Geraldine Smythe, Director of Abrakadoodle-Austin, enthusiastically approaches the block sculpture art activity table

Creativity-boosting activities are not just for children! In fact, we want our Abrakadoodle franchise owners and instructors to know and experience the joy of imaginative learning! This is the experience that Abrakadoodle students – nearly one-million of them – have come to love and expect! MaryAnn Kohl, a special Abrakadoodle friend, artist and author, provided a wide array of special creativity-boosting activities with a wide array of fabulous materials that included creating art with melting crayons and making block sculpture with wire to using scratch boards, creating imaginary planets, cutting up colorful materials to make collage, inventing clever puppets, creating crowns and so much more! MaryAnn also donated two of her popular arty books, which were used as prizes at the celebratory conference.

Nate Bolby, with his custom creativity crown, visits Abrakadoodle teachers at the crayon-melting art activity table

Dubbed the “King of Creativity,” special guest presenter and art educator/researcher Nate Bolby led an impressive workshop that literally demonstrated the contrast between an art environment devoid of creative freedom with an open-ended, active discovery art environment. His powerful message and research affirms Abrakadoodle’s core belief in the importance of nurturing creativity through art!

Abrakadoodle art teacher Melissa Razzore of Abrakadoodle-Long Island shows off her happy balloons using K-cups

Abrakadoodle art teachers are pros when it comes to helping children tap their imaginations to create wonderful, original works of art!

At Abrakadoodle’s recent 10th anniversary conference, a group of teachers from across the country participated in creativity-boosting workshops and activities that helped to reinforce Abrakadoodle’s belief in the importance of helping children to develop creative abilities.

K-cup inspired flower pots by Letty Bouchot, art teacher from Abrakadoodle-Austin, TX

In one such activity, Abrakadoodle art teachers were provided with an array of creative supplies and were instructed to create an original piece that made use of recycled K-cups. The imaginative creations served as an example of how we all see art differently and each piece is uniquely wonderful!

Art by Artists of Distinction adds color & joy to Abrakadoodle's conference

Abrakadoodle proudly features in its creative art program contemporary artists and integrates their unique styles and techniques into our instruction for children. Several of our Artists of Distinction were gracious in donating art to be used as prizes for our 10th anniversary conference.

Cassy Tully is an American artist who creates unique paintings of landscapes. She donated a piece entitled “Sunflower” for Abrakadoodle’s conference. Tully uses real sand from the golf course into each golf course painting. Her paintings have so much texture and relief that they look three-dimensional. Cassy Tully’s recent series of paintings captures Blackwolf Run Golf Course, host of the 2012 US Women’s Open. Visit her website.

Ali Mabuha is a native of Malaysia, who inspired our curriculum with his painting from the “Sea and Me” series. He donated a print “The Moon is Crying” for Abrakadoodle’s conference. His artistic talents were revealed at an early age while he was carving wood and creating stone sculptures. His artwork links human beings and the natural environment in an effort to promote a more balanced world. Visit his profile page.

Luiz Cavalli is a Brazilian artist who is considered a Happy Expressionist because his paintings express nothing but joy. Mr. Cavalli donated an original oil painting “Bike” for Abrakadoodle’s conference. He paints with very active brushstrokes that look like they are moving. Many of his paintings are inspired by bicycles and in most of them, no one is riding, but they still look like they are moving! Visit his website.

Morten E. Solberg is a versatile American artist and Abrakadoodle’s first Artist of Distinction, who donated a piece of artwork “Small Wonder.” He paints in oil, acrylic and watercolor and his techniques range from photo-realism to total abstraction. Mort’s interests are many and varied and they are often reflected in his art. American Indian history and culture hold a special allure for Mort, perhaps because his great-grandmother was Native American. Norwegian whalers and explorers are among his ancestors, as well. Wildlife, romantic women with parasols, flowers, fishermen, cowboys and nature have provided him with endless ideas, shapes and colors with which to design. Visit his website.

Leonor Brazao presents her art "Violin" to Krista Roberts (right) of Abrakadoodle-Northern NJ

Leonor Alvim Brazao is Abrakadoodle’s Artist-in-Residence, who graciously donated three pieces from her Instrument Series: “Cello,” “Viola” and “Violin.” Leonor was born in Portugal but after living in different cultures, she considers herself a citizen of the world. Her work is inspired by people she has met in her path. She likes to transform her memories into images that translate her wonderful moments such as an orchestra player, dancer or a mother. She created several series of instruments because she believes music is a universal language that can relate to any people of any culture or age. Visit her website.

MaryAnn Faubion Kohl is a great friend to Abrakadoodle and donated for our event two copies of her book Great American Artists. Her background began as an elementary school teacher, later a college educator and educational consultant, and now author and publisher. MaryAnn is the award-winning author of Storybook Art, Discovering Great Artists and many other titles. She presents internationally, writes for magazines, consults and owns Bright Ring Publishing. Visit her website.

Fourth grader Allen Dixon shows off his Kandinsky Doodle after class in March 2012

Allen Dixon first enrolled in Abrakadoodle after school art classes in Kindergarten. Five years later, Allen is now a bright, talented fourth grade student celebrating 90 after school classes for which he has unfailingly participated. Abrakadoodle Art Education is sponsored by the PTA of Worthington Elementary School in Ellicott City, Maryland.

“We initially chose Abrakadoodle for Allen because he loves art and drawing and it seemed like a perfect combination to further his skills,” commented Yolanda Sonnier & Sean Dixon, Allen’s parents. “Allen loves art, and so it was without question that he wanted to continue in Abrakadoodle,” Yolanda & Sean remarked. “In addition to Allen’s love for art, the instructors were warm, engaging and the atmosphere encouraged a young artist. Allen also loved the end of class, when each child shared their artwork and their vision.”

“Allen is very talented,” remarked Lisa Marianelli, Program Director, Abrakadoodle of Central Maryland ~ Winner of Best After School Program by Maryland Family 2011 Readers’ Choice. “We have loved his bright, enthusiastic presence in our after school art program, and we were delighted to present his family with a loyalty discount for Allen’s ongoing participation.”

“As parents we are proud of Allen and his participation in Abrakadoodle,” said Yolanda & Sean. “Allen has honed his art skills through his participation in Abrakadoodle, which has boosted his confidence. The information about the different artists, types of art and the era of each artist taught in Abrakadoodle is amazing and information we didn’t learn ourselves until Art Appreciation classes in collage. Abrakadoodle has furthered Allen’s confidence and art knowledge beyond our expectations.”