About Emma’s Art Studio
Emma’s Art Studio is a new creative space in downtown Bethesda that opened in January 2026. Founded by artist and educator Emma Stevenson Cowan, the studio offers fine arts–based programs for children, teens, and adults — including classes, camps, private lessons, and art parties.
Rooted in the belief that everyone is capable of meaningful artistic expression, the studio’s programs balance classical art training with a modern, exploratory approach. Students learn drawing, painting, and mixed media through hands-on experiences that foster confidence, creativity, and skill.
With a philosophy grounded in art and design education theory, Emma’s Art Studio emphasizes process, composition, and technique — offering a more academic, fine-arts–driven alternative to traditional craft studios. Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned artist, or a family seeking creative connection, the studio provides a joyful, inspiring environment to make art and grow as an artist.
Come visit us at 4931 Cordell Ave 2A, Bethesda, MD 20814.
About the Founder
Emma Stevenson Cowan is a classically trained artist and accomplished art educator with over two decades of teaching experience. She holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Science in Art and Design Education from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where she developed a dual foundation in studio practice and progressive educational theory.
Emma began her teaching career in New York and Philadelphia before relocating to Bethesda, where she taught upper school studio art at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. She is the founder of Deco Arts Camp at Glen Echo Park and now Emma’s Art Studio, where she continues her mission to make high-quality art education accessible and joyful for artists of all ages.
Her teaching practice emphasizes drawing from observation, color theory, and creative problem-solving — encouraging students to develop both technical mastery and artistic voice.
Emma lives in Silver Spring with her husband, two children, and their dogs. Her own artwork, which explores themes of memory and landscape, can be viewed at emmastevensoncowan.com.
Meet the Rest of the Team
Candice Bloch specializes in three-dimensional arts, though she has experience in many mediums, including digital. She spent over 15 years as a professional video editor and graphic designer, while simultaneously working on hands-on freelance projects – from art departments on film & tv sets, to commissions for whimsical sculpted cakes.
She earned a degree from the University of Maryland in Media and Popular Culture and received additional formal education from The Art League School in Alexandria, VA, and the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, DC. Candice has studied art domestically and abroad, and continues to hone her craft, working and collaborating throughout the region.
More recently she has focused on educating, teaching students of all ages, both privately and through local schools. Hailing from a family of visual artists, Candice is an ever-curious creative who enjoys any opportunity to learn new skills and to bring creativity and joy to situations, whether through cosplay, craft, or fine arts.
In addition, Candice produces and interviews media industry professionals as a host of MediaMaker Spotlight, the official podcast from the non-profit, Women in Film & Video. When not taking on creative endeavors, Candice enjoys spending time with great friends and her cat, Hazel.
Maile Walder is a multimedia artist specializing in 3D arts, including pottery, crochet, and jewelry making.
She comes from a family of multi-disciplinary artists, and has been creatively inclined her entire life. She grew up grew up in Silver Spring and has experience tutoring kids with Chabad of Chevy Chase and babysitting in her neighborhood. She has also spent time in the mountains of North Carolina, backpacking and learning wood carving, sewing, and bookmaking.
Maile is an intuitive artist and brings a calm, down-to-earth style to creating, and hopes to inspire new generations to do the same.
Helena Heist is a mixed media artist who specializes in stationary based crafts and activities. Originally based in Pennsylvania, she moved to the DMV area to study Justice & Law at American University and graduated in 2026.
She is dedicated to creating safe spaces for learners to express themselves authentically. With a background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy as a registered behavior technician, Helena implements positive practices to her teachings to ensure every participant feels accepted and valued. With a mix of positive reinforcement, patience, compassion, and redirection she encourages individuality and authentic creativity.
In Helena’s spare time, she loves to create and uses journals and collaging to show her creativity and expression. She enjoys reading, writing, and is always up for trying something new.
Patrice Shipman is a Washington, D.C. native, multidisciplinary artist, and art educator with a passion for helping young artists discover their creative voice. She studied Interior Design and brings a strong understanding of composition, color, and visual storytelling to both her artwork and her teaching.
In addition to teaching foundational art skills, Patrice has experience developing and implementing art curricula for homeschool and microschool communities, integrating fine art, art history, and hands-on creative exploration. She enjoys creating engaging learning experiences that help students build confidence, strengthen artistic skills, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
As an artist, her interests include painting, drawing, abstract expressionism, interior decorating, fashion, and music. She believes that creativity flourishes when people are given both structure and freedom – the opportunity to learn core techniques while exploring their own ideas and self-expression.
Rob Balsewich is an artist, musician, and educator from Chicago, Illinois, and based in Washington, D.C. Rob received a BA in Psychology and Art Practices from University of Colorado Boulder and an MFA in Studio Art from American University.
In addition to Emma’s Art Studio, Rob teaches art at the National Gallery of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, and coaches tennis. View Rob’s art at robbalsewich.com
Patricia Kouta-Lopatey is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Montgomery College and brings creativity and a love of working with children to Emma’s Art Studio. She has a background in visual storytelling and design through three years of high school yearbook, serving as Editor-in-Chief and Social Media Manager during her senior year.
Outside of teaching, Patricia loves scrapbooking and memory keeping, combining photography, design, and creative details to preserve meaningful moments.
Diana Kentell is a digital artist specializing in 2D animation, illustration, and graphic design.
She has experience with a variety of video media programs and expert knowledge in the Adobe Creative Suite, ToonBoom Harmony, Vyond, Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, and Canva.
Diana is a Pratt Institute graduate where she majored in 2D animation and completed her capstone film, Feed, which premiered at the Maryland Film Festival 2025.
She fell in love with art in her middle school art class and hopes to foster an environment where kids can embrace their creativity.
To show your love for Emma’s Art Studio, you can also wear/use some of our merch! Check out our store here!
Contact
info@emmateachesart.com
studiomanager@emmateachesart.com
301.755.0177
4931 Cordell Ave 2A, Bethesda, MD 20814
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