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Organic Arts Studio in Bed-Stuy Let Kids Paint With Fruits and Vegetables

By Camille Bautista | February 28, 2017 10:34am
 An organic arts studio where kids can paint with fruits and vegetables using non-toxic materials opened on Fulton Street in February.
An organic arts studio where kids can paint with fruits and vegetables using non-toxic materials opened on Fulton Street in February.
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Melanie Duault

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT —  There won’t be any problems getting kids’ hands dirty at Brooklyn’s newest art studio — where the paint is edible.

Fruiggie, an “ancient, organic crafts studio” for kids, offers classes for children with natural, non-toxic and eco-friendly materials, according to founder Tamika Albertini.

The organization opened near the Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant border along Fulton Street on Feb. 19, with nearly 400 square feet for workshops and vendors.

Albertini would often notice “toxic” smells during art activities when she worked in the city’s public schools and pre-schools, she said, and would sometimes get a headache.

“I could only imagine what it was dong for the kids. That’s when I decided the studio needed to come to life, and so all the materials we use are made with fruits and vegetables or recycled material, and they’re also compostable,” she said.

“Our art supplies come from nature, and therefore can go back to nature.”

After some workshops, fruits and vegetables used for painting and printing are donated to a local garden to be recycled, the owner added. 

Fruiggies started in 2013 with Albertini offering classes, events and birthday packages at pop-up locations throughout the city.

In her new space, she teaches sessions for kids ranging from 1 to 12 years old, with workshops such as story time or Chakra Art classes where children “learn how to balance their energies, learn about art, crystals, and what foods could heal,” she said.

Paints are made from foods and snacks including spinach or freeze-dried blueberries — and Albertini often brings extra for the kids to munch on.

The studio at 1080 Fulton St. near Claver Place also serves as a space for local and international vendors of natural art supplies, children’s jewelry, clothing, books and more.

“I wanted to get back to the roots of things,” Albertini said of Fruiggie.

“It’s important for children to understand where things come from and utilize what we already have in order to be creative with what they do.”