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SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL IS

COMING TO WESTPORT

A calm, thoughtfully designed studio

for little hands, big wonder, and meaningful play.

Whimsy Works Atelier is a thoughtfully designed parent-child studio where babies, toddlers, and young children explore art, light, sensory play, and imagination in a calm, elevated environment.

Join the Waitlist Explore the studio
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Be the first to book before we open publicly.

Join the waitlist for early access to classes, special launch updates, and priority scheduling.

Founding Families

Whimsy Works Atelier is a thoughtfully designed parent-child studio where babies, toddlers, and young children explore art, light, sensory play, and imagination in a calm, elevated environment.

Located in Westport, Connecticut, Whimsy Works Atelier serves families across Fairfield County.

Painting

The Atelier (Art Studio)

A space where children explore painting, textures, and materials freely—focused on the process, not the final result.

Glowing Sphere Held

Light Atelier

Invitations to explore glow, transparency, color, and movement in a calm sensory setting.

Child Reading Outdoors

Wonder

A quieter space for books, storytelling,

and imaginative play.

Girl with Camera

Maker / Discovery Lab

A space for building and experimenting—using simple materials to explore how

things work.

Clay On Pottery Wheel

Nature / Clay
& Sensory Lab

A sensory space using natural materials like clay, water, and textures—very calming and hands-on.

Hand Sifting Debris

Loose Parts

A space with open-ended materials where kids create their own little worlds and stories.

The experience

Explore. Create. Discover.

Each session is designed to feel calm, beautiful, and meaningful—supporting creativity, sensory exploration, and connection between you and your child.

Designed for ages 1–4 / Small groups (max 8-10 children)  / Inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophy

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Be part of our opening season.

Sign up to receive early access to class registration,

founding family updates, and first notice when our schedule goes live.

By joining, you’ll receive launch updates and early access announcements from Whimsy Works Atelier.

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HOW IT WORKS

A gentle, beautiful class experience.

1 - Choose your experience

Select the class or membership that fits your child and your schedule.

2 - Book your session

Reserve your visit & receive everything you need before your first class.

3- Come create together

Arrive, settle in, and explore the atelier side by side with your child.

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CLASSES & MEMBERSHIPS

Small, intimate sessions
designed for connection
 

Thoughtfully designed classes for babies, toddlers, and young children, with intimate groups of up to 10 children.

Each 50-minute session unfolds at a gentle, intentional pace, with caregivers present every step of the way.

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Monday through Friday (45 minute class)

Start Time:   9:30 AM  /  10:30 AM  / 2:30 PM /3:30 PM

Saturday · Open Atelier 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Reservation Required)

Private Celebrations: 

Our atelier is available for private 2-hour themed birthday experiences.

OUR CURRICULUM

Designed to be experienced over time, allowing each child’s curiosity to unfold naturally.

Curated Themes

A blend of thoughtfully designed monthly themes and an emergent, child-centered approach—allowing each experience to evolve with children’s natural curiosity

Inspired Exploration

Monthly inspirations drawn from nature, art, and sensory exploration, gently guided by what captures each child’s attention

Evolving Environments

Weekly environments that adapt and unfold through new materials and setups, responding to children’s discoveries and interactions

Guided Discovery

A calm, supportive space where children explore at their own pace, while grow-ups thoughtfully observe and guide—fostering development, confidence, and meaningful parent-child connection

Located in Westport, Connecticut, Whimsy Works Atelier serves families across Fairfield County.

About the Founder

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Whimsy-Works-Founder-Catalina Schmidt.JPG

 

 

I’m Catalina—mom to baby G and founder of Whimsy Works Atelier.

For nearly 20 years, my life moved at the speed of the restaurant industry. After five years managing a local Westport favorite, I reached a crossroads. I loved the energy of hospitality, but I felt a pull toward something more intentional. When my daughter, G, was born in 2024, that "pull" became a calling.

I wanted to be fully present for her early years—to help her discover the world rather than just watch it pass by.

 

My background in Product and Interior Design resurfaced as I watched G’s natural wonder. I found myself noticing the smallest details: the way she reached for light, her fascination with water, and her endless curiosity.

This led me to the Reggio Emilia philosophy. I didn't just study it; I followed it to the source, training in the world-class Ateliers of Reggio Emilia, Italy. I learned that children are capable, resilient, and possess "a hundred languages" of expression.

Whimsy Works was born from that journey. It is a space where your child can explore freely, and where you can finally slow down to witness the magic. Because these moments… don’t come back.

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Participation & Studio Policies

 

 

Whimsy Works Atelier is a parent-child creative experience rooted in child-led exploration, sensory play, and meaningful connection.

To maintain a safe and intentional environment, we ask all families to follow the guidelines below:

Parent Participation
All sessions require a caregiver to remain present and actively engaged. This is not a drop-off program.

 

Health & Wellness
Please keep your child home if they are experiencing fever, illness, or contagious symptoms within 24 hours.

 

Messy Play
Our studio embraces hands-on exploration. Materials may stain clothing or temporarily mark skin— we recommend play clothes.

 

Allergies
We work with a variety of natural materials. While we do our best to accommodate, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

Please notify us of any allergies in advance.

 

Respectful Environment
We aim to create a calm, safe space. Caregivers are responsible for supervising their child at all times.

 

Cancellations
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Missed classes are non-refundable.

✨ By participating, you agree to our full Terms & Conditions.

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