Featured Location
Excitement is building at our brand new location in New Haven!
At The Giggling Pig, we're thrilled to bring our unique blend of events, classes, and parties to your neighborhood. Whether you're a budding artist or looking for a fun way to spend time with friends and family, our newest hub of creativity is the place to be.
Why keep wondering what all the giggling is about? Learn more and sign up for an unforgettable experience! Mark your calendars— doors open on September 2nd. Join the fun and let your creativity soar at The Giggling Pig in New Haven!
Featured Location
Welcome to The Giggling Pig in Guilford. This location a delightful destination that brings creativity and joy to children and families in the community. Offering a variety of art classes, workshops, and party events, The Giggling Pig provides a nurturing and fun environment for kids of all ages to explore their artistic talents. Nikki Towel, with her passion for art and education, focuses on making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone, encouraging personal expression and growth through hands-on activities. This beloved art studio not only fosters a love for creativity but also builds confidence and community among its young artists and their families.
The Giggling Pig Art & Party Studio
Teaching kindness and compassion through art
Birthday Parties
Book your next birthday party at The Giggling Pig!
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60 minutes of creative fun! + 30 minutes to eat!
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We pay for your first pizza!
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Private space for your party
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Birthday child will get a free art class from us!
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Photo album of your party on our facebook page
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(optional -- only upon each family's permission)
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Giggling Pig invitations for you to fill out and print
It's Halloween Season
at The Giggling Pig!
It's the perfect time to sign up for our Seasonal Events.
Join us for Halloween events at our art studio, where creativity meets spooky fun! Young artists can enjoy Halloween and fall themed projects in a creative setting. It's the perfect way for kids to celebrate while making memorable holiday crafts.
It's Halloween Season
at The Giggling Pig
It's the perfect time to sign up for our Seasonal Events!
Our creative programs ignite imagination and build key skills for school and beyond. From painting to crafting, each session boosts problem-solving, academics, and emotional resilience. Enroll your child in our fun, educational classes where creativity and learning come together.
Sign up for our Seasonal Camps!
Seasonal camps are available on most school vacation days.
Our creative programs ignite imagination and build key skills for school and beyond. From painting to crafting, each session boosts problem-solving, academics, and emotional resilience. Enroll your child in our fun, educational classes where creativity and learning come together.
Select your location to register for camp.
Summer Camp
It's never too early to sign up for Summer Camp at The Giggling Pig. Our camps fill up fast, so be sure to sign up today!
Registration is Now Open!
Select your location to register.
BONUS Week SHELTON
June 10 - 14
Sweet Shoppe
Let's kick off the summer with a sweet and delightful bonus week at camp! Join us for a half-day camp filled with endless creative activities that revolve around sweets and treats. It's the perfect way to indulge in some artistic fun while starting the summer off on a high note!
PLEASE EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP.
Week 1 SHELTON
June 17 - 21
Movie Madness with Giggles!
Come and join us for an exciting start to our summer camp with Giggles at the movies! Throughout this week, students will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity by bringing scenes and characters from their favorite movies to life. We will explore various artistic techniques such as acrylic painting, watercolor, and mixed media, ensuring that students not only have a fantastic time at camp but also develop their artistic skills. It's going to be a week filled with laughter, learning, and lots of fun!
PLEASE EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP.
Week 2 SHELTON
June 24 - 28
Lights, Camera, Action! (FULL DAY ONLY) $350
10 - 2pm | Ages 8+
Come and join us for an exciting start to our summer camp with Giggles at the movies! Throughout this week, students will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity by bringing scenes and characters from their favorite movies. We will explore various artistic techniques such as acrylic painting, watercolor, and mixed media, ensuring that students not only have a fantastic time at camp but also develop their artistic skills. It's going to be a week filled with laughter, learning, and lots of fun!
PLEASE EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP.
Week 2 SHELTON
June 24 - 28
Pirates & Princesses
Get ready for an exciting week at camp as we embark on a thrilling adventure into the enchanting world of pirates and princesses! We are absolutely thrilled to witness the incredible power of imagination displayed by our campers this week, and we cannot wait to see how they bring these captivating images to life. Throughout the week, we will explore a wide range of artistic mediums, allowing our students to experiment and express their creativity in various ways. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to construct our very own wands and pirate shields, adding an extra touch of magic and excitement to our artistic journey.
PLEASE EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP.
Week 3 SHELTON
July 1, 2, 3 & 5
Arts & Crafts USA
Get ready to celebrate our wonderful country with a week filled with crafts and creativity! As it's a shorter week, we have planned an array of exciting activities that will surely bring joy to our campers. We will dive into the world of art by exploring various techniques such as painting on canvas, collaging, and mixed media. Our campers will have the opportunity to express their unique ideas and create beautiful masterpieces that are bound to bring smiles to everyone's faces.
PLEASE EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP.
Week 4 SHELTON
July 8 - 12
Mad Hatter's Tea Party
Get ready for an extraordinary week filled with excitement and wonder as we dive into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland! This week is no ordinary tea party; it's a mad Hatter's tea party, and we couldn't be more thrilled about it! Our campers will have the opportunity to explore their creativity through clay sculpting, allowing them to bring their favorite characters and elements from Alice in Wonderland to life. Additionally, they will learn the art of illustrating in intricate detail, capturing the essence of this fantastical world on paper. It's going to be a truly magical week where imaginations run wild and creativity knows no bounds. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure down the rabbit hole!
PLEASE EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP.
Week 5 SHELTON
July 15 - 19
Passport Museum Tour
We are passionate about introducing campers to famous artists from all over the world and teaching them exciting new techniques. Our belief is that art has the power to connect us all and allows us to view the world through a lens of creativity and beauty. Get ready for an adventure as we embark on daily journeys to different countries, where campers will "stamp their passports" and discover the incredible artists born there!
PLEASE EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP.
Calling all animal lovers at camp! This week is all about bringing your favorite animals to life through drawing and painting. We've curated a special program that focuses on teaching techniques to create that perfect fluffy look, master textures, and capture important details. Get ready to unleash your creativity and let your imagination run wild as we can't wait to see the incredible creations each student will bring to life this week!
PLEASE EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP.
Week 6 SHELTON
July 22 - 26
Floppy Ears & Fluffy Tails
Every year we love to read the books our campers create - Remember this camp sells out fast so don't delay. We print 1 copy for your child to enjoy and share with you and additional copies are available for $20 each. The topic is completely up to your child and we assist with writing, spelling and any help they may need. We appreciate your patience with this camp as editing, and formatting does take some time. Books arrive in time for Thanksgiving.
PLEASE EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP.
Week 8 SHELTON
August 5 - 9
Authors & Illustrators
$350 (FULL DAY ONLY) — includes 1 printed copy!
About Us
Melissa Mongillo – Co-Owner,
The Giggling Pig New Haven
After almost two decades in leadership roles in the staffing and recruitment world, I found myself wanting something more meaningful—a way to connect with my community while finding joy in what I do. As a mom and entrepreneur, I was driven to create something that felt fulfilling, fun, and impactful.
That search led me to partner with Hannah Perry, the visionary behind The Giggling Pig. What drew me in wasn’t just the creativity and fun it brings to children and adults alike, but the way it fosters connection and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a child’s first painting or an adult’s evening of unwinding at a Paint & Sip, The Giggling Pig creates moments that people cherish.
Together, Hannah and I opened The Giggling Pig’s seventh location in the Arts District at the Shops at Yale. Our studio is more than just a place to get creative—it’s a space where we welcome everyone to express themselves, relax, and connect. We offer everything from children’s art classes to adult events and corporate team-building, all with the aim of bringing people together in a positive, encouraging environment.
As a co-owner, I’m excited to keep building on this vision, to continue growing a place where creativity blooms and where people of all ages feel like they belong.
Hannah Perry - Co-Owner,
The Giggling Pig New Haven
In 2021, a significant milestone was achieved when I sold my first franchise—a joyful beginning that quickly expanded to six more franchises. Following this accomplishment, I decided to take a two-year break to focus entirely on the strategic and operational aspects of our business. Despite the valuable insights this period provided, I deeply missed the daily interactions with children and families, the core of our joy and purpose.
During a challenging time in 2023, when I was hospitalized due to a COVID-related heart condition, I had a profound realization about what truly matters to me. This experience underscored the importance of being deeply involved in what I love most—fostering creativity and growing our community. It rekindled my passion and solidified my decision to not only return to in-studio work but also to seek new opportunities for expanding our reach.
An exciting opportunity soon presented itself in New Haven, and I knew exactly who I wanted by my side. I invited Melissa, a remarkably talented individual whose unique and crucial skills complement the vision and direction of our company. Her partnership was a decision driven by both admiration and strategic insight. Today, I am thrilled to be working alongside a woman I admire profoundly and am fortunate enough to call a friend.
Here we are, more motivated than ever, ready to nurture creativity and bring joy to more families. Thank you for taking the time to get to know a bit about us. We are excited about the future and hope you'll be a part of our continuing story.