ArtSea Studio is moving upstairs to a larger space on Deer Park Avenue

Around five years ago, a Lindenhurst mother and her two daughters decided to open an art studio together in the heart of Babylon Village.

The three, who are all art teachers in public schools, quickly made ArtSea Studio an anchor in the downtown.

“We like to pride ourselves on the fact that we are trained and know how to teach professionally,” said Barbara Hirten, who runs the shop with daughters Kimberly Litvinoff and Kristie Galante.

In less than a year since launching at 65 Deer Park Avenue, the three grew out of their room, so they took over part of an old bridal studio in the upstairs of the building.

Now, they need even more room.

Beginning in September, the family will be moving their art operations upstairs full time, taking over the entire upstairs floor, instead of just part of it.

“It’s great because we won’t have to go up and down the stairs all the time,” said Galante, an East Rockaway School District art teacher.

The new space, which is over 2,000 square feet, will allow ArtSea Studio to hold five times the number of people. In the old downstairs spot, there was only room for 10 to 12 people.

With the bigger location, ArtSea Studio will continue to grow its classes.

“Each year, we try to branch out and try something different,” said Galante, “To see what catches on.”

According to ArtSea, there’s something for everyone.

“We have classes for little ones just starting art to helping create college portfolio for seniors,” said Litvinoff, a Babylon resident, who teaches at Oceanside School District.

There’s also adult nights that feature wine glass painting, macrame making, and watercolor painting.

The expansion will allow for more “extensive projects” and is more “cohesive” with everyone in the same room, says the family.

“We can use the space to have large school trips,” explained Hirten, who retired from teaching after 33 years at Merrick-Bellmore School District.

A new waiting area is being added as well.

“Before this, the parents used to have to stand and wait for their kids,” said Hirten. “Now they’ll be able to relax and watch them.”

They can’t wait to showcase the new ArtSea Studio.

“It has a nice size ceiling, it’s a really nice space, we finally have room for all of our supplies,” said Hirten, smiling.

Scroll down for photos.

Top: (L-R) ArtSea’s owners Kristie Galante,Kimberly Litvinoff, and Barbara Hirten.

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