New Classes

Parents' Night Out/Art Club meets on Tuesday nights from 6:00 - 8:00. Just let me know which night you want to come. Drop off and pick up times are flexible. $15 per child. Family discounts for families of three or four. Also, please check out previous posts. There is important information and ideas that I don't want you to miss.

Clay Creations at my house Tuesday, 2:15 - 3:15 ($15)

Arts Fest at LaEncantada

I would like to invite you to come se my art display at La Encantada. The Greater Oro Valley Arts Council is hosting an art festival October 18 and 19 from 10am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday. I will be joining other artist as we display our work around the shopping center. I would be so delighted to see you there!

Clay, Glorious Clay!

When I was young, a lady from Germany taught me how to make things with polymer clay, which at that time she ordered from Germany. I'll never forget that experience. I spent countless delightful hours creating anything and everything I could think of. I never could have guessed that I would have this opportunity to pass on that joy! With holiday decorations and gifts to make, this is the opportune time to immerse your children in beauty and creativity. Students will be given tools and techniques as well as help with the creative process. After that, the students are free to create. It's great for students who are tired of listening to the teacher and ready to spend time creating in peace.

Changes!

OK. At this point Monday at 11:00 is now Classical Drawing. I've had a request to change the class on Thursday at 11:00 to Illustration. If I have anyone else who wants to take illustration at that time, then I'll go with that. Anyone want a class on Friday afternoon? Let me know.

New Classes

The fall schedule is finally up. It is listed to your left. Classes meet once a week. I'm very happy about the art program in place. There are now classes to fit every level and style of learner. Please call me any time if you have questions. I'm really excited about the clay and painting classes. You can come whenever you want as long as you let me know two days in advance. I will cap the classes, so I may have to tell you I'm full for a certain day. I'm hoping to have a list of themes for these classes up soon. These classes are mostly for fun and for a chance to work with the medium.

Fall

Yikes! It's already time to start planning for fall! I need you input about where and when you would like classes. I would LOVE it if every family had a class schedule that could perfectly meet their needs. Up until now I've been offering classes with fun projects that build skill, understanding, creativity and use of technique. These classes include a lot of scaffolding and are GREAT for ages 6 and up. This fall I will be offering systematic, classical drawing and painting courses as well and the fun classes you are used to.

Painting Classes and Preschool Classes!

I'm finally able to offer painting classes and preschool classes on Wednesday mornings at Grace Community Covenant Church (On the west side of LaCholla between Overton and Lambert). Kids love having the chance to paint! High quality materials and real canvases make students feel like professional artists. The preschool classes are full of imagination and delight as the students learn important basics for art as well as success in kindergarten. Come check out a single class, or sign up for the whole month of July.

Summer!

I'm so excited about summer! Please let me know if you're interested in summer classes. I won't have the complete schedule up until May, but there will be plenty of classes, so please keep checking in. If you want to be added to my e-mail list, just let me know. Some of the classes I'll be teaching will be at Trinity Dance studio. I'll have afternoon classes and I will also be part of Camp Trinity.

Show Time!

Calling all art students! On Saturday, April 19, there will be a display of your work at the Children's Art Festival in Marana. Even if you can't come, I'd love to show your work. Please choose 1-3 of your favorite pictures to show off. Make sure your name is on them somewhere and bring them to class next time we meet. I'll mat them or frame them and get them back to you the week after the 19th (Unless there's another show planned by then). I've added the link to the Marana Arts Council with all the information. You guys are amazing! I hope you take this opportunity to share the beauty and creativity of your art.

The Inventor's Joy

We've been sailing sky ships and building magnificent cities. At this age the process is more important than the product (though this artwork is amazing nevertheless). Creativity, imagination, and confidence lay a foundation upon which technical skills can be easily built.

Moving Forward

Art classes are in full swing and the students are doing a wonderful job! As they grow as artists, I'm always stretching to grow as a teacher. I will be offering painting classes soon. These will be so much fun! I'm not sure of the format yet, so as always, I welcome comments. I'm also looking into imagination/pre-drawing art sessions for little ones. Finally, I have been given several opportunities to teach underprivileged children. It is amazing how grateful these students are, and how much joy and confidence art brings to their lives. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, there is a link to Arts For LIfe at the left of this page. As I say, together we can work for good things in the lives of children.

Protecting and Displaying Work

Happy New Year! This past year was an exciting one for me! I was able to start my new business all about two of my favorite things: art and children. Some of you are compiling quite a beautiful collection of art work and may be wondering what to do with it all! Several of my students get three ring binders. Clear, plastic covers can hold the art work without having to punch holes in the sides. Most of the projects (though not all) will fit perfectly in this format. Later, you can choose which projects to frame or use as gifts. The projects will usually fit into standard size frames. Framing your child's work makes it really look amazing, as well as showing your child that you truly value their work. One thing I have a lot of fun with is "publishing" work. If you can take digital pictures of your child's work, you can turn their images into a wide variety of things such as cards, calendars books, etc. There are many photo publishing companies online. My personal favorite is Shutterfly.