Creative Storyteller Studio Café logoVisit the shop
CELEBRATING AN FY2027 ARTIST OPPORTUNITY GRANTVoices on Canvas has been awarded funding from the Arizona Commission on the Arts!Read the announcement NEXT CREATIVE STORYTELLER SATURDAY • OCTOBER 17 • 10 AM–12 PMDía de los MuertosDiscover the workshop & reserve your seat
Colorful CSSC mobile art school bus with the Creative Storyteller Studio Café logo and children’s paintings hanging along its side
ARIZONA ESA FAMILIES WELCOMEMobile & Pop-Up ESA Creative Learning

Tía Cat brings art tutoring, creative writing, and storytelling experiences to your family or community group.

Tell Me About Your Creative Learner

Rooted in faith • Born in Tucson • Made for community

Where your story
comes alive.

Books, art, workshops, and transformational programs created by Catherine “Tía Cat” Silvas to awaken purpose and inspire legacy.

Heart-led Tucson, Arizona Original art & stories
A warm Tucson creative studio with a storybook and painted canvas

COME CREATE WITH US

There is a place for your story here.

Whether you are choosing a barrio tale for a child, painting your truth, or stepping into your next chapter, Creative Storyteller Studio Café invites you to create with courage.

Arizona ESA families

Mobile & Pop-Up ESA Creative Learning

Art tutoring, creative writing, and storytelling experiences brought to families and community groups across Tucson.

Learn more
Create together

Creative Storyteller Saturdays

Every other Saturday, gather for a welcoming blend of art, writing, reflection, and community.

Learn more
Tell your story

Voices on Canvas

Honor your past, embrace your present, and create your future through story and visual art.

Learn more
Activate potential

Achievement Connections

A Creative Arts Academy empowering young makers, builders, artists, and storytellers.

Learn more
Tía Cat and her seven Havapoos — True Barrio Tales

MEET THE PACK

Tía Cat and Her Seven Havapoos: True Barrio Tales

Inspired by the real-life adventures of Dulce, Meeko, Judah, Sachi, Winnie, Theo, and Sparky, Tía Cat’s children’s stories celebrate bravery, sibling love, curiosity, family, and the lessons hidden in everyday life.

  • Out of Bounds: What Meeko and Judah Learned
  • Barrio Dreams Activate!
  • Winnie Wants to Help: What’s Cooking, Tía Cat?
  • The Havapoo Mechanic Squad
Out of Bounds by Catherine Silvas (Tía Cat)
NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER

Out of Bounds

What Meeko and Judah Learned—A True Tale of Bravery and Sibling Love

By Catherine A. SilvasOrder Out of Bounds
Questions about the series? Ask Tía Cat
Creative Storyteller Saturdays workshop schedule, including Día de los Muertos on October 17

NEXT CREATIVE STORYTELLER SATURDAY • OCTOBER 17

Día de los Muertos

Come create with Tía Cat! Paint a colorful work inspired by Día de los Muertos as we learn about its history and symbolism, share stories, and remember and celebrate our loved ones.

10 AM–12 PM Saturday morning$10 Supplies includedFree Bring your own supplies10 guests Space is limited
Private Tucson address shared after reservation.
WORKSHOP PRICE$10

All art supplies are provided.

Pay $10 with PayPal →
BRING YOUR OWN SUPPLIESFREE

Bring the materials needed for that workshop.

SPACE LIMITED10

Participants per workshop.

2026 Workshop Schedule

The Letter of Me

Create the first letter of your name on canvas while sharing what makes you unique.

Dream Big

Design a vision canvas filled with hopes, dreams, and goals.

Colors of My Heart

Create an abstract painting inspired by your emotions and personal journey.

My Sarape Story

Create a layered 16 × 20 sarape-inspired collage with painting, personal writing, woven story threads, and a dimensional papier-mâché flower.

Mi Barrio, Mi Pueblo

Paint a neighborhood, hometown, or special place that shaped your story while sharing memories that connect you to your community.

Roots of Our Ancestors

Explore Indigenous cultures and traditions through storytelling and symbolic art honoring shared history.

Download the PowerPoint
Día de los Muertos

Create a colorful painting celebrating history, symbolism, and loved ones.

View details & reserve
A Thankful Table

Design a centerpiece reflecting gratitude, family, and blessings.

Honoring Our Heroes

Create meaningful Veterans Day art exploring service, sacrifice, and freedom.

Las Posadas

Paint a festive scene and learn the history and traditions of Las Posadas.

Christmas Around the World

Create artwork inspired by holiday traditions from cultures around the globe.

AWARD-WINNING SIGNATURE PROGRAM

Voices on Canvas

We are celebrating! Voices on Canvas has received an FY2027 Artist Opportunity Grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

Honoring Your Past. Embracing Your Present. Creating Your Future.

Voices on Canvas is a guided 12-week creative journey where painting, writing, reflection, and storytelling come together. Participants transform lived experience into color, image, meaning, and a renewed vision for what comes next.

Three 12-week cohorts each yearEvery cohort concludes with a celebration and showcase honoring each participant’s journey and creative work. The final cohort of the year culminates in a special summer celebration.
Reflect on the story that shaped youCreate without judgment or perfectionConnect your gifts to purpose and possibility
Discover the 12-Week Journey

Voices on Canvas is supported in part by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, an agency of the State of Arizona.

Original Voices on Canvas painting featuring a woman, hummingbird, flowers, mountains, and the updated Creative Storyteller Studio Café paw-print emblem
FY2027 Artist Opportunity Grant recipient
Achievement Connections emblem showing a creative coaching bridge between Tucson and Kajumbura, Uganda

MAKERS • BUILDERS • CREATIVE LEADERS

Achievement Connections

A Creative Arts Academy inspired by the skilled makers of Exodus 31—empowering youth to discover their creativity, learn practical skills, build with purpose, and see new possibilities for their future.

We’re seeking emotionally intelligent, compassionate founding advisors who are comfortable supporting faith-based programs.

Now seeking founding advisors — learn more & apply

THE CREATIVE SHOP

Bring a piece of the story home.

Children’s Books

True barrio tales full of courage, humor, heart, and seven unforgettable Havapoos.

Find out more →

Original Art

Expressive, faith-rooted paintings and commissioned creative works by Catherine “Tía Cat” Silvas.

View the gallery →

Programs & Workshops

Creative experiences for individuals, schools, organizations, and community groups.

Email for details →

ORIGINAL ART BY TÍA CAT

Stories painted in color.

Rooted in faith, culture, memory, music, and the courage to create.

Ask about available artwork

THE DREAM WE ARE BUILDING

One day, these doors will open.

The Creative Storyteller Studio Café vision is a welcoming Tucson storefront where stories are shared, art is made, coffee is poured, and purpose is awakened—a studio, gallery, café, stage, patio, and community gathering place under one roof.

A place where creativity becomes connection.

The dream vision for Creative Storyteller Studio Café, including its future Tucson storefront, café, gallery, studios, stage, patio, and community spaces

Your story is still being written.

Come create the next chapter with us.

CONNECT WITH TÍA CAT

What part of the story speaks to you?

Share a little about what brought you here. Your message will be sent directly to Tía Cat.

Your information is used only to respond to your inquiry.

Or email Tía Cat directly: catsilvas@creativestorytellerstudiocafe.com