Learning to See

I firmly believe in kids creating their own art. I do not draw on their work.  I will not do it for them.  I want it to be THEIR WORK! It was so fun watching Nini and Charlotte learn to draw a little better in two days this week.  CZ, of course, is not totally interested in listening to me.  But, both girls make a lot of progress!

 I had the girls (rising K & 1st) draw a flower on their own.  They were supposed to be looking at the flower.  (the flower on the right).  Then, I step by step, helped them to draw it again.  LOOKING at the flower.  (see the flower on the left)  Pretty good, I say!

CZM drawing a My Little Pony.  Her first attempt at an "animal." 

 People time!  On the left, this was Nini's person without instruction.  On the right, with instruction. WOW! 

And, then My Little Pony's!

I am proud of these girls and their willingness to work on drawing! 

Well done.  With practice anyone, (yes, you adults too!) can draw!

Birthday Party Ideas at the ART SHACK!

Birthday Parties are fun at the Art Shack! Kids get to make a mess & create art.  Parents don't have to clean up!  And, kids have an art piece to take home.  This birthday party lasts a lot longer than the goodie bags us moms loose sleep over!

Parties are each customized! Together we come up with a project idea ahead of time.  1 1/2 hours are for art, leaving 30 minutes for presents or snacks (that you provide).  

Art with hidden meaning!  Pick a color scheme and create this abstract piece of art!

This sweet artist brought in the elephant she collaged at home.  We could collage any animal and create a great background!

Funky flowers created by these cousins!  Suitable for all ages! 

Tissue paper collaged flowers with a watercolor background and painted flowers too!

Personalized resting cat :)  Or, another animal!

Perfect for the youngest artist that loves Popsicle sticks! This turned into a sweet little piece of art that will help us parents remember these young child days :)

Cupcakes! Cake! or Ice-cream cones! F-U-N! And, ready to hang!

Art with initials :)

Guests need to be reminded to "dress for mess!" The Art Shack is a "shack" (a transformed garage which now hosts lots of fun) and is at the house of Elizabeth Miller.  There is a bathroom inside her house of polka dot walls!  Also, parents, I LOVE KIDS ART!!! When they are creating at the Art Shack, I let THEM do the work.  The tree might be crooked, or might not look like a tree....but this teaches THEM that THEY are artists!  This gives us a chance to brag on what they are doing.  I do try to guide them to make good choices, and I will touch up small places if needed.  I know you have to look at these pieces of art for a long time :)  But, I want you to see your child's art. (I do adult classes too!!)

See "Birthday Party" in the above section for pricing.  And, photos more photos of the studio!

Call  Elizabeth at 336-399-0707 to book a party or if you have questions! 

Artists at work

One of my favorite things about the Art Shack is having 5 kids or more, 

EACH creating something totally different at the SAME time.  Some kids don't want to paint flowers.  Others do.  Some love black and white drawings, others need neon.  For some people art is about the process of creating, and for others it is about skill or the finished product.  Even, at a young age.

I love that the Art Shack is a place that people can create their own unique art pieces, together.

Thankful

I am watching CZ set up her office. I am rocking Pax.

I am beyond grateful for the Art Shack. This place makes my heart happy. The second week of Art Camp is finished. I absolutely love having a handful of kids in the studio, all doing something different, all enjoying creating. It is awesome.

There are so many things I wish were better about the studio, or my house, or just fill in the blanks.  But, it is nice to just stop. And, be thankful.

I am thankful for all of the treasures in the studio. As I watch Charlotte play, and set up her desk, I am especially thankful for my friend Tonia. I love the old mailbox shelf. And, Charlotte just got her first typewriter lesson. I am giving thanks for her parents that went to heaven way too soon and I am appreciative of these gifts.  I also love the lockers, helping my clutter brain be a little more organized.

There is a sewing machine from Leigh and  Bryan I will one day learn to use. And, curtains graciously sewn by Mama Medina. An old drill press and work bench from the hubby. And, Ben has put in lots of hours of moving stuff, creating walls, and installing shelves. I am thankful for a husband that doesn't get annoyed with green paint in the sink!

Four years ago, amidst a crazy life, Heather and I had the Art Q downtown. The heart of that studio is in the Art Shack. That gave life to having a studio. I am grateful for Heather.

There are always things I wish were better in the studio, house and to be honest life in general. It is nice to stop and be thankful for the treasures.

I am thankful.

This picture helped me see all of the treasures in the studio in a different light.  This is a "shack" but it is full of treasures, and it is creating great memories for our family....and hopefully yours!

See the old work bench, typewriter, "two-fins" the fish, old painted suitcase, drill press, old fan, awesome mailbox, lockers, and CZ!  Amidst the mess....focus on the kids.  Note, to us all!

Cars, Paint and CUTE KIDS!

Check out cute photos of an artsy afternoon at the ART SHACK!
to see more visit: www.cameracrazies.blogspot.com

It's about art.

After an event in the studio, Charlotte asked if I got money for it.
Without skipping a beat, Ben spoke up.
"Charlotte, the reason we have the studio, is not for money."

"It is for art.  It is to create art.  It is for others to create art.  It is about art."

Period.
"Any money from the studio, goes back to the studio.  It is for supplies.  It is so there will be a space to create art in, " her dad continued.
This summer we have planted plants to brighten up the outside, an outdoor sink, and metal siding is next.
"Charlotte, if you want to learn how to make money, I will help you figure out how to. But, the studio is not for that."
"Like a lemondade stand?" Charlotte asked.
"Well, that might be a better way to make money."

I am so thankful for a husband that is supportive of our playground, the ART SHACK.  I am thankful for a reminder about what the studio is about.  ART.  Creating with others.  More than anything, I want the studio to bless others. 

CZ @ the Art Shack--- FLASH BACK---

Last summer CZ had a great time in the studio! 
I can't wait to see what unfolds this summer :)

The "big kids" were painting on a canvas...so this was her first canvas painting. 

It was an animal in the zoo.  I love the imagination of a kid!