"Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up,"
- Pablo Picasso
Enter the newest art studio and party venue that just popped up in Bethel Park/Upper St. Clair this summer. As she says, this is ART. The Founder and Chief Executive Artist, Becca Ward, found her name within the loves of her lives, her children: Asher, Roman, and Theo (ART). Creative, right?
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On entering ART by Becca Ward, you are greeted with carefully curated details from her own paintings and pieces to beautiful cozy interiors that make the studio soon-to-be the most sought-after party venue in the area. This space was created with love and fine attention to detail over a 6-month time span. That's an artist for you. As anyone who walks through the doors says, "You feel like home."
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ART by Becca Ward is a multipurpose space that doubles as a creative art studio and party space offering art camps, art classes, and party space rentals. With amazing parking, a kitchenette, catering options, and two entire floors, the space is absolutely perfect for any dream party, event, or private lesson.
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Instilling creativity into our children is a beautiful trait, and our new Upper St. Clair space makes it happen.
1.) Tell us about your background, what brought you to the art scene?
I remember being about 5 years old and just knowing I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. It was soon after that, my parents recognized that I had a gift and got me into advanced art classes. It's because of my parents, I had the best education in the arts from various classes in Pittsburgh, at different studios, and with all different types of art mediums. They taught me so much about my gift in art, but the biggest lesson was to always keep educating yourself. There is always something new to learn.
2.) How long were you teaching classes before opening your venue?
I have always done murals and commissioned artwork as a hobby, but when Covid hit in 2020 I saw how much my boys were missing when it came to art education. The world was shut down and there was no socialization or normalcy for children’s programs during that time. I started teaching children's art classes that summer outside in my backyard, spaced out and no masks on children. This was a chance for kids to be kids! They had a place to be social, creative, and have FUN during that difficult time. This is when ART by Becca Ward was created. ART was inspired and named after my sons, Asher, Roman, and Theo (ART). They have helped guide me with every class I do and are my biggest supporters.
Around this time my classes quickly became popular and since then I've opened my business to all sorts of art classes, birthday parties, adult sip and paints, and I've taught after school art activities at various school districts beginning with Upper St. Clair.
At every class I want children to walk away with knowledge of a famous artist, new art styles, and technical brush or pencil work that will last them a lifetime. This is why my classes stand out when it comes to other instructional options.
3.) Tell us about the new space and your vision for the company.
My art studio is in the heart of the South Hills of Pittsburgh. ART by Becca Ward is located at 24 Donati Road, right near South Hills Village mall.
When people walk through the doors at ART by Becca Ward, I want them to feel completely at home. My space is decorated beautifully, and I hear a lot of kids say, "this feels like a home" and that is exactly how I want everyone to feel in my space. All my original art work is scattered throughout the studio for purchase but also to showcase to young students different types of art styles and mediums.
My vision for my company is for every student or adult to leave my space with some sort of knowledge of art that will last a lifetime. Whether that be new information about a famous artist, new brush techniques, or how to blend and creating new colors. I want every student waking away with a positive experience of ART.
4.) What is it like balancing work + motherhood for you?
Since my business was influenced by my boys, they have helped me every step of the way. I am constantly bouncing ideas off them about future classes, and they are always trying to attend my classes, if there's room! They have been the biggest part of my creative journey.
5.) Anything we have to look forward to?
I will be hosting all different types of classes where students can express themselves in every artistic way. I also want my space to be a platform for other small businesses to help with party planning. Since I've opened this summer, I've worked with, My Pop Up Party, Take Heart Images, Carte Blanche, The 404 Restaurant, Burke Candle Co., Ruby Lou company, Icing on the Cake, Beetles Ice Cream, The Pie Place and Arlie Cosmetics. Which excitingly are all women owners and entrepreneurs in the South Hills. I look forward to seeing what more opportunities this space holds not only for me, but for the surrounding community.
6.) How can we find you online?
You can find more information and to book classes at my website: www.artbybeccaward.com
Also, I am on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @artbybeccaward
7.) What has been your favorite art project to date?
My personal art favorites are my first acrylic and oil paintings. I love to see how much I've grown as an artist since then.
8.) What is one quote that inspires and moves you?
My favorite quote is by Pablo Picasso "Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up".
I think if we nurture a child's artistic ability it will last with them a lifetime. Even as adults, we can pick up where we left off if you know the basics of art. I truly believe art can help everyone in all aspects of their life.
9.) Tell us a bit about YOU. Where you’re from, where you went to school, favorite places to travel, hobbies etc.
I grew up in Upper St. Clair. I went on to study fine arts at Indiana University of PA where I got an art scholarship. I met my husband at a young age in Upper St. Clair and we live here raising our 3 young boys. My husband has been my one of biggest support systems in starting my new business. He's been helping me with every aspect to open my new space. I also have an amazing group of girlfriends that have been so incredibly supportive of my entrepreneurial journey. They have been by my side since the very beginning and are always rooting for me. I am very blessed!
My favorite place to be is with my family! We love traveling and love doing so as a family! Our favorite trip would probably be a cruise where we visit multiple countries, seek adventure, explore the culture and have fun! As a mom of 3 boys, I must keep them busy!
 Becca Ward and her three young boys |
You can view Becca’s upcoming classes and camps HERE.
