At Creative Class Studio, two dozen third-grade girls sit at long communal tables, squealing with delight as they dive into their crafts. While studio hosts hover nearby, they don’t interfere — here, unstructured play is the priority.
“Providing a communal creative outlet is important to keep them off their devices, keep them off social media, and just give them a childhood again,” said Rana Florida, co-founder of the studio.
Florida and her co-founder, Amanda Elliott, believe strongly in the power of offline play. They’d rather see their children outdoors, engaged with peers, than alone with an iPad or in front of a screen. (Elliott has one boy and two girls, ages 4, 7 and 9; Florida has two girls, ages 8 and 9.)
Their commitment to screen-free play began with end-of-the-street parties in their neighbourhood. Families brought food potluck-style, while the children enjoyed loosely organized activities. These gatherings, Florida explained, served as a kind of “third place” — a community space distinct from home and school.
“I just feel like kids deserve this type of space.”
What started as casual neighbourhood gatherings eventually evolved into something more formal. In early spring, the two women opened Creative Class Studio, a semi-structured arts-and-crafts workshop designed for kids — but open to all.
The project reflects both founders’ professional and personal passions. Elliott is principal architect at Visual Art Design, a boutique residential firm. Florida is CEO of Creative Class Group, a consultancy that advises foundations, governments, and companies.
Located at 396 Summerhill Ave., just west of Summerhill Market, the studio reflects both founders’ professional and personal passions. Elliott is principal architect at Visual Art Design, a boutique residential firm. Florida is CEO of Creative Class Group, a consultancy that advises foundations, governments and companies.
“(Creative Class Studio) is a third place where (kids) can connect with art, learn about artists and meet with other kids,” said Florida.
The studio draws inspiration from Reggio Emilia, Montessori and Waldorf education philosophies, emphasizing self-directed learning, imagination, and the idea that the environment itself can be a teacher.
Children sit at long tables — custom-designed by Elliott — using shared supplies rather than individual kits.
“I really like the idea of them having to use the communal arts and crafts,” said Aislin Temple, registered psychotherapist at Feel Your Way Therapy, who specializes in child development. “They’re sharing, and having conversations with each other and learning about these really important social skills.”
According to Temple, unstructured, screen-free environments like this one offer essential developmental benefits. “I think there are some really great learning opportunities for kids (on screens), but they have to be really structured and monitored, and that’s usually not the case with kids these days,” she said.
“These are critical years for them developing their linguistic skills, their social skills, they’re really learning regulation,” she continued. “And when they’re glued to the screen, they’re not having as many social interactions, even with their own parents, and that’s where we’re starting to see some language delays.”
Each month at Creative Class Studio revolves around a featured artist whose work explores themes in nature. One visit, the theme was inspired by British artist Damien Hirst, whose kaleidoscopic butterfly series served as a jumping-off point for student projects. The studio was adorned with blue butterfly-patterned wallpaper, and children created butterfly mosaics using small blue tiles on glass panes.
Florida introduced the theme, then stepped back. The crafting sessions, she explained, are deliberately open-ended. The goal is to “inspire them, to teach them a little bit about the artist, to give them a bit of that educational content, and then unleash them,” said Elliott.
The crafting time is deliberately unstructured, because kids today are “overscheduled,” Florida said, going from one structured activity to the next. “They’re having breakdowns… we want them to slow down.”
In a follow-up email, Florida wrote that “today’s children are living at a relentless pace” and that “it’s no wonder so many kids are breaking down in tears or acting out: they are exhausted, anxious, and overextended.”
Temple agrees. “I’m a huge fan of free-based play where they can express their creativity,” she said. “There (are) no rules around it, and they can explore their thoughts in their imaginary world. Having some of that time to just let kids be kids, and let them play, is really important, but other kids really need structure.”
For children with high energy or ADHD, she added, some degree of routine can be beneficial. “It gives them a sense of predictability. They know what to expect,” she said. Without it, “things can go awry quickly” if kids aren’t given the support and direction they need.
With the new school year starting, Florida says fall is an especially important time to make room for creativity and rest in kids’ schedules — particularly as school demands and structured activities ramp up. “We’re trying to offer an alternative to the relentless pace,” she said.
Sessions at the studio cost $50 per hour, with membership options available. While the experience may appeal to many families, the pricing could be a barrier, said Temple. “There are a lot of lower-income families who could really benefit from something like (Creative Class Studio), who the $50/hour might deter. Or they might only be able to do it once every couple months.”
Florida and Elliott say they occasionally offer discounts and field trip rates to help broaden access.
Looking ahead, the founders are dreaming big.
“We’d love to see a Studio in every major city,” Florida said. “It’s a place for them to come, connect, and be creative.”
