our MISSION & VISION

At Tinker Art Studio, our mission is to cultivate COnnection, Community, and creativity through hands-on art experiences for all ages.

We believe that art-making is a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth, and we strive to create a welcoming space where every student—child, teen, or adult—feels supported in their creative journey. Our vision is to inspire a lifelong love of art by nurturing curiosity, honoring process over perfection, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community of makers in Boulder and beyond.

OUR STORY

a team of art education leaders united around a drive for creativity, community, and connection in boulder county.

Tinker Art Studio was born from a simple but powerful idea: that everyone is inherently creative, and that art should be accessible, joyful, and part of everyday life. Founded in Boulder, Colorado Tinker began as a small studio space where children could explore art materials freely and expressively. The name “Tinker” reflected the studio’s philosophy—encouraging experimentation, process-based learning, and the belief that play is essential to creativity.

In its earliest days, Tinker offered a few weekly classes for preschoolers and elementary aged kids, welcoming families into a sunlit studio filled with paints, clay, and curiosity. Word quickly spread among parents who were looking for something more than just crafts—something rooted in child development, imagination, and real art-making. As demand grew, so did the studio’s offerings, expanding into after-school classes, camps, birthday parties, and even sewing and sculpture programs for older children.

Seeing the impact of the studio’s approach on kids’ confidence and creativity, Tinker grew to develop programming for teens and adults as well. What started as a children’s studio evolved into a full-spectrum art center, offering figure drawing sessions, pottery and painting classes, and Friday night workshops for adults looking to reconnect with their creative side. The studio became a rare place where generations could learn and make, each supported in their own process.

Today, Tinker Art Studio is a cornerstone of Boulder’s creative community. While the studio has grown in size and scope, its mission remains the same: to cultivate connection, community, and creativity through hands-on art experiences for all ages in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space. Whether it’s a toddler smearing paint for the first time or an adult returning to drawing after decades, Tinker is a place where creativity is always welcome—and always celebrated.

Our 3 Guiding Pillars

Tinker’s team is made up of highly qualified, collaborative teachers experienced in art and education. We value community, creativity, and connection in order to provide the highest quality creative learning environment.

CONNECTION

COMMUNITY

CREATIVITY

  • Christie Hubley (she/her)

    FOUNDER

    Christie founded Tinker Art Studio in 2012, bringing her passion for arts-integrated education to life. A former elementary and ceramics teacher, she holds a Master’s in Education with a focus on Integrated Teaching through the Arts, along with a BA in English Literature and Elementary Education from CU Boulder. Outside the studio, Christie enjoys Colorado adventures with her husband, two kids, and their dog.

  • Anika Feldmann (she/her)

    GENERAL MANAGER

    Anika, a Colorado native, has been part of the Tinker team since 2016. With degrees in Art and English Literature from CU Boulder, she brings a love of creativity and lifelong learning to everything she does—whether she’s teaching, supporting staff, or behind-the-scenes studio operations. Outside the studio, Anika enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors with friends and family.

  • Julia Zuniga (she/they)

    CLAY HUB MANAGER

    Julia is an educator and ceramic artist with a BFA in Ceramics and a degree in Education from FAU. She joined Tinker in 2018 and became the manager of Clay Hub when it opened in 2025. Before moving to Colorado, Julia taught IB Visual Arts for five years in Florida. She’s actively involved in the local ceramics community through the Boulder Potters Guild and EBCA. Outside the studio, she enjoys hiking, reading, journaling, and spending time with her husband and their pets, Ruca and Sly.

  • Alexis Bambach (she/her)

    EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

    Alexis moved to Colorado in 2023 from Asheville, NC, bringing a background in communications and a passion for the arts. She holds a degree in Mass Communications with a focus on Community Service from the University of South Carolina, and has experience in both arts organizations and animal welfare nonprofits. Alexis is excited to reignite her love for community arts at Tinker! Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, traveling, concerts, and time with her pets, Snow and Rosie.

  • Mariah Stotsky (SHE/HER)

    LEAD CHILDREN’S TEACHER

    Mariah is a Boulder-area native whose love for teaching and art go hand in hand. After teaching preschool through first grade and K–6 Visual Arts in various settings across Colorado and Washington—she was thrilled to return to her favorite teaching environment of them all, Tinker. (Fun fact, Mariah first started at Tinker many years ago as an Assistant Teacher!) When she’s not teaching, Mariah enjoys painting, hiking with her dog Otis, and soaking up the Colorado sunshine.

  • Kathy Martin (she/her)

    LEAD CHILDREN’S TEACHER

    Kathy has spent her career nurturing creativity through the arts. With a BA in Dance and an MA in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership, she’s taught everything from ballet to elementary school, with a focus on arts-integration. Most of her classroom years were at The Studio School, an arts magnet school in Northglenn. Kathy loves being part of the Tinker team and building community through art. Outside the studio, she enjoys gardening, creating with nature, and exploring Colorado with her family.

  • Kaitlyn Shirley (she/her)

    LEAD CHILDREN’S TEACHER

    Kaitlyn grew up in San Diego and graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in History after beginning her studies in Art Education. Always making, her artwork explores the divine feminine and women’s empowerment through mixed media and oil painting. She loves sharing creativity with others and, when not in the studio, enjoys camping, hiking, and adventuring.

  • Allie Headshot

    Allie Bundy (she/her)

    FRONT DESK TEAM & LEAD DIGITAL ART TEACHER

    Allie is a passionate artist and digital illustrator who recently graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in Psychology and a minor in English Literature. Surrounded by creativity growing up, she was especially inspired by her grandfather, an artist and educator. Allie now designs special edition book covers and uses her art to celebrate identity and individuality. A longtime member of the Tinker team, she loves working with children and is excited to continue teaching what she loves most. Outside the studio, she’s usually writing her fantasy novel, painting bold characters, playing volleyball, or thrifting treasures.

  • ashley headshot

    Ashley Kim (SHE/HER)

    BIRTHDAY PARTY & SUMMER CAMP LEAD TEACHER

    Ashley is a Colorado native and CU Boulder graduate with a degree in Elementary Education. She’s worked with kids through after-school programs, nannying, and volunteering, and brings her love of creativity—from music to scrapbooking—into everything she does. Ashley has held several roles at Tinker over the years and loves being part of the team. Outside the studio, she enjoys reading and exploring all that Boulder has to offer.

  • erica headshot

    Erica Podwoiski (she/her)

    LEAD ADULT TEACHER

    Erica is a figurative artist originally from Metro Detroit. She earned her BFA as Valedictorian from the Columbus College of Art & Design and her MFA in Painting & Drawing from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she also taught undergraduate art courses. Erica’s work focuses on figure painting and portraiture and has been exhibited nationally in both pop-up and gallery shows. As a teacher, she encourages fearless creativity, media exploration, and helping students find their unique artistic voice. She lives in Boulder and enjoys running, hiking, hanging with her cat, live music, and 24-hour diners.

  • GREY HEADSHOT

    Grey Grimm (she/her)

    LEAD ADULT TEACHER

    Grey grew up in Boulder with a love for sidewalk chalk that sparked a lifelong passion for art. She holds dual degrees in Fine Art and Art History from CU Boulder, with a focus on oil painting, and recently completed an artist residency at Château Orquevaux in France. Grey’s background spans hospitality, visual merchandising, and teaching, and she currently works as the merchandising manager and social media content creator for Two Hands Paperie. You might recognize her vibrant window displays next time you’re on Pearl Street!

  • Jordan bio pic

    Jordan Gantos (they/them)

    CLAY HUB LEAD TEACHER

    Jordan recently moved to Longmont from Orange County, CA, bringing a deep love for ceramics and creative exploration. They earned a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, studied at the OxBow School of Art, and have taught ceramics in Laguna Beach. Jordan is passionate about community, connection, and the intersection of art and nature. Outside the studio, they enjoy illustration, printmaking, singing, martial arts, and kite flying—and are excited to bring their creative energy to Tinker!

  • Cris headshot

    Cris Conklin (she/her)

    CLAY HUB LEAD TEACHER (ADULTS)

    Cris is a Colorado native who fell in love with clay while studying Art History at CU Boulder. A longtime member and teacher at the Boulder Potter’s Guild, she’s now a full-time potter who loves the creative synergy between artist, clay, and kiln. Cris is excited to share her passion for ceramics with the Tinker community. Outside the studio, she enjoys reading, gardening, quilting, and spending time with her cats.

  • Katie Headshot

    Katie Koch (She/Her)

    CLAY HUB LEAD TEACHER (ADULTS)

    Katie fell in love with pottery in 2013 and has been teaching ever since. With over seven years of experience at Boulder-area studios, she enjoys working with students of all ages and specializes in both wheel throwing and functional handbuilding. Outside the studio, she’s often hiking or skiing with her dog (and pottery assistant), Sophie.

  • Negeen headshot

    Negeen Samimi (she/her)

    CLAY HUB ASSISTANT TEACHER & STUDIO TECH

    Negeen is a Colorado native with a passion for creativity and self-expression. After earning her degree in Criminology from MSU Denver, she spent time in Australia as a live-in nanny—an experience that reignited her love for art and adventure. She now channels her creativity into ceramics, drawing, painting, mirror engraving, embroidery, and baking. Outside the studio, Negeen enjoys dancing, true crime documentaries, and time with her pup Taz and niece Maisy Jo.

  • ERIN HEADSHOT

    Erin Toomey (she/her)

    SUMMER CAMP LEAD TEACHER

    Erin grew up in New Jersey and earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior with a minor in Film Studies from Towson University. A lover of all things creative, she has a passion for storytelling, education, and animal care. Erin has extensive experience in creative education as both an educator and performer at The Walt Disney World Resort. Whether writing poetry, performing, fostering shelter animals, or ice skating, she’s always exploring new ways to express and connect.

  • RANDI HEADSHOT

    Randi Nahmias (SHE/HER)

    SUMMER CAMP LEAD TEACHER

    Originally from Indiana, Randi’s journey brought her from Austin to Colorado, where she now calls home. With a background in Creative Advertising and Youth Development, she left the corporate world to follow her passion for art and working with kids. She’s taught learners of all ages using everything from clay and paint to STEM-inspired materials—though tie-dye remains her all-time favorite medium. Randi is also writing her first children’s book, set to publish in 2025. When not creating, she loves exploring Colorado with her husband and two dogs, always chasing color and rainbows.

  • Malea Vitt (she/her)

    SUMMER CAMP LEAD TEACHER

    Malea is back for another summer at Tinker! During the school year, she teaches middle school art and loves helping young artists build confidence and explore their creativity. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, making art, and spending time with her many beloved pets.

  • Mackenzie Reinhart (she/her)

    ASSISTANT TEACHER & FRONT DESK TEAM

    Mackenzie is a lifelong artist and current Visual Arts student at Naropa University. She’s spent over five years tutoring kids in art, helping them develop their skills and creative voices. Passionate about sharing the magic of making, Mackenzie is always working on something—whether it’s drawing, sculpting, or crocheting.

  • Molly Carroll (she/her)

    OFF SITE SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR INSTRUCTOR

    Molly grew up in Boulder County and is currently studying Studio Art with a focus in Drawing at Colorado State University. Her work spans many mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Passionate about both art and working with kids, she’s excited to join the Tinker team! In her free time, Molly enjoys cooking, fashion, sunshine, and movie nights with friends and family.

  • Landry Saul (she/her)

    ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Originally from just north of Austin, Landry moved to Boulder in 2024 and is studying International Affairs at CU, with a focus on peace and global justice. A lifelong creative, she’s passionate about upcycling, painting furniture, and finding beauty in the unexpected. Landry loves encouraging creative expression in youth and being part of a vibrant, arts-centered community. When she’s not studying or crafting, you’ll find her cooking, thrifting vinyls, or hanging out with her cats, Jazz Jazz and Ron Ron.

  • "My kid's first time at a Tinker Art camp. Very impressed - was well-run, packed full of fun art, my kid loved it."

    - Raina

  • "Erica was lovely and guided us all through the process while also honoring those of us who went rogue and did our own plan sort of. The space is nice and it was a great way to spend an evening and get to know other people. Building community through art...the world needs more of this!"

    - Erika, Adult Student

  • "Just wanted to tell you again how much the kids enjoyed both Tinker camps they went to. I really love the wonderful, calm, creative atmosphere you've created at Tinker and we've loved everything we've done there, from Tinker Time to birthday parties to the camps. Both kids make really interesting things, get exposed to materials they might not use normally, and come home eager to tell me about everything they've done. Tinker is such a wonderful addition to Boulder and I'm so glad you started it."

    - Amanda

  • "Our daughter loved her experience. She made friends with kids her own age and some that were a bit older. She loved her instructor and continues to hold Tinker in high regard."

    -Averill

  • "Tinker, truly, thank you so much for coming into our neighborhood. My little girl has an innate gravitation toward expression through art. Of the many art outlets in Boulder we have tried, your approach, process and product have proven extraordinary. My wife & I do not take the decision of where to foster art within our daughter lightly. You are our studio. As many of our friends now know, you welcome any & all into your studio regardless of skill level and you are great at meeting everyone just where they are."

  • "Christie was SO welcoming and both my boys were immediately engaged and ready to get out there and create some art! The interior of the space is beautiful - soft lighting, lots of colour, texture, and even though the space filled up with lots of parents and kids, there was a consistent mellow vibe that was very conducive to art-making. We absolutely cannot wait to return! What an amazing thing to do with your kids!"

    - Christy

  • "From the bottom of our hearts here at RFCBC, THANK YOU for being such an involved community member! We love Tinker Art Studio. Tinker exemplifies the ethic of civic engagement within the business community. Thanks again!"

    - Realities for Children Boulder County

  • "casual no stress atmosphere, great encouraging instructor"

    - Tom, Adult Student

  • "We were BLOWN AWAY by your camp! Both Q and W can't stop talking about it and wish they could go again next week. :) Thanks so much for the incredible experience you provide for our children. We will definitely be taking advantage of art classes for them in the future as well!"

    - Shannah

  • "Tinker Art Studio is great.  Our two kids (ages 5 and 9) spent three days at the studio creating some fantastic art with the help of Christie and her staff.  The kids had a lot of fun and look forward to going again. The studio is a really special place and the people that work there are very dedicated and talented."

    - Mike

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