Noctiluna is a family friendly business dedicated to designing and making handmade products that are long lasting, and will bring a smile to your face.
This is a one woman small business based in Vienna Virginia, USA. I am passionate about what I do, and about working in an ethical way.
I proudly hand print all my products in my home studio. I reuse and repurpose materials wherever possible, and print using organic cloth and products from eco-friendly companies. I love to pass on the joy I get from making and printmaking, and enjoy working with kids, adults, and organizations who want to learn more about finding happiness through the creative arts.
Noctiluna summer camps are a joyful, creative experience for elementary and middle school kids who enjoy art, problem solving, and outdoor play.
The program also includes internships for high school students, who love the arts and working with children.
The Face (and inky hands) Behind Noctiluna
Chitra grew up in London (England) drawing on every surface she could find. She studied art and design at Central St Martins, and the Winchester School of Art and received a BA(hons) in Textile Design, specializing in printing. After graduating, Chitra worked respectively as a textile designer, fashion stylist, art editor, graphic designer, and muralist (because, apparently, variety is the spice of life!). In 2003, after realizing how much she loved working with children, she trained to be an art educator at The University of London.
After moving to the USA in 2004, Chitra worked as a Visual Arts teacher at The Washington International School at the middle and high school level, became a mother for the first time, and restarted her own personal art practice again .
Noctiluna, a long held dream, was started in 2009. It was a very wobbly start with a four year old and a baby on the way dictating her work schedule. Everything was done on her dining table, interrupted by school drop offs and diaper changes. In 2018, the Noctiluna Studio was built. Now, with a dedicated work space, and the kids old enough to help with her work (sometimes), Chitra aims to build links with the local creative community and collaborate with like minded makers. Noctiluna products are sold in boutiques in DC and VA, and the Noctiluna Summer Camp is a joyous event for local kids that happens annually (except for 2020) in Oakton/Vienna.
Chitra lives in the DC suburbs, but still visits England regularly, enjoys a proper cup of tea and, rather controversially, is a fan of Marmite on toast.
Contact: chitra@noctiluna.net
Read about me in a Voyage Baltimore interview here
Places you can find Noctiluna products:
The webshop ,
Shop Made in VA (Alexandria VA)
Steadfast Supply (DC)
Gift and Gather (Occoquan, VA)