Local Mom Opens Art Studio in Bethesda

Emma Cowan brings her passion for art education to the community with the launch of Emma's Art Studio.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Emma Cowan, a former art teacher at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart and Washington Episcopal School, has opened her own art studio called Emma's Art Studio in Bethesda, Maryland. Cowan, who grew up locally and graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, has translated her experience as a mom and teacher to create an approachable and accessible space for kids to explore art.

Why it matters

The opening of Emma's Art Studio provides a new community resource for families in the Bethesda area to engage their children in creative expression and hands-on art education. As a local resident, Cowan's business reflects the growing demand for specialized enrichment opportunities that cater to the interests and needs of the community.

The details

After nine years of teaching art at Stone Ridge School, Cowan decided to take the leap and open her own art studio. She started offering summer camps at Glen Echo Park in 2019 and expanded to after-school programs at local schools before deciding to open a permanent space. Cowan's own children, Carter Rose (9) and Pierson (7), have been involved in the process, providing input on the studio's design and helping with tasks like painting. Cowan's husband, Alex, also lent his carpentry and construction expertise to help get the studio up and running.

  • Emma's Art Studio opened earlier this year in 2026.
  • Cowan started offering summer camps at Glen Echo Park in 2019.
  • Cowan taught art at Stone Ridge School for 9 years before leaving to work at Washington Episcopal School for 1 year.

The players

Emma Cowan

A local mom who has opened Emma's Art Studio in Bethesda, Maryland. Cowan previously worked as an art teacher for over a decade, including 9 years at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart and 1 year at Washington Episcopal School.

Alex Cowan

Emma Cowan's husband, who provided carpentry and construction expertise to help get the art studio up and running.

Carter Rose

Emma and Alex Cowan's 9-year-old child, who has been involved in providing input on the design of the art studio.

Pierson

Emma and Alex Cowan's 7-year-old child, who has been involved in providing input on the design of the art studio.

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What they’re saying

“I taught at Stone Ridge in the upper school for nine years, and then while I was there, I started a summer camp at Glen Echo Park in 2019. After nine amazing years at Stone Ridge, I followed my kids to their school, which is Washington Episcopal School, and I worked there for a year. Once they were settled, I decided that I was going to be brave and do my business year-round, and it was really scary ...”

— Emma Cowan

“Well, my kids helped me. When I first got the space, they came with me to look at it. They gave me suggestions. They helped me paint a bit. They didn't do any heavy construction obviously, but they helped me pick out where some things would go and some of my choices, like the books in my library are books that I've really enjoyed reading to them.”

— Emma Cowan

What’s next

Cowan and her family are planning a trip to Costa Rica with extended family in December to take a much-needed vacation after the busy process of opening the art studio.

The takeaway

Emma's Art Studio represents the entrepreneurial spirit and community-focused approach of a local mom who is bringing her passion for art education to families in Bethesda. By involving her own children in the process, Cowan has created a welcoming and accessible space that reflects the needs and interests of the neighborhood.