What is your franchise’s philosophy?
To provide students with a top quality, completely positive art enrichment experience.
 

What are the strengths of KidzArt Ohio?
We have fantastic instructors from all walks of life. They have to have a love of art and teaching. While many are art teachers and teachers during the day, I also have stay at home moms, retirees, professional artists, and students. It’s important to see right off they have a love for the job; that’s the vibe they need in the classroom.
 

What are the keys to your success?
Passion for what you believe in and thinking out of the box. “No” is not an option, just a temporary setback. Another thing is value. I learned coming out of this recession that parents will still spend money for something, as long as you show them there is a value with it. I think the days are gone when parents just pay for something that leaves them feeling empty at the end.
 

Do you have any advice and tips on how to foster children’s creativity and artistic nature?
Listen. As a mother and someone who works with children, children want to express themselves in so many ways. When you really listen to what they want, you can take that idea, in its infancy, and build upon it. Be open to their ideas. That also fosters their self-esteem.
 

Tell us about your students and how KidzArt has helped/impacted them?
A lot of our students have won awards at local art shows, which is always great. There was one in the town I live in last week and I think four of the winners take classes from us.
 

A few students this year have had serious issues during the school day with discipline, not willing to communicate, etc. When they took our class, things started to turn around for them. I know one boy who wouldn’t talk to anyone, but started to respond in our classes. He now communicates more during the day. I’ve had some middle school parents tell me the only time they can get their child out of the house is for our TeenzArt class. Those stories are the ones you think about at the end of a hectic day.
 

What’s in store this summer at KidzArt Ohio?
We have lots of local camps starting in June. Mainly elementary, one TeenzArt that meets every Tuesday and a pre-school camp. All are open to any school age student. Themes include Caribbean Adventure, Famous Artists, and Desert Oasis. Check them out and register on our website: www.kidzartoh.com

Bookmark It

Teacher Appreciation Week is a reminder to take the time to express some form of thanks to all hardworking teachers. We’d like to extend our gratitude and affection for all the outstanding contributions our teachers bring to KidzArt/Art Innovators.
 

We offer a big “thank you” for inspiring the artist in each of your students and for encouraging their love of art and creativity. You make a difference and KidzArt/Art Innovators is grateful for your hard work and passion to lead our children.

Bookmark It

KidzArt isn’t just for kids! Did you know that KidzArt offers creative playtime for adults too?
 

Using a combination of relaxation, socialization and creativity, KidzArt provides a way for adults to unleash their inner artists.
 

Michelle Goffin, executive director of KidzArt in Boulder County, Colorado conducts monthly adult art classes where she features a different form of art at each class. From water color and chalk pastel to collages and mixed media, Michelle shows a sample piece, talks about the medium and then guides students through the creation of their art.

“The adult classes have been so much fun,” says Michelle. “I choose a different medium every month which keeps people coming back time after time. I provide a light snack of cheese, crackers and fruit and people can bring their own wine.”
 

In California, Clarissa Fermin of KidzArt East Bay was invited by a local sports retailer to conduct a ‘Parents Night Out’ art class. Sports Basement hosts many types of classes and events in their community space so Clarissa jumped on board.
 

With over fifty adults in attendance, they marbleized cake boxes and books for their first project and then completed the ‘Italian Sunset’ drawing project for the second part of the event. For any kids that tagged along, Clarissa kept them busy doing their own art project in the store’s loft.
 

Adults who are looking to bring out their inventiveness, build their creative strength or just have a fun evening of art can find this kind of activity very fulfilling.

Bookmark It

Yayoi Kusama

Avant-garde sculptor, painter, novelist and film producer Yayoi Kusama will be one of KidzArt’s featured artists. Born in Japan, Kusama started to paint at the age of ten using polka dots, creating fantastic paintings in watercolors, pastels and oils. Some call her “the Queen of Polka Dots”. In the latter 1960s, she staged many happenings in the USA and Europe such as body painting festivals, fashion shows and anti-war demonstrations. She also created open-air sculptures.

Now 83, Kusama has published the story of her life in her own words: Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama. She conveys that the distinct difference in the look of her works from other modern artists came from her unhappy, dysfunctional childhood.

Visit Yayoi Kusama’s web site to learn more about her and her scheduled exhibits. We look forward to sharing Kusama’s energy and fascinating creativity with KidzArt students this summer.

Bookmark It

“Every child deserves a great education and afterschool programs are helping turn that goal into reality.” -Expanded Learning and Afterschool Project

The importance of afterschool programs is a topic that’s widely discussed. Afterschool programs can be critical to working families who rely on the 3 to 6PM care and educational enrichment for their children. But of equal importance is the impact of quality programs on the children who participate.
 

Last week the Expanded Learning and Afterschool Project, a 50 state initiative dedicated to helping schools and communities leverage the time beyond school to accelerate student achievement, drew attention to recent research that concludes high quality afterschool programs accelerate student achievement and decrease delinquency. Here’s what they announced:
 

The new report from Joseph A. Durlak of Loyola University Chicago and Roger P. Weissberg of the University of Illinois at Chicago ties high quality afterschool programs to a twelve percentage point reduction in problem behaviors and a seven percentage point reduction in drug use. It also ties the programs to a six percentage point gain in attendance, an eight percentage point gain in standardized test scores and a nine percentage point gain in grades.
 

At KidzArt, we see the positive influence of our afterschool program every day. Improved attitudes and behavior, better communication, cooperation and self-discipline are just a few of the benefits our students achieve. The fun, interactive artistic expression associated with KidzArt promotes creativity and brainstorming which helps children succeed in the classroom.
 

The research and support of the Expanded Learning and Afterschool Project is a valuable resource for educators, families and afterschool program providers.

Bookmark It

This creative arts exhibit is accepting submissions from teens ages 13 to 19. Submissions must be work expressing your sense of self–esteem. Work will be accepted in any medium including poetry, visual arts, prose, music, crafting, metal arts, woodworking or video. Submission deadline is April 27, 2012.
 

For more information, please visit their site: http://www.dvcenter.org/i-am-creative-arts-exhibit/

 

If you live in Howard County, a reception featuring visual work and performances, will be held on Sunday, May 20 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Columbia Association Art Center. The Art Center is located at 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia MD, 21045.

Bookmark It

before they learn to speak, respond intuitively to dance ,music, and

color,” Dr. Ernest Boyer
 

As we continue to celebrate Youth Art Month in March, we’re paying attention to how our students make exciting discoveries through art. As parents and educators, you’re always encouraging and helping your children learn more about themselves and the world through the arts.
 

 

The National Endowment for the Arts, which devotes significant resources to art education, publishes a guide to help parents and teachers share the arts with children. Imagine! Introducing Your Child to the Arts is a free publication is an excellent resource that includes exercises and ideas for writing, music, dance, visual art, folk art and media arts for young children ages 3 to 8.
 

Check out this guide’s list of suggested activities that adults can do with children, based on their age and stage of development. Did you know that making scrapbooks or recreating drawings from a child’s favorite book can help him or her make creative connections? These ideas and many others will be sure to spark your child’s imagination.
 

Download a copy of Imagine! today.

Bookmark It

At KidzArt / Art Innovators we teach our students how to unleash their creativity. We believe that creativity exists in everyone. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that with art and creativity, there can be no mistakes!
 
So we were thrilled to see the children’s book, Beautiful OOPS! by Barney Saltzberg (Workman Publishing). In a whimsical ways, the author shows children how every mistake can be an opening for a new idea.
 
Saltzberg has traveled to schools all over the US and China, talking about the creative process. He shares two images with groups that show how he “fixes” mistakes. One day he had an illustration that he left out  in his studio. His dog walked on it and left paw prints all over it. What did he do?  He painted clouds over the paw prints and thought that it actually improved his picture!
 
The last line in the book says it all: “When you think you have made a mistake, think of it as an opportunity to make something beautiful.”

Bookmark It

Andreea has an accounting and business work background and was interested in a business that gave her flexibility and the ability to be involved with her children. KidzArt/Art Innovators ‘ portable program, offered during after school hours, provided just what she was looking for.

Currently, Andreea’s has 75 students in two schools with plans for expansion. She also provides birthday parties and has a five week camp planned for students this summer.

“What I love about Art Innovators is the philosophy of a non-competitive environment that allows children to feel safe and free to create,” says Nicu.

Andreea tells a story of one of her fifth grade students who has been with her since KidzArt/Art Innovators opened. In the beginning his drawings started out very tiny, never taking up much space on the paper. Now his drawings are developing, getting larger and bolder. His creativity is growing; he’s no longer afraid to express himself and he’s more confident in his abilities.

Andreea frequently reminds parents that there are no mistakes in art or in her classes. She asks parents to encourage their kids because often they’re afraid to try and fail. Without criticism, she finds the children open their imaginations and are ready to express themselves.

“It is wonderful to see how amazed and proud kids are of their own art work,” says Andreea.

Teachers at the schools where KidzArt/Art Innovators are held have commented on the positive impact of the art instruction. “What students are learning in Art Innovators is reflected in their classroom work too,” says Andreea.

Check out Art Innovators in Canada online at http://www.artinnovatorsmilton.com or call Andreea at (905)218-6625.

Bookmark It

In celebration of Youth Art Month, it’s a great time to nurture children’s creativity through art and other activities that inspire innovation, resourcefulness and originality. As children experiment and test new waters, they learn and grow and develop their creativity which is beneficial in all areas of their lives.
 

Here are a few tips to nurture the creative side in your children:
 

1. Encourage kids to read for pleasure- Reading can open up a world of adventure exposing children to new ideas, thoughts and information.
 

2. Limit TV and other screen time to encourage free time- Turn off the computer, video games and television and engage kids in active play such as drawing, pretending or participating in a sport.
 

3. Foster a creative atmosphere- Pose questions to your children that start with who, what, where, when and how to encourage their creativity and critical thinking skills. Encourage your kids’ input and ideas and resist the urge to “evaluate” their feedback or thoughts.
 

4. Use all the senses- Improve your kids’ use of their imaginations by encouraging them to use all five senses. Ask children to close their eyes and listen to the sounds around them. See which they can easily identify and which are more challenging.
 

5. Provide creative resources- Have art materials, dress up costumes, disposable cameras and simple household items available in an accessible workspace area (playroom, basement, garage, etc.) where children can create and “make a mess”!

Bookmark It