Barking Cat Studio

Karen Merbaum, director, artist and teacher-​extraordinaire of Barking Cat is quite simply the most wonderful art teacher you could ever ask for, for your child. At keeping kids of all ages focused in the classroom (and on outings) while remaining natural, gentle, and super-​fun she is a Master.
She is a woman of great kindness and with total love for children, that shows in her relaxed sense of humor, her warmth and interest in students’ opinions and conversations, and her absolute preparedness for the classes she teaches. Karen is able to stay very present with students no matter what transpires, allowing kids to feel secure and the beginnings of feeling like an artist, and for each one to feel special among his or her classmates. And her project ideas are vast – seemingly endless – !
We hired Barking Cat to do a class-​to-​go for our little one’s birthday party this past summer… we will never forget the fun times had that day. Karen is so fun, and she will play, ponder, joke, wonder, contextualize for every age kid and that was even before the art stuff! Which, when it came time to do it, was amazing, and kept all the party guests concentrated on their projects, feeling proud, and having a blast.
Just basically can’t say enough good about Barking Cat. Karen is as real as it gets. If you have stopped here considering sending your child to one of her classes, do it. Our little one has attended Barking Cat for about two years now, and he will be taking her classes for as long as Karen offers them.

Barking Cat has been a jewel of a find for myself and our son — I really don’t think there is a better art class for children in Brooklyn or the City. The reason is Karen who runs the company and the classes. She is a natural teacher — I had teachers like her when I was at school — ones I really respected. Karen likes children, she has fun with them, she speaks up to them and doesn’t patronise them, she understands them and she is also firm with them. She sets just the right boundaries — and so creates a secure, effective atmosphere where children have focus and can shape their creativity and — most of all — not be afraid of trying something new. The projects that come out of the classes are such fun — quirky and clever and topical. Karen has children make things that she herself finds interesting and unusual — tons of thought obviously goes into each project. A gem for children — and for parents who want to loosen up and learn to really enjoy making things with their children. Keep up the good work Karen — you are greatly appreciated.

PHENOMENAL Studio and Staff!!! I recently held a party for my little girl who was turning 4. They kept excellent communication between me and my ex-​husband in the weeks leading up to the party which was extremely helpful in keeping us on track. I got there ½ an hour early to set up a section of mimosas for the parents and we received a warm welcome followed by a printout and explanation of the schedule. They had EVERY detail planned to the minute which provided me the ability to be present at my little girl’s party for once. Karen and her staff are so professional but also give you that feel as if you have made some instant friendships. The passion that Karen has for art transcends and you can tell that by the attention and effort to all details. So many things are personalized with your child’s name. From pictures created to color in while the children are waiting for the entire party to show up, to the banner made special for the birthday girl/​boy etc. Also, the staff greets your guest in the warmest and welcoming way, takes the gifts from guests and keeps them organized for you. They are extremely attentive to every child’s need and do an amazing job at keeping the activities on schedule and distribution of pizza and cake ran effortlessly. One of my favorite things about the party is I was able to not have to go crazy and buy favors commemorating the celebration because each child gets to take home their art project which does double duty and is actually something they really value and want. For my party I went with treasure boxes for the guest to decorate. The boxes were made out of wood and large. I was greatly pleased by the quality. The studio does such a fantastic job with having personalized bags with each guests name on it and inside they have their own birthday hat which they colored in, along with an attached balloon. How could you go wrong with that! Once the party was over the staff handed the bags out as each guest left. Lastly, the staff took tons of photo’s of the party and emailed them to me immediately which was a great bonus to my collection.
A TREMENDOUS thank you to the Barking Cat Studio from the bottom of my heart for making my little girl’s birthday party exactly what she wanted and allowing me to enjoy the special occasion!!! We look forward to summer camp!!!

I have been to many kids birthday parties. This was fantastic. My kids were the oldest being 7 year old twins at a 4 year old party, yet they were totally entertained. The place is owner operated, so the staff really cares. The party was a superbly organized and fun craft oriented party. There is nothing cookie cutter about this place! Everything right down to the birthday hats (decorated by the kids) involves personalization and extreme creativity. The staff was energetic and engaged the kids every second. My kids will be going back for classes.
This is my first Unilocal despite utilizing the site for years, gives you insight into how great this experience was.

Classes for kids don’t get better than this! Our shy 21 month old daughter just loves it and beams when I tell her it’s art class day. Immense preparation goes into each lesson, and the energy levels keep the kids involved. Highly recommended.
FYI — you can do a trial class, I’m sure you’ll sign up like we did!