About Hot Potato Art Studio
Established in 2023, Hot Potato Art Studio began with the dream of providing our kids with a beautiful space to paint, draw, build, and be as creative as possible. A space where young artists have all of the resources to make their imaginations come to life. A space where they can collaborate with other children, build up their confidence, and most importantly, a space where it's okay to make a mess! We made that dream come true by converting our garage into a children's home-based art studio and now has a brick and mortar location at 1661 S Val Vista Dr. #105 Gilbert, Arizona 85295.
Our Teachers
Emily Bacon
Owner & Art Teacher
Emily is a credentialed teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education and 16 years of teaching experience. She is passionate about fostering creativity and confidence through art, so don’t be surprised if your child’s art doesn’t look like the sample. She has a 8-year old daughter, Harlow, who is her inspiration behind the business.
Kate Del Sandro
Lead Art Teacher & Curriculum Specialist
Kate has a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education. She has worked in various schools, implementing a choice-based curriculum that encouraged creativity as well as curriculum that focused on early western art history and AP courses in drawing and two-dimensional design. Kate challenges her students to be the best artists they can be!
Kristen Roskob
Art Teacher and Tutor
Kristen is an award-winning artist and teacher who specializes in realistic and creative mixed-media artwork. With a background in design, training, and public speaking, Kristen brings both technical expertise and an encouraging teaching style to her classes. She is passionate about inspiring creativity, building artistic confidence, and making art accessible to all ages.
Cori Gillespie
Office Manager and Art Teacher
With a background
in creative entrepreneurship, Cori brings a blend of organization and creativity to the studio. She loves helping students feel confident, curious, and supported in their creative journey. Cori believes art should feel welcoming and meaningful and that it is woven into everything we do.
Sara Dutt
Art Teacher and Tutor
Sara is the owner of Innoverse Steam Center. We love having her on the team as an art teacher and tutor. As a self-taught artist she brings her passion for creativity to each session. Her enthusiasm for art is contagious!
Dakota Drake
Art Teacher
Dakota Drake is a professional artist with experience working with students ages 2 through adulthood. With a background in painting, illustration, and mural work, Dakota has taught art programs in schools, community centers, museums, and senior living communities across the Valley. Dakota loves creating inclusive, confidence-building art experiences that encourage creativity and self-expression. You can find her on dakotadrake.com.
Lacey Stubblefield
Art Assistant
Lacey is a senior in high school with a 4.1 GPA. She enjoys theater, pottery, arts & crafts, and scrapbooking. She is excited to join the Hot Potato team as an art assistant. You will see Lacey helping in our classes and birthday parties.