SARATOGA SPRINGS – Two of Saratoga’s biggest cultural staples, food and art, have been brought together in one place: the Serendipity Arts Studio. Offering unique culinary and art programs and parties for children, teens and adults, Serendipity is the newest place for a creative learning experience in Saratoga Springs. Located at 26D Congress Street, there was a soft opening last week. The grand opening is planned for August 18, with a ribbon cutting that begins at 4 p.m.
The owner, Patrice Mastrianni, has been teaching children and adults for nearly thirty-five years. Mastrianni has a B.S. in studio arts from The College of St. Rose and has previously worked for the Saratoga Senior Center as program director, marketing director and arts instructor. As the former owner of Creative Sparks Pottery in Saratoga, as well as being a past member of the Saratoga Downtown Business Association, Mastrianni has the perfect combination of art and business experience under her belt for Serendipity to flourish.
“I love teaching and I love working with kids and adults alike,” Mastrianni said. “Art is such a therapeutic, stimulating thing to do. It’s as restful as it is rewarding. When people create, they feel a sense of accomplishment.”
Serendipity has classes for all skill levels and for all ages. With art classes that cover how to make anything from fabric art to mosaics, there is something on Serendipity’s calendar for everyone’s artistic interest. Perhaps one of the most intriguing classes offered is glass fusion, where bits of glass are shaped into a design then put into a kiln that fuses them together into a striking piece of artwork. The result can be used for many things, such as jewelry or sun catchers. According to Mastrianni, there is nothing else like it offered in Saratoga.
When it comes to the culinary aspect, Serendipity’s kitchen is user-friendly, well-made and has a striking appearance. Designed by Lisa Bates, the combination of subtle wood details and clean stainless steel makes for a bright and inviting setting for sharpening culinary skills. “The whole point is that it is flexible for multi-use,” said Mastrianni. Concerned about allergies? Serendipity may not be allergen free, but menus can be tailored to fit anyone’s dietary restrictions and great care is taken to prevent allergen contamination.
Many guest artists and chefs will be coming to Serendipity to teach. If anyone has a special artistic or culinary skill, they are welcome to contact the studio to inquire about teaching a class.
With so many diverse programs offered at Serendipity, it’s difficult to list them all. There are nights out for kids and teens each week where they cook their own dinner based around a theme, such as Italian, Mexican or “Grandma’s cooking.” Serendipity makes a night out with peers a fun and safe experience. For preschoolers, there are the weekly classes titled “Little Artists” and “Little Chefs.” Small children learn art and food skills at their own pace with no stoves and no knives.
Etiquette classes are also offered for children, teens and young professionals entering the business world.
Mastrianni wants to develop day classes for stay-at-home moms and retired adults to share a common interest, socialize and learn something new. She also hopes to create classes centered on specific health concerns, such as gluten-free cooking and heart healthy foods, where a doctor and chef would collaborate on teaching a class.
When asked why she opened Serendipity Arts Studio, Mastrianni replied: “learning and sharing brings people together. [Serendipity] fills a need. The town needed it and I was that person.”
Serendipity Arts Studio is available for private parties, fundraising events and team building activities for office groups. Though it is not open unless there is an event going on, anyone can contact the studio for a tour or more information. To register for a class or book a party, visit serendipityartsstudio.com and click on “Calendar.” Gift certificates are also available for purchase online.
