Art Lab Amsterdam

Hi, I’m Julia Mandle, founder of Art Lab. As a professional artist working with children for over 15 years, I’m continually inspired by their imagination and creative spirit. My mission is to help kids stay open, playful, and confident in their creativity—a gift that enriches every part of life.

Art has always been part of my world. I come from a family of artists: my grandmother ran her own small-scale atelier program, my father directed the Rhode Island School of Design, and generations of painters surrounded me with a love for making. With this heritage, and now as a mother of two teenagers, I deeply value the role art plays in learning and growth.

When I founded Art Lab Amsterdam ten years ago, I brought with me experience from New York City and a commitment to making art accessible to all. Since then, my students’ exhibitions have been celebrated for their surprising quality and depth, and many have even received international recognition, including at the Stedelijk Museum.

Each season I design workshops full of fresh inspiration, linking children’s creativity to our dynamic world. Classes combine playful warm-ups, storytelling, and engaging projects, always in an atmosphere where children feel safe, joyful, and free to express themselves. I look forward to welcoming you and your child to Art Lab!