Who we are
At Studio Kusi, our goal is to provide a joyful, affordable, and welcoming space where our community can experience the joys of making things with their hands.
We hope people leave feeling more grounded in their bodies and inspired to tap into their creativity.
Our values: Joy, creativity, community, accessibility, liberation
What we offer:
– One day workshops
– Multi-week open studios
– Volunteer opportunities
– Ceramics and jewelry for sale
“Kusi” means “Joy” in Quechua (one of the many indigenous languages of the Andean region). It’s also the name of the Peruvian hairless dog my grandparents had when I was growing up 🙂
Meet the Founder
Hi! My name is Ariana Paredes-Vincent (she/her pronouns).
I’m Peruvian-American, and was born and raised in DC.
Through Studio Kusi, I strive to combine my passions for art, mental health, and social justice.
I believe in the transformative power of art and community to nourish and heal both our bodies and spirits.
What I believe in:
- Everyone is creative
- Making is medicine
- Community care = self care
- Mutual aid is love <3
- We all have something to contribute to the movement towards a more equitable world. If we all used our gifts for good, we can have a large impact
My journey with creating:
I’m one of six, and all my siblings have creative talents. Growing up, I could never draw, write, or play instruments well, so I convinced myself I wasn’t creative, and labeled myself as “the one that was good at school, not art”. It wasn’t until I started taking pottery classes at Art Works Now in 2022, that I discovered my love for creating.
Once I started, I couldn’t stop! I craved making things with my hands every day – whether with clay, beads, wire, yarn, paint, paper (the options are endless!). During this time I was also struggling with my mental health due to sexual and relational trauma, and the more I created, the better I felt.
Creating became and still is my meditation and healing practice.
How it all started
September 2022: I took my first wheel throwing class and fell in love with ceramics!
September 2024: Started teaching private wheel throwing workshops out of my childhood bedroom to raise money for UNRWA (photo on left)
December 2024: Did first art market!
February 2025 – I was laid off from my public health job due to DOGE for two months –> poured my energy and time into renovating my parent’s garage to make it into a pottery studio!
March 27th 2025: Taught first class in new space!
Updates since opening our current space
April 2025: Hired our first two instructors!
August 2025: Launched volunteer program
September 2025 – Hosted first off-site workshops including a BIPOC Altar Retreat, Nature’s Signature, and Protest Art event.
October 2025 – Started offering multi-week open studios for people to create with us every week
November 2025 – Launched the Manos Migrantes Cooperative in partnership with Poder del Pueblo
January 2026 – Started selling our work at the Saloon