There are no rules in art.

Meet Sarah Anne

Hi! I'm Sarah Anne, and I'm so happy you're here.

Sarah Anne Stephens smiling in the Storybook Studio classroom beside a colorful sensory table

Art has always been one of my greatest passions. From an early age, I found joy in creating, experimenting, and seeing the world through a creative lens. As I grew older, that love naturally blended with another passion: working with young children and creating meaningful learning experiences that honor the way they learn best.

I currently teach Pre-K at Christ Lutheran Day School and hold degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education, along with a minor in Nutrition and Dietetics. Over the past decade, I've had the privilege of teaching young children in a variety of educational settings, and each experience has deepened my love for nurturing creativity through hands-on learning.

As a child, I often felt like I didn't quite fit into a box. I learned differently, thought differently, and found that creativity was where I felt most at home. Looking back, those experiences shaped the teacher I am today. They taught me that every child deserves a place where they feel seen, valued, and free to learn in the way that comes most naturally to them.

That belief became the foundation of Storybook Studio.

Sarah Anne reading a children's book aloud to young students on the classroom rug

Why Storybook Studio Exists

Storybook Studio was created to be a place where all kinds of learners can thrive. Here, children are encouraged to wonder, experiment, problem solve, tell stories, and express themselves without worrying about creating the “right” thing. There are no cookie-cutter projects, no pressure to make art that looks like everyone else's, and no expectation that every child will create in the same way.

One of my favorite moments is watching children realize there isn't one “right” way to create. Some dive in with bold colors, while others carefully plan each step. Some tell stories as they work, while others quietly immerse themselves in the creative process. Every approach is celebrated because every child brings something unique to our studio.

Our class mantra is simple: There are no rules in art. To me, that means more than artistic freedom. It means celebrating curiosity over perfection, creativity over comparison, and the beautiful ways each child sees the world.

Thank you for trusting me with your little artists. It is a true privilege to be part of their creative journey, and I can't wait to welcome your family to Storybook Studio.

Sarah Anne guiding young artists through a hands-on craft project at the studio table

What Is Storybook Studio?

A literature-inspired art program where children's books come to life through meaningful, open-ended art experiences. Each semester is built around carefully selected stories that inspire curiosity, imagination, creativity, and a love of learning — ending with our Gallery Celebration and a keepsake Storybook Studio book.

There are no rules in art.

A young student lit up with wonder during story time at Storybook Studio
Sarah Anne jumping for joy in a hallway decorated with colorful paper flowers

Wonder, joy, and hands-on making — that's the heart of every semester.

Reserve Your Artist's Spot

Browse upcoming classes and camps for your little creator.