This Is KidzArt!
KidzArt students will gain valuable skills, HAVE FUN, and feel uplifted as their confidence SOARS with KidzArt — a drawing-based art education program for “kids of all ages.” By using our simple, drawing method and weekly format, KidzArt allows the student to produce original works of art, complimented with artistic projects and exposure to many mediums, while enhancing creative self-expression in all areas.
With KidzArt, your students will
- Produce original representational art in 1-4 classes.
- Learn in a non-competitive environment which allows creativity to flow easily.
- Complete art projects that enhance the students’ drawing skills and are simple, fun and get great results.
- Use high quality art materials and supplies that are used by artists!
- Learn to think creatively — outside the box.
- Always be excited by the new curriculum offered weekly.
- Feel relaxed and open to learning new skills while having FUN.
- Learn to problem-solve effectively and easily.
- Build self-confidence. Gain a lifetime love of art!
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KidzArt Instructors
Your KidzArt class will be taught by one of our talented Certified Instructors (CIs).
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Tammy Imrie – Executive Director, Certified Instructor
Tammy Imrie is very passionate about supporting the arts! She is an artist herself and has many years of experience painting wall murals and designing custom art projects for both commercial and residential clients. Throughout the years she has held numerous summer art camps and workshops and has coordinated many art galas and festivals. “When I heard about KidzArt, I knew it was just what we needed in NE Florida – a fun, creative program to instill a love of art in students of all ages! I love the KidzArt philosophy that teaches “out of the box” thinking skills, promotes confidence and self-esteem and encourages students to truly enjoy exploring their creative minds!” -
Michelle Steighner – Certified Instructor
“My name is Michelle and when I found out about KidzArt I knew I had to be a part of it! I have a great love of art and children and have spent many years volunteering at schools and the church youth program. I also have experience teaching painting classes to adults. I love to see the look on a child’s face when they are creating! KidzArt encourages students to express themselves and experiment with a wide variety of medium and it gives them confidence to try something new. Working with children and helping them grow is such a wonderful experience and I am thrilled to have this opportunity with KidzArt!”
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Annmarie Sornson – Certified Instructor
Annmarie is a former preschool teacher, JA volunteer and coach. She aksi serves on the School Board and is very active in the school community. “I love working with children and I am so excited to be a KidzArt Certified Instructor!” KidzArt is such a positive, creative outlet for students of all ages. It is such a thrill to be able to show them that they can do it! Their proud smiles say it all!”
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Meredith Ostlund – Certified Instructor
Meredith is a Jacksonville native whose love of art was enriched as a student in the Duval County schools. "I remember every art teacher I had!" After receiving her fine arts degree in painting from UF, she has worked as a graphic artist for various newspapers and magazines, reported on the arts for the local newspaper and continued to paint. "Nothing compares to hands-on art — working with art materials and feeling the moments of pure creativity. KidzArt's philosophy is right on target with what I believe is most important about art — thinking creatively simply makes life a more beautiful experience. I'm so excited to have fun with art and help others tune in to their creative mind!"
- Assistants
Karle
Dani
Standing Above the Rest
Developed with the philosophy that learning to draw creates confidence, KidzArt takes art classes to a new level. Through engaging the imagination in a new way and creating a safe environment to take risks, students of all ages are free to soar with KidzArt
Creative Based vs. Rendering Based
- We encourage 'out-of-the-box' thinking versus a 'copy-exactly' approach.
- We use brainstorming methods to bring out the uniqueness of each artist.
- Each student's creation is one-of-a-kind.
Focus is on the Creative Process, not the End Result
- We balance guided instruction with creative freedom.
- We use music and relaxation techniques to increase focus and release creativity.
- Improved problem solving skills spill over into the classroom and test scores.
- We make the creative learning process FUN!
Highest Quality Art Materials
- Our students are taught to use professional-grade artist supplies. Theses supplies are rarely experienced until high school or university level.
- Our students are treated like "true artists" from the start.
- Our students work with a variety of mediums — paints, markers, charcoal, etc.!
Different Curriculum for Different Age Groups, including Preschool and Kindergarten
- Pre-K and K curriculum incorporate motor skills that extend the learning process beyond drawing.
- New skills help children turn "scribble" into recognizable lines and shapes.
- Our introduction to art sets the stage for a lifetime of art appreciation.
Confidence Building
- Supportive, non-competitive learning environment
- Students learn that there are "no mistakes in art."
- Students' artwork is never "corrected" but the instructor.
- Confidence spill over into the students' everyday lives.
The Facts: Highlights of Arts Education Research
Did you know:
Young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours on three days each week through at least one full year are
- 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
- 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools.
- 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair.
- 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance.
- 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem.
Young artists, as compared with their peers, are likely to
- Attend music, art, and dance classes nearly three times as frequently.
- Participate in youth groups nearly four times as frequently.
- Read for pleasure nearly twice as often.
- Perform community service more than four times as often.
(Living the Arts through Language + Learning: A Report on Community-based Youth Organizations, Shirley Brice Heath, Stanford University and Carnegie Foundation For the Advancement of Teaching, Americans for the Arts Monograph, November 1998)
The facts are that arts education
- “makes a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child and has proven to help level the "learning field" across socio-economic boundaries.”
(Involvement in the Arts and Success in Secondary School, James S. Catterall, The UCLA Imagination Project, Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, UCLA, Americans for the Arts Monograph, January 1998)
- “has a measurable impact on youth at risk in deterring delinquent behavior and truancy problems while also increasing overall academic performance among those youth engaged in after school and summer arts programs targeted toward delinquency prevention.”
(Youth ARTS Development Project, 1996, U.S. Department of Justice, National Endowment for the Arts, and Americans for the Arts)
School Administrators
How KidzArt is offered at your facility 
KidzArt classes are easy to set up! Together we decide which day(s) of the week works best for you and your students. Together we spread the word to Students and Parents. KidzArt DOES THE REST!!! KidzArt will handle all the administrative work. You provide the room and your support. KidzArt can work within your school and/or organizations guidelines to meet YOUR needs.
Call 904-287-8603 to schedule an appointment and we can show you how KidzArt will work for you and your students.
How KidzArt works
- KidzArt is offered immediately after school in an available classroom (preferably the Art Room).
- The children will come directly to the KidzArt classroom after school.
- After class they will either be picked up by the parents or return to their after school program.
- This means no transporting for parents and no additional work for the school.
- Elementary school classes are one hour.
- Preschool classes are 30 minutes.
- Students are grouped in KidzArt classes by age.
- KidzArt is an elective program which complements the school art curriculum.
- All registration and collection of fees are handled by KidzArt.
- KidzArt can provide in-school field trips and expose your students to exciting lessons and projects throughout the year.
