KidzArt Official Blog

I attended a TED Talk in Maui this last weekend and had a chance to listen to child prodigy, Adora Svitak. Her speech is called ‘What Adults Can Learn from Kids’ and she discusses the many opportunities that adults have to learn from children. What an inspiration! She reminded me of KidzArt’s tag line “If you can dream you can draw” when she said, “In order to make anything a reality, you have to dream about it first.”
 

Here’s a great example that Adora uses to illustrate how uninhibited imaginations of kids can help adults. The Museum of Glass in Tacoma Washington, has a program called “Kids Design Glass”. The Museum has said that they’ve gotten some of their best ideas from the children in this program because they don’t think about limitations or how hard it is to blow glass in certain shapes. Kids challenged the glass artists to go beyond and into the realm of designs like Broken Hearted Snakes and Bacon Boys with Meat Vision and other whimsical designs that are not reminiscent of any blown glass I’ve ever seen!
 

And, as a parent and teacher, I find this quote from Adora especially prescient: “Adults often underestimate kid’s abilities. We love challenges, but when expectations are low– trust me– we will sink to them.”
 

Watch Adora’s presentation here.

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David Adjaye

In 2012, KidzArt summer camp will be honoring present day artists who have impressed us with their notable works. From architects to sculptors, designers and painters, our goal is to introduce KidzArt students to a variety of living artists and show what they contribute to society. We’ll delve into each artist’s background, what inspires them and what they love most about their work. We’ll be encouraging students to mimic the works of these famous artists.

Meet David Adjaye, one of our featured artists. He is a London-based architect who has designed buildings such as the Smithsonian Institution’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture, scheduled to open in Washington in 2015.

KidzArt students will not only be learning about this inspiring artist, but they will also be learning about construction and principles through the introduction of several books: Construction Zone by Sobol and Hudson, A Year at a Construction Site by Nicholas Harris and How a House is Built by Gail Gibbons. Then using a set of craft sticks or interlocking “smart sticks”, each student will have the opportunity to build their own architectural form—learning about construction hands-on!

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“We’re trying to make kids healthy.”

This is one of the goals of Linda Shaw, executive director of KidzArt Charlotte in North Carolina. As the very first KidzArt franchisee who is in her 11th year of business, Linda has already met many of her goals but continues to set more related to helping local children.

“We want all kids to have fun with art. KidzArt is for everyone, even those who think they can’t draw,” says Shaw.

According to Linda, KidzArt is more about teaching life skills than anything else. Learning to draw involves children solving problems, envisioning their options and trying new things. She teaches them the KidzArt philosophy: there are no mistakes in art and don’t compare.

With eight instructors as part of her team, Linda looks for teachers who are inspired by meaningful work and have confidence. She still teaches classes herself and offers her instructors advice on all aspects of teaching. With a continued emphasis on quality, Linda’s team seeks to “wow” the students and their parents with the unique KidzArt method and the great results.

Parents play a important role in the KidzArt experience. Linda lets parents know about the brainstorming process each child experiences in her class and how each child is encouraged to make an art project their own. Teaching them to unleash their individual creativity and not copy, compare or feel inferior is essential.

One parent whose son took KidzArt classes for four years, was so impressed with Linda and KidzArt she purchased her own KidzArt franchise. Jill Long took over part of Linda’s territory and currently serves the South Charlotte area.

Since 2000, Linda and her team have taught over 4000 students in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.  She looks forward to increasing that number as she continues to offer after school classes at local elementary schools, private schools and community centers.

Learn more about Linda at http://www.kidzartncsc.com/ or

http://www.facebook.com/pages/KidzArt-Charlotte/114231729373

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Despite the declining economy, KidzArt/Art Innovators is proud to have achieved growth in many areas during 2011. As parents continue to make their children’s education a priority, many of our franchisees grew and accomplished goals and noticeable firsts.

Further International Expansion

Responding to an increase in demand for children’s creative educational services globally, KidzArt/Art Innovators added four new international franchise partners to our enterprise. Saudi Arabia, Malta, Canada and the Philippines are now part of our growing list of worldwide locations. People around the world recognize that children with creative thinking skills possess a mindset that will thrive in our fast-changing world and KidzArt/Art Innovators is pleased to lead the charge on this endeavor.

Early Art Ed in Demand

KidzArt/Art Innovators saw the demand for our Squiggles to Grins program double in 2011. Squiggles to Grins is, at first look, an art class for an adult (mom, dad or caregiver) with a child from the age of 2 – 3 1/2. Yet on second look you see a structured class that concentrates on sensorimotor skill development through fun movement, music, songs and touch of varying art textures.

Squiggles curriculum helps students acquire intellect, knowledge, focus, and skill sets they will need in school. The various segments of the 45 minute to 1 hour class, by design, help students hold and expand attention time, thoughts, and actions. School readiness skills are also enhanced through the socialization and interaction within that fun group. All of this leads to an improved kindergarten experience.

In 2012, KidzArt/Art Innovators looks forward to continuing to build on our strengths and expand our marketplaces to bring art to children everywhere.

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Is your child in tune with the artwork of Van Gogh, Rembrandt or Andy Warhol? In the name of art education and as a great teaching tool, try introducing your youngster to some great artists and their works.

As budding artists, it’s important for children to become familiar with different art styles and techniques. What better way than to show them master pieces of famous artists?

Learning about and copying art methods can be both fun and inspirational for kids of all ages. “Hands on” work and imitation can be a good approaches to learning and understanding. By performing art activities related to an artist, children can practice their observation, critical thinking and creative skills.

To help you get started, here are two books that not only introduce artists and their works but also offer games and activities that encourage children to learn by doing.

Discovering Great Artists by Mary Ann Kohl and Kim Solga

13 Artists Children Should Know by Angela Wenzel

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If you’ve never thought of holiday baking as an art form, then think again. The creativity, attention to detail and talent that goes into making beautiful  and delicious holiday treats can be achieved even by young artists with a little bit of help! The most interesting and adorable creations are usually made with the help of children. In addition to decorating traditional cutout cookies or making gingerbread houses, here are a few tasty and artful recipes that you can enjoy making with the whole family.

Candy Sleighs

photo by TasteTester

Ingredients

• 24 fun-size Nestle crunch bars ( any other fun size bar will work)
• 48 miniature candy canes
• 48 gummy bears
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Unwrap candies and have ready, you will need to work quickly.
2. Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on 50% or mediumin 30 second intervals stirring between each interval, until chocolate is thoroughly melted.
3. Use melted chocolate to attach candy canes onto the sides of the the candy bar to create a sleigh.
4. Attach gummy bears sitting on the top of the candy bar with the melted chocolate.

Snowman Pops

photo by 5hungrykids

Ingredients

• 32 large marshmallows ( 1 bag)
• 1 lb almond bark ( white)
• 16 sturdy wooden skewers ( long)
• 1 cup white icing
• food coloring

Directions

1. Place two marshmallows on the flat end of each of the 16 skewers. Do not pierce all of the way thru the top marshmallow. Be sure the pointed end of the skewer is down and not inside the marshmallows!
2. Break almond bark into chunks. Place into micro safe bowl & cook 1 minute in the microwave. Stir. Continue microwaving 30 seconds at a time until melted. Stir each time.
3. Dip the skewers into the melted almond bark. Roll until well covered. Let dry.
4. Color the icing in desired colors and pipe on or decorate with eyes, a carrot nose, mouth, and a scarf or buttons. Let dry completely before proceeding to arrange or wrap.

Source: www.Food.com

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If you know a budding artist or any child who loves arts and crafts, here are some fun gift ideas to enhance their abilities:

1. Specialty Drawing Paper

Kids love to draw on paper in unique colors and textures.  Try Scratch Art, Folia rainbow paper, Mulberry paper, Acetate(transparent) or simply card stock in cool colors.

2.  An Artist Portfolio

Give your artist a place to collect or organize his/her masterpieces.  A sturdy portfolio will protect artwork and also give it a showcase.

3. Chalk Pastels

A large set of chalk pastels will let your artist experiment with chalk’s unique texture in a vast variety of colors. 

4. Hard Bound Sketchbook

Sketchbooks come in various sizes and shapes and are reasonably priced. The bound books offer long term protection of your artist’s creations.

5. Air Dry Clay

Natural air dry clay dries hard without a kiln or oven. It’s easy to use and clean up.

There are many more materials and mediums that all promising artists will enjoy experimenting with.  Happy gift giving!

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In final episode of Charlie Rose’s twelve part series  on the brain, he explores creativity.  He and his panel of experts and artists discuss the capacity to be creative. 

They emphasize that creative talent isn’t reserved for the special but it’s a critical part of every profession from acting engineering. The brain is a creative machine with thousands of ways to express it. 

According to panelist and neurologist Oliver Sacks, the biology of creativity comes in part from lifting and eliminating inhibitions.  He also states that “imitation may be an essential preliminary to any achievement.”

Panelists and artists Chuck Close and Richard Serra both attended Yale University at the same time along with many other accomplished artists.  It was noted how the environment for sharing ideas and experimenting at Yale and in NYC during that time period fostered and contributed to the development of these great talents.

To learn more, watch this segment of The Brain Series here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUUOHBk5qDM&feature=youtu.be

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According to The National Center For Creative Aging, research is showing the positive impact that creativity can have on the health and well being of people as they age.  Clinical evidence has revealed that older adults who participate in the arts have significantly better overall health, fewer falls and doctor’s visits, diminished use of medications and better scores on the geriatric depression and loneliness scales.

Psychiatrist Gene Cohen, director of George Washington University’s Center on Aging, Health & Humanities has studied creativity and aging for thirty years.  Cohen theorizes that arts participants have a heightened sense of control and social engagement, both of which may boost the immune system. Neuroscientists are exploring how stimulating mental activity such as artistic expression fuels the growth of new brain cells in the cerebral cortex.

All of this suggests that more engagement, pleasure and mental activity translates into healthy benefits for older people.  The arts can be used as a tool to increase the quality of life for seniors, resulting in reduced healthcare costs and older adults who can remain independent and “age in place”.

The National Endowment for the Arts has compiled a list, Creativity and Aging: Best Practices, which includes creative community senior programs all over the nation that can be modeled in your area.  Or check out KidzArt’s SeniorzArt program offered at participating KidzArt franchises.

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Spiders are fascinating creatures who produce beautiful works of art: their webs. Try this fun Halloween project by seeking an empty spider web and turning it into art!

Materials:

• Non-toxic white enamel spray paint

• Black construction paper

• Newspaper

Directions:

1. Find an EMPTY spider web and place sheets of newspaper around the area to protect it from the spray paint.

2. Spray both sides of your web with short, gentle bursts of paint. Don’t spray too much or your web will break.

3. When the entire web is covered with paint, press a sheet of construction paper to one side of the web and pull the web down on it. Let the web dry.

4. Once your web has dried to the construction paper, you’ll have a beautiful Halloween decoration! Take time to examine the details and patterns of each web you find!

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