Mt. Lebanon offers its residents delicious dining, local shopping and, most importantly for many, a vibrant art scene. 

Located in the heart of Mt. Lebanon on Beverly Road, Dot and Line opened its doors five years ago to bring art lessons to the community. 

“We didn’t really know too many people, but it just sort of bloomed and blossomed in this beautiful way,” Branden Koch, co-owner of Dot and Line, said. “We’re in our fifth season now. It’s like we’ve tried so many different things out. And we figured out what works, what doesn’t work, what we can evolve, what we can grow, what new things we can try.”

From parent-child classes for toddlers to after school programming for teens to adult classes, the studio offers lessons for everyone in mediums ranging from watercolor to videography. For after school classes, the studio has a pick-up system from Lincoln Elementary School and offers their classes to homeschool students as well. 

Koch said the reason it’s important to explore art throughout someone’s entire life is because “it keeps you happy.” 

“[Art] keeps your brain active and there’s plenty of science out there that you can look at and there’s plenty of studies out there that say making things with your hands is indelibly important to your happiness, your well-being, your community, your health,” he said. 

Co-owner Kate Gugliotta said through her time working with kids she’s found that art can instill a sense of confidence in them. She sometimes hears from parents that their kids are shy or having a hard time in school, but when they get to the studio “they can be themselves.” 

“Lots of community building, seeing friendships develop, kids learning about each other’s differences and giving other kids compliments and finding that ‘Oh, wow, we are connected. We can use the same materials, but we’re going to all create something that’s totally different and that’s okay.’ So there’s kind of like these magic moments,” she said. 

Mt. Lebanon’s artistic community expands far beyond one business. From September 26-27 this year, the Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market is a place for local artists to showcase their work, from ceramics to wearables and more. The Mt. Lebanon Public Library also holds monthlong gallery exhibits for artists in the community.

Year-round there are a multitude of spaces for community members to visit to get their “art fix.” From interactive and display galleries to shops supporting local artists’ goods, there’s no shortage of community connection through artistic works. 

When it comes to Dot and Line, Koch believes the studio is successful because of the people and community around it. 

He said Mt. Lebanon residents, shop owners and patrons have been incredibly supportive, which opens the door for more opportunities, whether that be classes or expansion.

“If people weren’t interested in what we were doing or what we offer, we wouldn’t be here. So, that just goes to show the sort of people that are here,” he said. “They’re interesting. They’re smart. They’re curious. They’re culturally aware.”