Sparkhouse Studio Opens to an Excited Crowd

Despite Sunday's gloomy weather, Sparkhouse Studio welcomed a sunny crowd to their grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The day's events started off with free Kindermusik classes with Susan Leone and concluded with the ribbon cutting ceremony with Village President Doug Newman, Trustee Michael Goldberg, and Main Street South Orange Executive Director Carole Anzalone-Newman. Guests also enjoyed baked goodies and juice boxes as well as an impromptu balloon fight at the end of the day.

Sparkhouse Studio is part of the Sparkhouse Kids toy store, winner of NJ Monthly's Best Toy Store award for the past two years, and its opening fulfills co-owners Celina Herrero's and Michael Casaren's original vision for their business. When they first set up shop two years ago, they envisioned an eclectic toy store that also served as a community center with classes and activities as well as gallery exhibits and parties. Due to size restrictions in the retail space, they had to hold off on the studio until the storefront two doors down from the shop recently opened up. After months of renovating and redecorating, the studio will now hold classes and events for kids of all ages, as well as a children's book writing class for adults. The studio will also showcase collectible toys that appeal to adults and kids alike, as well as the work of prominent artists and illustrators. They are also an authorized retailer of the popular Kid Robot brand.

Registration is now open for classes beginning the week of October 4th. Classes include Kindermusik, MindGames, Mad Scientist Academy and Awesome Arts. Kids can indulge their inner fashion designer in the Project Runway class, learn about the science of flight in the Rocketry class, or free their imagination in the creative writing workshop Word Play. Instructors include Elaine Ianetti, a life-long teacher and curriculum developer in the SOMa school district, Ellen Dreyer, a local writer, editor and teacher, and Irene Kelly, an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Call 973-821-5227 or visit sparkhouse.net for more information.