This n’ That Creative studio is an organization that strives to build healing and connection through creativity. Anchored in community, it is a creative space that brings together families, friends, and other local businesses, organizations and artists. Teaching life skills such as work force development amongst teens, social and emotional regulation, early literacy, with programs like paint story time, sewing, and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math), financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills to kids, the studio has been built with passion, resilience and lots of love.
In preparation for summer programming and expanding opportunities to children in need, they are hosting their second annual color run. Fondly named “Rick’s Be Bad Color Run” in memory of the founder, Ria Patino’s father, Rick Perez. Rick was a life-long local painting contractor who spent his life devoted to his career. He is well known in the Tucson community and left his legacy of fine craftsmanship and impeccable painting skills on many buildings across the city. One of Rick’s favorite quotes ‘Fuhgetabouttit,” perfectly summarizes his carefree spirit, and the dynamic creative chaos that lives within the studio walls. The official renaming of the studio’s paint splatter room will be unveiled as “Rick’s Be Bad Paint Lab” at the upcoming color run.
The color run is a fun and energizing family-friendly event that supports scholarships for low to moderate income families wanting to attend summer camps at the studio. Camps will take place June and July and topics vary on a weekly basis. Ria believes that “…every child deserves access to creativity,” which is what makes this run so special.
The run will take place on Saturday, March 28th, 2026 from 10am-12pm, at the Pantano Loop which is conveniently located behind the studio at 1066 S. Pantano Rd., sharing the same plaza as it’s neighbor and presenting sponsor, Casa Del Rio Restaurant. Color station sponsors include Hughes Federal Credit Union, Park Place Mall and ICCU. Since its inception in 2025, the donations and sponsors committed to this run have already doubled, which will enable at least 30-40 children to attend at no charge. Scholarship applications are available and reviewed on a first come first serve basis. There will be local vendors, food, raffles, face painting, balloon art, music, games, and art stations such as slime and sand art. Ria’s cousin, Joseph Ocampo, will also be doing a special reading of his bilingual children’s book, “A Day at the Market/Un Dia en el Tianguis” which is also available for sale in the studio. The day will be filled with joy and lots of color as Rick is remembered and celebrated in this very special way.
Ria and the creative crew, both as staff and volunteer, which happen to also include Sahuaro High School Students, Allyzon Nunez, Sawyer Goitia, Danitza Diaz, Isaiah Lopez, Andrew Rodarte, Natalie Garcia, Logan Harvey, Shyla Weaver and Nola Patino, look forward to seeing you all there! For more information and to purchase tickets or make a donation, please visit www.thisnthatcreativestudio.com.
