our story

Founded by sisters Steph and Lizzy, Piccola Arte began in 2017 as a heartfelt partnership rooted in creativity, connection, and our Sicilian heritage. Meaning “little art” in Italian, Piccola grew from a shared love of painting and sending thoughtful notes to those we love. What started as a small Etsy shop has since grown into a nationwide brand, offering a vibrant collection of over 350 SKUs.

Each design features original watercolor artwork by Lizzy or Steph and is created to spread joy, celebrate milestones, or offer comfort during life’s tender moments.

While our offerings have grown, we remain deeply committed to our handmade spirit, eco-conscious values, and thoughtful production. We’re delight in sharing our work with partner stores and customers who help bring these little works of art to loved ones near and far.

the path to piccola

The 90s

Family First

Have we mentioned we're sisters? Long before Piccola Arte had a name, the love, giggles, and tenderness were already there.
Steph & Lizzy. Spring, 1993
2017

Teaming Up as Piccola Arte

For years, we each made cards by hand before teaming up in 2017 to launch our Etsy shop and share our passion for art and connection with the world.
Piccola Arte at first arts festival. Autumn, 2017

Hand-Painted Designs

In the beginning, we painted every single card ourselves on our favorite watercolor paper. And to size them, we tore each sheet by hand.
Lizzy painting an original design. 2017

Our Signature in Every Stroke

In the early days, our envelopes were hand-stamped as a nod to traditional wax seals. Today, we use hand-painted designs, torn card edges, and our brushstroke logo on every envelope to honor those beginnings.
Steph prepping envelope stamp. 2017
2019

Piccola in Stores

We’ll never forget the joy of seeing our cards on store shelves for the first time. What began with one small shop has grown to over 60 partners nationwide — each one sharing our love of connection and creativity.
Steph & Lizzy at first stockist. Autumn 2019
2022

Connecting Near and Far

Our first trade show in 2022 opened the door to thousands of new connections. What started with a few hand-painted cards for friends has become a growing community sharing a little love with a little art.
Training it to our first trade show. Summer 2022
Today

Growing with Intention

From a handful of cards to more than 350 designs, we’re growing with heart — keeping our focus on sustainability, local production, and the values that started it all: love, art, and connection.
Piccola Arte co-owners standing in a trade show booth with 'piccola arte' branding, displaying products.
Lizzy & Steph at trade show NY Now. Winter 2026

our team

Steph Lenhart

Co-Founder, Artist, & Executive Director

Steph is the heart and engine behind Piccola Arte. A lifelong artist formally trained at the Grand Central Atelier, she brings both deep craftsmanship and joyful creativity to everything she makes. As our Executive Director, she wears many hats—bringing our watercolor designs to life, greeting you with a warm smile at trade shows, processing orders, and lovingly packaging every little Piccola piece before it arrives at your door. When she’s not immersed in running our small business, you can find her cherishing time with her husband, son, and pup in their beloved Bushwick community.

Lizzy Pecora

Co-Founder, Artist, & Strategic Advisor

Lizzy is our behind-the-scenes magician. She’s the artist behind many of our designs and the steady hand guiding Piccola’s web presence and organizational operations. While much of her work happens quietly in the background, her creativity and care shape everything we do. Outside of Piccola, she works as a project manager, teaching artist, and costume designer—but her most treasured moments are spent with her partner, daughter, and two dogs playing around their hometown of Bryn Mawr, Pa.

our
name

Piccola Arte means “little art” in Italian,
inspired by our heritage and the belief that the smallest gestures create the most meaningful connections.