Red Panda Art Studio
If you’ve got a creative kid at home (or one who just needs a little nudge away from screens), Red Panda Art Studio might be your new favorite find. This cheerful, community-focused studio is all about giving kids the space to explore, experiment and have fun making art.
At the heart of it all is founder Stephanie Shevitz, a former DC public school teacher with a background in early childhood education and nearly two decades of experience working with kids. After becoming a parent herself, Stephanie saw firsthand the need for thoughtful, high-quality programming for young children and built Red Panda as a place where kids can truly create, not just follow instructions.
Stephanie and her family live right here in Friendship Heights, and that neighborhood connection is a big part of what she loves about running her business. She shared how much she appreciates the walkability and the mix of everyday favorites. Whether it’s grabbing a bite at Junction, popping into Trader Joe’s, or making a supply run to Michaels, it’s that blend of convenience and community that makes the area feel like home.
“Parents can drop their kids off and actually have a little time to themselves to run errands, grab a coffee, get things done and come back to kids who are happy and proud of what they made,” Stephanie said.
That same spirit carries into the studio. From painting and mixed media to hands-on projects that let imaginations run wild, the focus is less on perfection and more on the joy of making something uniquely their own (a refreshing concept for all of us, honestly).
With summer around the corner, their camps are a great option for keeping kids engaged, inspired, and maybe even a little messy. Whether your child is already an aspiring artist or just curious to try something new, Red Panda offers a welcoming space to dive in.
Consider this your sign to swap “I’m bored” for “look what I made!”
Location: The Collection at Chevy Chase, 5481-C Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD (just a few storefronts down from Junction)