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September 19, 2024
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Studio on Wheels and Splatters for Everyone

Studio on Wheels and Splatters for Everyone
Photo Courtesy: A Flick Of The Wrist Splatter & Paint Studio

Jennifer Briddes and Bonnie Stritzinger, the dynamic duo and iconic lesbian power couple behind A Flick of the Wrist Splatter and Paint Studio, are far more than business owners—they are creators and advancers of community, art, and accessibility. Their studio goes beyond business to turn anywhere into a space where anyone can unleash their inner artist, regardless of ability, budget, or background. Together, this couple has created a space where creativity is celebrated in all its chaotic, colorful glory.

Bonnie, a former art educator and current grade school teacher, and Jennifer, a resilient entrepreneur with a deeply personal connection to art and neurodivergent advocacy, bring unique perspectives to their work. Bonnie’s journey began when she was faced with the harsh reality of budget cuts to art programs, which inspired her to build something that would keep creativity alive in her community. Jennifer, having overcome a difficult childhood that included disabilities, time in juvie, rehab, and foster care, channels her experiences into her engaging and involved business projects. Her resilience helps her navigate raising their autistic child, a task that informs their studio’s inclusive nature. Their combined life experiences have not only inspired their business but also fueled their innovative approaches.

A Flick of the Wrist Splatter and Paint Studio is the first-ever Mobile Splatter Unit in the U.S., so the owners can take their unique customer experience to schools, parties, and other fun spaces. This rolling canvas allows people to experience the thrill of splatter painting without having to leave their neighborhoods, making art more accessible than ever. It’s a mobile art studio on wheels, perfect for both casual creators and seasoned artists looking to experiment with something new. What separates their art style beyond the mobility of their studio is the whole philosophy behind it. Splatter art is play-based. This idea is very much intertwined with the work our lovely founding pair does with disabled students, who often find rigid art education to be difficult. Splatter art is free-form and raw, so it might not look like a Van Gogh, but it doesn’t need to. “Splatter painting is the art of letting chaos dance freely, where every drop tells a story and every splash sings its own melody,” they’ll tell you. Their studio is a place where messiness and spontaneity are embraced. Whether customers are painting with neon under UV lights, using drumsticks to rhythmically splatter paint, or bringing their dogs in to paw-print their masterpieces, A Flick of the Wrist offers something for everyone. This philosophy of inclusivity extends to their pricing as well—if someone can’t afford a class or experience, Jennifer and Bonnie will work with them to make sure they can still participate.

Jennifer’s experience as the mother of an autistic child has been central to shaping the studio’s accessibility features. She knows firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate a world that isn’t always accommodating of neurodivergent needs, and she’s made it her mission to ensure that the studio is welcoming to all. The space accommodates wheelchairs, sensory needs, and offers extra support where needed. Their staff is trained to assist artists of all abilities, ensuring that creativity knows no barriers. In 2024, A Flick of the Wrist received the Mainline Accessible Birthday Party Award.

Artists trying out splatter painting can create pieces for personal home decor, commission large-scale installations, or collaborate on community projects. One memorable example involved a family of five, along with their dog, coming in to create a custom piece for their living room. They each added their handprints and paw prints, then splattered the canvas together. “It was such a heartwarming moment to see everyone, including their fur baby, contribute to the artwork,” Jennifer recalls. These kinds of shared, personal experiences are exactly what makes the studio special.

Bonnie’s background as a teacher adds another layer to the studio’s mission. After losing her job when the school cut art and library staff, she pivoted to teaching first grade, a move that taught her the importance of adaptability. Bonnie’s creativity, combined with Jennifer’s resilience, drives innovative ideas like the mobile paint studio, which brings art to people who might not otherwise have access to it. They think outside the box constantly, with the zaniest example being the axe throwing studio they opened up (The first Axe Throwing Business in Delaware County). 

As Jennifer and Bonnie grow their business, they remain focused on one central goal: making art accessible, fun, and inclusive for everyone. In the future, customers can expect more major artistic collaborations with local and established artists as well as a push to open an art school centered around play and exploration. Honing children’s creativity is important for the development of our society, and these two are up for the task. 

 

Published by: Khy Talara

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