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.
Cori Gillespie
Office Manager
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.
Kate Del Sandro
Art Teacher
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!
Hannah Sydiongco
Art Teacher
Hannah is a professional graphic designer with over a decade of experience and a strong Fine Arts background. She combines a passion for the visual arts with her design expertise in everything she does. Known for her positive attitude and supportive approach, she will be helping in our digital arts classes, school programs, and foundational mixed media classes.
Dakota Drake
Art Teacher
Dakota 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.
Kay Gill
Art Teacher
Kay has a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 art education, and has taught art classes for students of all ages, from children to adults. Kay believes everyone is an artist and has the magic of creativity inside. Kay’s teaching style involves allowing students to have the freedom to be creative, to make mistakes, and to be their unique selves. She is dedicated to fostering confidence and a lifelong love of art in every student.
Sara Dutt
Art 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!
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.
Kim Schultz
Instructional Coach
With over 20 years of experience in education, Kim is a passionate watercolor artist who finds joy in both creating and teaching. Her journey has included teaching children at the art gallery and in schools. Kim loves coaching fellow educators, helping them grow in both skill and confidence. At the heart of her work is a love for inspiring young artists and guiding children to discover their creative voice, take risks, and experience the joy of making art.