Sag Harbor resident Aaron Goldschmidt really likes what he does.
And his Shine Studio (977 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, 212-414-5427) — a process and creative arts space for children and more recently, adults — is the physical representation of that.
After graduating from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts’ Experimental Theater Wing with a minor in child psychology, Goldschmidt soon learned he found true fulfillment working with children and families, ultimately shifting his focus and efforts toward teaching. “I kind of knew that I was going to have to sort of figure out my own way in this world when I decided to focus on education full time,” he says, “and I was lucky enough to get started very early with opportunities working in a more creative angle.”
Shine Studio founder Aaron Goldschmidt opened a Hamptons location in Bridgehampton in 2021, equipped with studio spaces that helps to foster creativity for all ages. (Photos courtesy of The Shine Studio)
That angle became his signature move, developed from working at several prominent private preschools across New York City and San Francisco, where he was able to successfully blend his creative passions with arts-based curriculum and community awarness.
Striking out on his own, he founded Shine in 2004 designed as a mobile pop-up business centered around enrichment programs, classes, parties, camps and workshops for children in New York City. He came to the Hamptons about 15 years ago, continuing his mobile business model at some of the East End’s most beloved places, such as LongHouse Reserve and the now-closed Child Development Center of the Hamptons in East Hampton and Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack. In October of 2021, he was able to open up a brick-and-mortar location in Bridgehampton.
“I just fell in love with the sea, the forests, the history and the art, just everything here,” he says of his future East End home. “It was a sensory overload for me, you know. I have a lot of sensory issues to begin with, and it was kind of amazing, because it hit them all the right way.”
Goldschmidt’s Shine Studio serves as both a headquarters and a hub for imaginative learning and play located on the lower level of the Unitarian Universalist meetinghouse, in the space where the Rainbow School used to be. A home for creativity and exploration, the studio is a year-round destination where kids can both explore the arts, nature, movement, cooking, science, and hands-on creation. The space itself includes three studios, indoor and outdoor café areas, gardens, and play spaces. Outdoor areas also boast a classroom and stage, with direct access to the Long Pond Greenbelt trails just beyond the property.
Armed with both indoor and outdoor spaces, The Shine Studio is able to incorporate outdoor events and classes into its ample activity arsenal. (Photos courtesy of The Shine Studio)
Offerings run the gamut. It’s where young chefs can learn how to cook, or where kids interested in art can create via crafts and projects, with guidance from trained educators. Sensory play and art experiences are available for toddlers and preschoolers. Weekend and seasonal camps along with private and semi-private sessions are also available. Throughout the year, The Shine Studio also hosts community events such as craft afternoons, movie nights, and holiday celebrations — all aimed at bringing families together and making arts and learning accessible and fun.
“I’m so very happy having this space, just signing a five year lease, and continuing to build a great relationship with them [Unitarian Universalist Meeting House] and really lay down roots here,” Goldschmidt says. “That’s what we’re doing now. We’re really trying to do more community work.”
This month, that’s exactly what’s on the docket for The Shine Studio. On Wednesday, March 4, they’re hosting a Holi Party in honor of the Hindu holiday Holi. Also known as known as the “Festival of Colors” or “Festival of Love,” the holiday is a vibrant Hindu spring festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and new beginnings. Participants celebrate by throwing colorful powders (gulal) and water, singing, dancing, and visiting friends to distribute sweets. Slated to run from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m., Goldschmidt and his Shine Studio team invite all members of the community for traditional Indian crafts, throwing colored powder and light bites provided by Saaz Indian Cuisine. $40 per participant and all ages are welcome. Next week, on Wednesday, March 11, The Shine Studio collaborates with Saaz again for a dosa making workshop at the Southampton restaurant (located at 1746 County Road 39). For ages 5 and older. Starts at 4 p.m. $55 per child. Families that stay for dinner after the class will receive 10% off their meal. RSVP to all events by emailing [email protected] or calling 631-615-4002.
“I think we need to sort of celebrate [diversity], maybe especially now more than ever, celebrate the diversity that we have here locally,” Goldschmidt says. “So, we want to do that. We want to introduce kids to that in really fun ways.”
Art making of all kinds is encouraged at The Shine Studio. (Photos courtesy of The Shine Studio)
Later this month, the studio collaborates with Kasper Contemporary for artist Adam Baranello’s “The Lost Works” exhibition. An opening party is on Friday, March 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome to meet the artist while enjoying drinks. and refreshments. On Monday, March 23, kids are welcome to create their own original artworks in response to the exhibition. Kids ages 4 to 6 are welcome from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., while kids ages 7 and up are welcome from 4:45 to 6 p.m. On Thursday, March 26, Baranello leads an adults workshop from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $40 per participant.
“I want Shine, to really be a creative community of people that enjoy celebrating a whole lot of different things together, whether it’s a Holi party, like we’re having this week, whether it’s a fun adult night where a bunch of ladies can come together and have some wine, or a bunch of new moms coming together to form bonds,” he says. “Whatever that moment is, I really want the space to provide that for the community, while giving them an outlet to use their hands and their creative juices.”
RSVP to all events by emailing [email protected] or calling 631-615-4002. To more on additional services and classes available, click here.
