Our Mission

Our nonprofit empowers kids to find their spark through after school art, science and experiences. ALL KIDS WELCOME!

Why We’re Here

Every child deserves to find their spark. The chance to explore, experiment, and express themselves in a process-rich, judgement-free zone of creativity. Yet, even in the diverse tapestry of West Orange, access to this type of enrichment is unequal. Spitball Society is working to change that by offering low-cost, immersive classes for all children. Ignite curiosity. Build confidence. And just maybe set a kid down a path they never imagined possible

Our Culture

  • Kids have agency, are empowered to make decisions, and are RESPECTED
  • Weird is welcome
  • Try everything
  • Messes and mistakes are ENCOURAGED
  • You ARE an artist (and a scientist, and a writer, and ALL THE THINGS)
  • Perfection is BOR-ING
  • Community builds power
  • Forget the rules. Everything is possible.

Our Founders

Krista Punsalan

After a 15-year career spanning roles with NBC’s Today Show, Olympics coverage, late night and others, Krista left production and dug into volunteerism in her community and childrens’ schools. These days Krista’s sparks include her pottery business, sharing arts and ideas with kids and getting lost in museums.

Jamie Hardy

Through a career spent in publishing, arts nonprofits, education, and agtech, Jamie has a lot of experience spitballing to find her spark. Whether planting a native school garden or hiking through the oak-hickory forests of NJ, the glue that holds it all together is an endless curiosity for the way our world works.

Launch

Our kickoff will be in October 2025 with after school programming at Hazel Avenue Elementary. Classes will be designed to accommodate as many children as possible, making sure we reach kids who might not otherwise have these opportunities. As a nonprofit, we will operate under a sliding scale model to subsidize tuition for those in need with support from donations, grants, and funds from those who can afford the full cost of tuition. Classes will be taught by passionate, creative people with deep experience exploring their areas of focus. Subjects could include:


Woodworking  –  Yarn Spinning  –  Wheel Throwing  –  3D Architecture  –  Improv  –  Sewing & Fabric Dyeing  –  Entrepreneurship  –  
Art from Garbage: g’ART’bage  –  Outdoor Skills  –  Weaving  –  Botany  –  Game Design  –  Culinary Arts  –  Songwriting

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