art. Thank you so much Sebastian for making our son's first few weeks of summer so special. We will definitely be back for more--our son is begging for it. read more

In a city filled with after-school activities, SPARK is truly the standout art experience for kids. I can't recommend it enough! Sebastian and his team of teachers create fun, warm, encouraging art experiences for kids of all ages. My older daughter has been taking a pod art class for the last two years, and it is without a doubt her favorite activity of the week. Watching her progress as an artist has been rewarding, but more importantly, watching her enthusiasm and joy for art grow has been the best part. We recently held a birthday party for our younger child at SPARK's new location on the Upper West Side, a beautiful, light, airy, calming space near the 72nd Street subway. Sebastian and his team did what seemed impossible: engage a group of 4-6-year-olds in art and meditation over 90 minutes, giving the parents time to hang out and relax. It really was the best. Sebastian is thoughtful, caring, and fun to be around. His program is flexible--you can do classes, pods, individual lessons. I can't recommend SPARK enough! read more

Our daughter had her 6 years old birthday party with her classmates and friends at Sebastian's studio, and the kids had an amazing time. The kids had wonderful time drawing, playing games and doing facing painting with Sebastian and his assistant, while parents just relaxed and mingled with each other. We had a quite large group (over 20 kids + parents), but Sebastian worked so hard and managed the whole party and took care of all the details. My daughter was so happy that we could share her favorite art class with her friends. Great Job Sebastian! we really appreciate everything you did for our party. read more

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Every kid who wants to be an artist can make their dream come true at SPARK! Sebastian is an incredible instructor who exudes warmth and nurtures each kid's potential, never is an unkind word heard from him. Each project is rolled out with a lesson in the artist who inspired it. A love of art and the process is instilled and the final project proudly makes it's way home or hangs in the SPARK Art Gallery - the walls of the studio. My 10 year old daughter very much looks forward to her weekly lesson with Sebastian and finds the time at SPARK relaxing and inspiring. This is a wonderful oasis for creativity and calm in an ever busy and fast paced city. read more

We celebrated my daughter's 9th birthday at SPARK with the help of Sebastian. She wanted to have an art & crafts birthday party particularly wanted to do something using clay/pottery. I came across SPARK over internet and it was indeed a perfect match! Sebastian was kind enough to invite my daughter to an art class to meet her prior to the party and talked to her to understand what she wanted for her birthday There were 13 kids at the party and they were all stay engaged and made beautiful little sculptures that they took back home. Sebastian brought in an assistant art teacher too so all kids were able to get attention/help they needed. Dealing with Sebastian was a pleasure, such a breeze, his love for art and kids is obvious. Venue was beautiful, too, lots of lights and space. Highly recommend Sebastian and his fun art classes and birthday parties. read more

My 11 year old daughter took SPARK classes after school and truly loved it! Every week she came home with a fantastic completed project, some of which we have framed and placed through the house! When the pandemic caused the transition to online classes, I began taking private lessons with Sebastian. We have been working on a quarantine bird series--started out with a multi-media lone Woodpecker and I just finished a watercolor with red cardinals on a snowy day. I can't wait to start our next project! Sebastian is a creative, talented artist and fantastic teacher with so much knowledge and experience. I highly recommend SPARK (for children & adults) with absolutely no reservations. You are sure to love your classes as much as my daughter and me! read more

We just had a tween birthday party with Sebastian and he was spectacular - as he knew all the girls at the party, he was very thoughtful about what type of art projects my daughter (the birthday girl) might like to do with her friends. Also Sebastian's new studio, while spare, was light, airy, spacious and warm and best of all - THE most convenient location on the entire UWS which all Moms greatly appreciated on a busy Saturday. We highly recommend Sebastian as an art instructor, and exceptionally, as a kind, patient and supportive teacher. Sebastian is a treasure and we hope to keep seeing throughout the years! read more

Spark hosted our son's 6th birthday party, we could not have picked a better place or a better person. Sebastian offered individualized attention to each of the 17 young artists. He led the children in drawing and watercolor, checking in the children while providing meaningful feedback, guidance and support. Spark was amazing, beautiful space and a great time was had by all! read more

My daughter adores Sebastian, as do I. She has been taking classes with him for a few years. She comes home from every session with a new and super-creative beautiful project. He is very creative, a great teacher, a passionate and talented artist, and a super warm and wonderful person. read more

My daughter has been doing Saturday art classes with Sebastian at Spark for a few months now. She is completely obsessed with this class! From the moment we walked in the first time, Sebastian was warm and welcoming. He is unbelievably wonderful with the students. The projects he chooses are varied and so interesting--my personal favorite was the mood box watercolor. He and the kids discussed different emotions and then chose colors for each one and painted boxes on paper. Hard to explain, but trust me, the kids loved it and the results were beautiful. He also teaches them about famous artists and ties that into the lessons. He really listens to the children and encourages them to express their ideas. It is so clear that Sebastian loves kids and art and that combination is simply magical. After just a few classes, my daughter told me she wanted to have her birthday party at Spark. So we did! My daughter and Sebastian had serious conversations about what type of project to do and what theme. She wanted a nature theme and they ultimately chose clay as the medium. We had about 15 kids at the party and it was everything she wanted. The kids sculpted birds in nests. Sebastian guided them through the steps and the results were beautiful. Even the kids who sometimes have a hard time sitting still, were captivated and worked really hard on their birds. Planning the party with Sebastian was seamless. His main goal was just that everyone (including parents) have a great time. We had lots of time to set up food before the party. He had drawing supplies out for the kids to use before we started the clay project. I had so many parents tell me how much fun their kids had. And a few of them even started taking classes with Sebastian after! Do not hesitate for a minute to sign up for classes here, or do a party. In hectic, crazy NYC, Spark is a little oasis of creativity and tranquillity. read more

My son has been taking Art classes with Sebastian for a year. I can't say enough how inspiring Sebastian is to my son - as an artist and a role model. My son looks forward to Art Class each week and has asked for "twice a week". Also Sebastian is helping us put together the Art portfolio for my son to apply to specialized public high schools. read more

My 3 kids attend a public school that only offers art once a week. I asked our amazing art teacher if she knew anyone that could teach my kids outside of school. She enthusiastically recommended Sebastian who is an artist and art teacher. When my children and I first walked into Sebastian's beautiful studio, we were enthralled with his amazing art work and felt immediately comfortable with him. Sebastian is so friendly and kind - easy to talk to and clearly explains to the children what the lesson is for the week. I am a former teacher and I appreciate his calm manner and patience when working with young children. Each time I pick up my kids, they are still engaged in their art work and cheerfully tell me about their lesson and art piece. Sebastian's lessons truly allow each of my children enough personal choice that they really feel ownership over their individual pieces. My 3 kids ages 6-8 years old have wholeheartedly enjoyed making art with Sebastian. We highly recommend his wonderful program!! read more

I am an art teacher in a New York City public school. I teach 500 students in kindergarten through 4th grade and I highly recommend ALL my students to Sebastian. Sebastian is more than a great artist, he is a beacon of positive energy who encourages others to see the potential in themselves. I trust my students with Sebastian because I know he will foster confidence within them. Sebastian has the ability to help build his students' skills without imposing artistic notions. He balances guiding students while also helping them realize their own voice. I wish I had had Sebastian as my art teacher when I was younger. I give him my highest recommendation. read more