WHAT WE DO
About Us
TinkerLab began in 2010 in a sunny Palo Alto backyard, sparked by watching children’s natural curiosity bloom into creative discoveries. What started as informal art experiments has grown into a vibrant hub for creative exploration.
Our mission is simple: to develop creative thinkers through hands-on tinkering, artistic experimentation, and playful discovery. We believe the seeds of innovation are planted in moments of open-ended exploration.
We specialize in art workshops that break the mold of traditional crafting. Instead of following rigid instructions, our participants – both kids and adults – are encouraged to explore materials, test ideas, and embrace happy accidents. You might find yourself building kinetic sculptures from found objects, conducting color-mixing experiments, or transforming seasonal materials into unexpected art pieces.
Known for our “laboratory” approach to creativity, we create an environment where questions lead to discoveries and where creative confidence grows naturally through play. Our workshops range from intimate weekly sessions to energetic corporate innovation workshops and imaginative private parties.
Each season brings new materials to explore and fresh ways to spark creativity. Whether we’re crafting with natural materials or elbow-deep into sensory art, every project is designed to strengthen creative thinking muscles while celebrating the joy of making.
Join Our Creative Playground
- Workshops: Join us for an open-ended art exploration for both children and adults
- Team Building Sessions: Energize your workplace with hands-on creative challenges that spark innovation and collaboration
- Parties & Celebrations: Transform birthdays and special events into unique artistic adventures with custom-designed creative experiences
- Kids Art Membership: Access year-round projects, inspiration, and creative community in Schoolhouse Online Art Studio for Kids
- Elementary Art Curriculum: A complete year of thoughtfully designed art projects and lessons for educators in our Art Around the Year
Our Guiding Principles
Curiosity
Every great discovery starts with a “what if?” We encourage questions, celebrate unexpected outcomes, and believe that the most interesting creations often come from our most playful experiments.
Playfulness
Creative confidence grows when we give ourselves permission to play. Our workshops provide a studio for exploring ideas, exploring materials, and developing creative thinking skills through hands-on experiences.
Creative Courage
We build brave artists who aren’t afraid to try new things. By focusing on the process rather than the product, we help everyone – from toddlers to CEOs – rediscover their innate creative abilities.
Joyful Learning
Learning happens naturally when we’re having fun. Our approach combines purposeful play with artistic exploration, creating an environment where creative thinking becomes second nature.
Ready to start your creative journey? Want to bring TinkerLab’s imaginative approach to your next event? Reach out to us at support@tinkerlab.com
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10 WAYS TO INTRODUCE ART TO PRESCHOOLERS
TinkerLab acknowledges that we operate on the ancestral land of the Ramaytush Ohlone Tribe. We pay our respects to their elders past, present, and emerging. We recognize that this land holds profound historical, cultural, and ongoing significance for the Ramaytush Ohlone people, and we are committed to understanding and honoring this relationship. As part of our commitment to meaningful acknowledgment, we make annual donations to support the Ramaytush Ohlone Tribe. To learn more about and support the Ramaytush Ohlone people, please visit the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone website.