Westfield Moms Bringing New 'Art Cafe' For Children, Families To Town

WESTFIELD, NJ — A new way for kids to build their creative skills through sensory discovery and art-making is coming to Westfield.

"Art Cafe," an environment for children and their families to enjoy time together in a cafe setting, will host guests at 317 South Ave. beginning on Jan. 13.

Through weekly classes and walk-in studio sessions, children ages 2 to 10 will take part in rotating art stations at their own pace in an open-ended play setting that supports their own individual developmental creativity.

According to co-founders Cory Dimitrakopoulos and Ester Hu Mangan, activities are built from process art and child development research to build hands-on, real-world skills, like safe tool use, that will go far beyond the art studio.

"Esther and I are both moms of school-aged kids, so we see firsthand how digital tools play a role in our children's daily lives," said Dimitrakopoulos, "...the need for creating spaces where young people and their families can come together for tactile, in-person engagement becomes even clearer."

The women both used to have corporate jobs before they joined forces to develop Art Cafe as a way to blend their two passions together: creative learning and good coffee.

A coffee bar will be on-site that features locally brewed blends from Boxwood Coffee Roasters and pastries from local bakery Kirshenbaum Baking Co.

After time in the master's program for developmental psychology at Columbia University, work for the National Center for Children and Families, and visiting large school districts across the United States as a researcher, Dimitrakopoulos noticed a need she felt was not being adequately filled in the 21st century.

"I saw how much of students' and teachers' time was centered around standardized testing, and how little opportunity there was for children to explore...these experiences have shaped my perspective on how to empower young people."

At Art Cafe, children will jump, stomp, build, and swing their way into creating uniquely curated art experiences that maximize engagement, creativity, and learning.

"One thing all child development experts can agree on is that a TON of learning happens through play," said Dimitrakopoulos.

Westfield is the first Art Cafe location, and will also house an art gallery in partnership with Ricardo Roig, a local artist. "The Gallery at Art Cafe" is a showcase for hand-selected works by different levels of artists that can be bought on-site.

The women both call Westfield home and say they are proud to start this journey that will allow them to contribute in a meaningful way.

"We are endlessly grateful to live in a town with a flourishing art scene and an incredible creative community."

Artists who would like to be considered for a feature on opening day can reach out now to hello@artcafenj.com.

Parents can register children and get information on drop-in days on the Art Cafe website. The facility will also host birthday parties and camps throughout the year.

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