Cloud is a face painter, balloon twister, and magician in Newington CT who entertains at events throughout Connecticut!

Cloud started with Kaleidoscope in Spring 2025 after years as a professional actress and educator. She got her start in theatre in high school, then got her BFA from Seton Hall University, where she studied Theatre and Creative Writing. After graduating in 2016, she began working as a theatre educator, teaching full-length productions, summer camps, private acting lessons, and improv classes. After graduating college, Cloud was also a classroom teacher for 5 years in both English and theater at several local neighborhood and magnet public schools. 

Since staring at Kaleidoscope, Cloud has become one of our most-requested and best-reviewed artists. She thrives at high-energy events and would love to come entertain at your next party!

Interview with Cloud: Newington CT Face Painter and Ballloon Twister

What made you want to first start face painting or balloon twisting?

I love art in all of its forms and I thought to myself, “Let’s try something new!” I took the leap to try face painting and balloon twisting and I fell in love with it! I love seeing people’s faces light up when they get their balloon or see their painted face in the mirror!

Do you like being a face painter or balloon twister more?

I love them both for different reasons! With face painting – I love talking to the person while I’m getting the paints ready and really letting them choose their own adventure with what I’m going to paint! I love when kids ask, “Can I have the pirate bandana in purple?” or “Can you add glitter?” It really shows what they love and gives them a chance to be creative themselves! With balloon twisting, I love “knighting” kiddos at parties and events when I give them their balloon sword! It gets them in on the magic, and now they’re a knight!

What do you think your superpower as a kids’ party entertainer is?

My superpower as an entertainer is getting a person to smile and be seen. I am a goofball, and I also know what it’s like to be a shy kid. I love to talk to guests at parties and get to know them, you can tell alot about a person just from their favorite color, favorite animal, and what they look forward to during each season!  I want the guests to feel like in that moment with Cloud, they were the star of their own show – because they are!

What’s your favorite part of being a kids’ party entertainer?

When someone’s face just breaks into a smile seeing their painted face! It gives me so much joy to bring others joy! The whimsical nature of it all just fills my cup and makes me excited for each and every gig. I also love dressing up colorfully! You’ll see me and my butterfly hair clips and cool earrings at every gig because I just love it so much!

What’s the hardest part about your job?

The hardest part? Probably transporting stuff out of my car, that’s why it’s super important for us to have instructions on where to park when at the gig! 

What’s one thing you think every client should know before hiring event entertainment party?

We send a check in text before every event just saying what we need the client to provide! (Tables, chairs, etc.,) It’s super important to have that communication beforehand so that we can give you the best experience possible! The more information we have when you’re booking, the easier our arrival and set up are. I love when clients include maps or extra parking instructions.

New Britain native Jem first started as a balloon twister with Kaleidoscope in 2022, but her adventure with us begins all the way back in 2015 as a communications intern. In 2015 she helped build our princess party sister company Princess Perfect and has freelanced with us as a photographer, content writer, and kids party entertainer ever since.

Over the past decade, not only has Jem finished her Master’s in International Business but she has launched her career in corporate communication Monday through Friday. And like many of our artists,  she enjoys breaking her weekly routine to have fun and make kids smile at parties on weekends!

When not traveling, learning new languages, or balloon twisting, Jem volunteer’s in her church’s youth ministry, where she organizes an annual summer retreat for children and their families throughout New England.

Interview with Jem: Balloon Twister in New Britain CT

When and why did you start working at Kaleidoscope?

I started at Kaleidoscope summer of 2015 as a lowly marketing intern haha I never thought I’d bet a balloon twister!

If you could only pick one, would you rather do face painting or balloon twisting forever and why?

Gray is a face painter and balloon twister based in Bridgeport CT, who began working as a kids’ party entertainer in 2024! As a Film, TV, and Media Production student at SCSU, Gray is studying to become a filmmaker and is combining a passion for both working with kids and visual arts by working in kids’ party entertainment on weekends with Kaleidoscope.

FAQ with Gray: Bridgeport CT Face Painter & Balloon Twister

Why are you studying film in college?

I’m studying film because for me it’s my favorite way to portray passion and emotion within art! I use film as an outlet for all my creative thoughts 🙂

Why did you start working as a face painter and balloon twister?

I started working as a face painter and balloon twister because I love working with kids and I love doing art, and this combined both of them!

Do you like face painting or balloon twisting more? Why?

I love like face painting more! I’ve been a painter for most of my life and I feel like there’s more creative freedom with face paint!

What do you love most about kids’ party entertainment?

I absolutely love seeing the joy on kids’ faces when they see the finished work. And I love that I can bring smiles to people’s faces with what I do!

What’s one party you’ll never forget?

I’ll never forget my first party! It was face painting, and I was with a bunch of our other artists who were sooo supportive and encouraging of my work even as a beginner artist!

What areas do you provide kids’ party entertainment in?

I travel all around Connecticut! I’m based in Bridgeport CT so of course the shoreline, but I’m also able to go farther north into Central CT for events up there as well 🙂

Maria began her job as a face painter and balloon twister with Kaleidoscope in 2023 with the goal of finding a creative outlet alongside her corporate tech job. Working full-time at Tesla during the week, Maria finds her passion at the intersection of creativity and problem solving.

With experience in childcare and a love for crafts, Maria’s available for events in her hometown of Bristol CT and throughout Connecticut.

And like many Kaleidoscopers, she’s trained in multiple art forms including:

• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Glitter, flash, and airbrush tattoos
• Toddler parties (as a fairy, clown, and pirate)
• Paint nights

Interview with Maria: Bristol CT Face Painter and Balloon Twister!

 

What are people’s reactions when you tell them that You’re a professional Face Painter and Balloon Twister?

When I tell people what I do, my friends aren’t surprised since they know I have a creative streak and being a face painter and balloon twister suits me perfectly.

New acquaintances or people unfamiliar with my work are always surprised—they usually think of my main job and don’t expect that I also dress up as a fairy and paint faces or twist balloons. If they follow me on social media, they’re pleasantly surprised and often ask about it. It’s fun, and I love surprising folks!

 

What is one surprising fact about you?

I went to a Aquaculture high school program. I learned to build fishing poles, got my boat license at 15 years old, build boats, took apart and put back together boat motors, put out electrical fires in the ocean, learned CPR and boat safety, and then we skimmed the bottom of the ocean and dissected the sea animals in lab to learn more about them and their anatomy. And because of all that, i havent touch seafood since i was a Freshman in high school.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about what you do?

That i have an great big girl job and career in Technology and Energy, but secretly love my 2nd job (Kscope) face painting, way more most times!  

 

What was the most memorable party you ever entertained at?

The most memorable party I ever entertained at was unforgettable! I realized my idea of a party and that of some parents of young kids are worlds apart. My first character event blew my mind. They had me as a fairy doing face painting, a mermaid doing balloons, a bartender, two bounce houses, a petting zoo, bubble machines, lights, glam, tons of decorative balloons, and incredible décor. It felt like an engagement party or a community festival with activities galore. And guess what? It was all for twin 5-year-old girls! I was obsessed!

 

What’s your favorite part of Working in Kids Party Entertainment?

I love traveling to new places, seeing the setups, and meeting new people. It feels like I’m at the party too, and since I enjoy a good event, this is perfect for me. I get my creative fix and meet awesome hosts, kids, and friends. The best part is the excitement of heading to a new event and never knowing what to expect. It’s always a fun adventure!

 

What’s your favorite part of working with kids?

The kids are absolutely nuts, and I love it! They’re the most imaginative and creative little people. Some of the smallest kids make the greatest artistic requests.

One time, the quietest, cutest blonde girl with bright blue eyes, wearing an all-pink dress with pearl beads and flower jewelry, asked me to make her a killer zombie. I was so surprised and super hyped! I high-fived her. She decided she wasn’t following the norms and was going to be the best dang Killer Zombie Queen ever! And i was there to support that energy!

 

What’s one piece of advice you give to every parent planning a birthday party?

Make sure kids know that being patient and kind are expected!  Not to touch things that aren’t theirs and to always be respectful.

 

What’s one thing you want every corporate event planner to know?

Make sure all the setup is spot-on – tables, chairs, tents, the works. Oh, and a little check-in during the event wouldn’t hurt either. Makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. (If you take care of your face painters, we’ll take care of your guests!)

 

What is the biggest factor in determining if a college event will go smoothly or not?

Ensuring we know exactly the location we are going to be set up at and where we should park that isn’t 20mins from the specific location. Our face painter and balloon twister kits are on wheels, but if we have to walk more than 2-3 minutes it can be challenging making sure we have everything we need at our stations.

Khara started with Kaleidoscope in 2021 and has since become one of our most-requested artists!

With her BA in Dramatics/Theatre Arts at from the University of Rhode Island, Khara is a trained actress and entertainer who has a passion for childcare and crafting!

Khara is available for the following parties:

• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Glitter tattoos
• Toddler parties
• Mascots and costumed characters
• Shows: magic, science, and bubbles!

Interview with Khara H

How did you start as a face painter and balloon twister?

I knew a few artists who work here from doing shows in community theatre together and I’d heard a lot of positive things about the job. In 2021, Jess posted on social media that Kaleidoscope had openings for entertainers and I sent over an email!

I learned to be a face painter and balloon twister right away, and then over the years I’ve picked up more things like character work, magic shows, the science show, and the bubble show.

What do you love most about this job?

I really love the kids’ reactions! I have a lot of fun goofing around with them, and they always have the most excited and surprised faces when you reveal their face painting, hand them a balloon, or do a magic trick. It feels like getting paid to play with kids!

What’s harder: face painting or balloon twisting?

For me they were about equally challenging to learn, so I’m not sure one is harder. I really love balloon twisting more though! It feels like craft time and is just so satisfying in my brain.

What’s one memorable event you’ve done?

I’m not sure one sticks out, but every event where I get to do a whole lot of things at one party is always really fun and challenging. So if a party books me as a clown for a magic show, then has me switch to face painting, then I switch to balloon twisting, and then I “leave” and come back as a mascot character, it’s a lot of work but it’s really enjoyable!

What do you do for fun outside of work?

I normally perform in 3-4 community theatre productions a year, so that takes up most of my time! But when I’m not doing that I love to do crafts at home like knitting or puzzles, plus listen to podcasts.

What’s one thing every event client should know?

Over communicate to us! The more you tell us about your event, the better we can make it.

Read some of Khara’s verified Google and GigSalad reviews here:

Dominique is one of New Hampshire’s most requested childrens’ party magicians, and it’s no wonder!

With her BA in Early Childhood Education, her years of experience working as a PreSchool teacher, and her love for all things fun, Dominique can come to your party in a number of characters for face painting, balloon twisting, song and game, and magic packages!

Dominique’s characters include:

• A mermaid
• A pirate
• A fairy
• A clown
• herself without a costume

Her package options include:

• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Glitter tattoos
• Songs and games
• A kids’ magic show

Mix and match to your hearts’ content!

Dominique was also trained by our very own Kenny the Clown, one of New England’s most experienced and requested childrens’ entertainers with over a decade and 500+ parties of experience under his belt.

Didi joined the Kaleido-crew as a face painter and balloon twister in 2023, and is available for events in and around Springfield MA.

Didi is not only a trained actress, but had been working as a daycare teacher since 2019. She joined Kaleidoscope with the goal of combining her love for arts and working with children, and is currently finishing her Associate’s in Early Childhood Development from Holyoke Community College.

You can invite Didi to your next event for any of the following packages:

• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Glitter, Flash, and Airbrush Tattoos
• Mascot visits
• Toddler party packages

Didi is also bilingual in English or Spanish, and can entertain in both languages!

Interview with Didi: Springfield MA Face Painter and Balloon Twister

Sarah S is a henna artist and face painter New Haven CT available for hire for private parties!

A former elementary and middle school art teacher with decades of experience in fine art, she’s based in Southern Connecticut and travels throughout New England for events. She began with Kaleidoscope in 2023 as a face painter, balloon twister, UV face/body painter, henna artist, and paint night instructor.

In her personal art, Sarah explores and plays in many artistic mediums and modalities, from painting to sculpture, photography, gardening, metalsmithing, installation art, and teaching. Forever a student of the creative process, her style reflects her deep connection to intuitive art creation.

Also a yoga instructor and former art teacher, Sarah finds harmony between her yoga & meditation practice and her art practice. Sarah is inspired by the beauty of this amazing planet, the wisdom and resiliency of the human body and spirit, ecofeminism, and the mysteries of the Cosmos.

Above: Sarah’s personal work as a photographer, painter, jewelry maker, and sculptor.

Interview with Sarah: Henna Artist & Face Painter New Haven

When did you know you wanted to be a professional artist? How did you become a professional face painter and henna artist?

I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I was encouraged from a young age to follow my heart and pursue it as a path, which I’m really thankful for.

In 2023 I saw an opportunity to learn face painting which I was really excited about, and from there I began expanding my skills in party entertainment to include henna, balloon twisting, and a few other things.

You also do balloon twisting. What do you like more: balloon twisting or face painting New Haven? Why?

Painting is one of my favorite things to do. I loooove anything paint-related, and face painting helps me build my painting skills in a new way since it’s so technically distinct from other types of painting. It’s also an amazing feeling to bring joy to the faces of our clients!

What do you like most being a CT henna artist?

There are history and mystique around henna which I like feeling connected to. It also feels like serendipity because, as a fine artist, I’ve enjoyed drawing henna-inspired designs for years before I was trained as a henna artist for parties. I think it’s amazing how these designs can be applied to skin and look beautiful!

I’m also a plant and nature enthusiast, and since henna paste is made from the henna plant, I delight in the intersection of art and nature. A lot of my personal art work incorporates nature, so it feels very personal to gift party guests henna tattoos as part of my work here.

What is your favorite part of the job?

It’s important to me to feel empowered and energized in a job, and with Kaleidoscope I do! It feels amazing and fulfilling to share with people something I love doing! 

What is the hardest part of the job?

I love to travel, but sometimes driving long distances in one day can be challenging.

Also, I’m consistently learning new skills outside of my comfort zone— sometimes it takes time for the confidence to show up in the learning process.

What is one party you’ll never forget?

A glitter looks face painting event in NYC at the Plaza Hotel for a private museum gala 🙂 it was a really elegant event and it was fun to entertain guests in such a beautiful and glamorous party!