Buy Local – Inspire Global

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South Carolina artist Robin Anne Cooper created 52 unique canvas collages featuring Abrakadoodle’s mascot Splat!

Canvas collage? Abrakadoodle is always on the lookout for fresh new ideas to bring into its international creative children’s art program. When Abrakadoodle staff member Kathy Armstrong and Abrakadoodle-Illinois franchise owner Lisa Hoffmann discovered the imaginative art by South Carolina artist Robin Anne Cooper, they brought it to the attention of Mary Rogers, Abrakadoodle’s CEO. In short order, Mary commissioned original artworks by Robin.

“Kids so often associate art with well known artists of the past like Picasso and Rembrandt,” remarked Mary Rogers, adding, “Abrakadoodle features these classic artists, as well as some of today’s working artists like Robin Anne Cooper, who create amazing artwork that inspires kids to be creative and see how real people incorporate art into their lives and their work.”

Robin has been working as a professional artist for eight years, having recreated herself following a downsizing in the IT industry. She began experimenting with collage materials and discovered that canvas satisfied her need for art material that was thick, stiff and gave her control over the color. Robin uses a unique style of canvas collage, which she paints, cuts into pieces, and then she arranges the pieces to make unique artworks that typically feature such whimsical designs as animals and children.

Robin Anne Cooper’s artwork will be featured in Abrakadoodle’s springtime Kids on Canvas instructional art series for children. Robin notes, “I think it’s great for kids to learn about art, different techniques and make choices about design that reflect their own sensibilities. I was really happy when Abrakadoodle called. They stand behind artists and creativity.”

“I am delighted to help support Robin and thereby her local economy, while buying customized art made in the U.S. I also feel it is so important for kids to learn about artists who are actually working today, creating fresh wonderful art and are in fact making a living doing so,” said Rogers.

Encourage Your Child to Make a Scene this Holiday Season

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Art by Alicia, age 11, at Abrakadoodle-Austin

This gallery contains 8 photos.

The holidays are a perfect time to cultivate your children’s creativity, drawing upon theflurry of images, stories and sounds of the holiday season! Invite your children to create art that expresses their feelings and ideas. Ideally,you can provide your children … Continue reading →

A FUN Way to Expand Your Child’s World Vision

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Kids love to learn new ways to create art, inspired by cultural traditions, artists and art forms from the far reaches of the planet we share! That alone might serve as rationale for signing up for an arts program that brings the world into your child’s grasp. You can expand your child’s world vision in a FUN way, while providing tangible benefits!

Haida Mask

#1 – Multicultural art education contributes to an understanding of the social and cultural landscape that all individuals inhabit. Children learn about world cultures in the most fun way – hands on – as they discover artists and explore art forms and styles from countries near and far. They discover an historical perspective through art with such lessons as creating Haida Masks. Art connects children no matter what race, culture, education or socio-economic status.

Story Teller Dolls

#2 – By developing a sense of self through artistic creations, students take a step toward understanding and accepting differences in others.

#3 – Multicultural arts inspire children’s imaginations. The unique nature of art representative of world cultures is stimulating to children. When they are taking part in classes that encourage them to take new concepts and use their own imaginations to apply them, they engage in self-expression, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Children learn how to take ideas and innovate!

#4 – Confidence and self-esteem soars! Providing children with access to the arts enriches their lives by empowering them with a healthy means for communicating feelings and ideas; broadening how they see the world, as well as developing new skills, vocabulary and history unique to the visual arts. Multicultural art builds confidence in kids!

#5 – Said simply, multicultural art is fun!

Portugese Tile

In Abrakadoodle’s multicultural programs, students discover such world renowned artists as Fernando Botero of Colombia, Xu Bin of China, Esther Mahlangu of South Africa and Frida Kahlo of Mexico, to name just several.

Beyond the traditional art forms of painting, drawing, sculpture and collage, children in Abrakadoodle classes also explore such multicultural art forms as Polish paper-cutting, Portugese tiles, traditional Native American dolls, Malaysian kite crafting, Japanese kimonos, fabric art from Nigeria and many more. These imaginative, artful experiences can give your child an inspiring and delightful world view!

Take Timeout for Art: the Ultimate Stress-Buster

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Art relieves angst, especially open-ended creative immersion with engaging art materials. Life today can be noisy, distracting, challenging and sometimes upsetting. Even our children fall prey to stressful situations. Give your children a timeout for a soothing art experience.

A blank sketchpad with crayons, markers, pencils, paint or a nice mound of soft sculpting material can lead to a satisfying stress-busting experience. Remember not to judge your child’s creations and try not to limit or overly guide the way your children express themselves. Below are a few art starters you may want to try at home.

Squishy, satisfying sculpture

Adorable seals would brighten anyone's day!

Remember the popularity of stress balls? The texture enabled us to squeeze out our tension. A take-off on that concept is providing your children with non-toxic modeling clay. A great way to get started is by having your children roll, squeeze and manipulate the squishy substance. With even a small amount of sculpting material, your
children can make any number of different creations. You may want to keep it completely open-ended, encouraging them to make something from their imagination. You could also suggest they sculpt a monster or a bug or a flower. If you have non-toxic paint or age-appropriate craft supplies (eyes, beads, glitter, chenille stems, and other decorative embellishments), you may want to make them available to extend the art experience. This kind of immersive art can really help de-stress your children!

Shape shifters collage

There are endless opportunities to express creativity using shapes!

Help your child’s imagination take shape by offering a simple, creative activity that explores form. You and/or your child may want to pre-cut a number of shapes both large and small from plain or colored construction paper. For your younger child, you could emphasize basic shapes. Older children would probably enjoy a wide array of basic and advanced shapes. Start your child off with a large piece of plain art paper, which he/she can arrange vertically or horizontally. Initially,
suggest that your child play with the many shapes by overlapping them, stacking them or arranging them in an appealing structure. Perhaps your child might want to create a shapely robot or an intricate scene or an imaginative animal using shapes of all sizes. Offer other art tools, such as colored pencils, markers, glue stick and other embellishments to add to the creative process, and watch your child’s imagination take shape!

Symbols or badges can be revealing

An artful visit with the seven-year old daughter of one of our good friends gave me an “Ah ha” moment. She had dreamed up a club and designated each of us as members, and then she said we all needed a special badge. I encouraged her to create a symbol for each of us. She drew a horse for my husband; a tree to represent her mom, and she created a dove of peace for me, which she also made to symbolize herself. Obviously, this creative process invites lots of questions and can reveal interesting insights about how your child views her/himself, others and the world. You could suggest that your child create badges for family members and/or friends. All your child needs is some blank paper and a drawing utensil. Afterwards, you or your child could cut out the badges. The results might prove fascinating!

 

 

 

 

Splat Explores the Art of Japan

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Splat takes in the view at Lake Hakone

Art is an integral part of Japanese culture. Japanese art covers a wide range of art styles and media, including ancient pottery, sculpture, ink painting on silk, paper and manga, anime and much more. Abrakadoodle’s mascot Splat, accompanied by the children’s art company co-founders Mary Rogers and Rosemarie Hartnett, visited Japan this fall. Japanese children participate in art at Abrakadoodle’s Art Studio for Kids in Tokyo. During their visit, Mary and Rosemarie led parents in creativity workshops and were impressed by how much Japanese parent’s value creativity as an essential part of their children’s development.

Did you know Yayoi Kusama is called the “Princess of Polka Dots?” Her sculpture graces the exterior of the Matsumoto City Museum in Japan. Kusama is considered Japan’s greatest living artist, and she is also featured in Abrakadoodle’s curriculum. From Japan’s

Polka Dot sculptures add playfulness at the Matsumoto City Museum!

beautiful kimonos to its popular anime designs, Abrakadoodle students learn to appreciate these culturally unique art forms and to create art in these styles
as part of Abrakadoodle’s multicultural art lessons. Similarly, Japanese Abrakadoodle
art students discover contemporary and classic artists and art forms spanning the globe and including ancient and modern art forms.

Splat appreciated the beauty of Japan and had great fun meeting children and exploring art together! See more photos from Splat’s amazing adventure by visiting us on Facebook.

Art is at the Heart of Creativity

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Kayla, an Abrakadoodle artist from Austin, paints her crown during art camp.

Have you ever seen the gleeful expression on a child who has created a piece of art that did not exist in the world before? It’s pure magic. A blank sketchpad represents a playground for a child’s imagination. Equipped with pencils, crayons, markers or paint, children can draw from their own ideas, experiences and feelings to express themselves. Whether your child is a natural or reluctant doodler, creative art classes, camps and workshops can help him or her to develop additional art skills, build confidence and spark further imaginative artworks.

Much has been said about the importance of creativity for our children to compete in a global economy that rewards innovation. Art is at the heart of creativity, which is why receiving instruction and encouraging artistic expression helps children to adopt the role of the innovator. Equipped with the ability to create and problem-solve through art, children can extend this ability into other facets of their lives and academic challenges. It begins with fostering curiosity – what happens when I mix these colors? How can I transform these lines and shapes into the picture I imagine? How will I use my newly developed skills in fabric art, collage, and sculpting to create something wonderful and new? By encouraging your children to make art and to participate in creativity-boosting art programs, you are helping to pave your child’s path as an innovator. So, have a heart and encourage art!

Outreaching the Recession

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Abrakadoodle cofounders Rosemarie Hartnett & Mary Rogers flank Charmaine Khaw, Master Licensor from Singapore

The stifling grip of the economic downturn ignited the imaginations of Abrakadoodle Remarkable Art co-founders Mary Rogers and Rosemarie Hartnett. The duo expanded outreach of their creative children’s art programs to Asia, which continues to have a positive impact on the company. Their story is currently featured in a Wall Street Journal contest highlighting innovators.

Readers can vote once each week for their favorite entries between September 12 and September 30. The Reader’s Choice winner will be revealed when the Journal’s special report is published November 21. Rate & Like Abrakadoodle’s story.

Whimsical Wescoat Shares Her Unique Style of Painting

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Abrakadoodle Artist of Distinction Natasha Wescoat (wescoatart.com) is an award-winning young painter,who specializes in “jeweled” landscapes and fanciful characters. We teach Natasha’s swirling, vibrant and soft-edged style in our classes for children, modifying the lessons according to age group. Children love the opportunity to learn about Natasha and create art in her special style!

Natasha and Splat, Abrakadoodle's arty dog, share a moment at conference

Natasha, a Michigan native, comes from a family of artists, including Georgia O’Keefe (a famous artist in our program)! She began drawing at an early age and loved to create art that was reminiscent of the superhero comic books she adored. Eventually, Natasha’s art morphed into a passion for pop art, and she began creating her own characters. In her teen years, Natasha was inspired by Gustav Klimt, Takashi Murakami and Tim Burton. Natasha studied graphic design and fine art before a series of eBay auctions in 2004 catapulted her to commercial success.

Natasha's award-winning "Jeweled Trees" capture the imagination

When she is in “her zone,” Natasha tends to paint with great speed. She was the guest of Abrakadoodle for its annual, national conference held at the National Harbor  (Maryland) in early May 2011 and graciously painted an original jeweled tree during the reception event, dazzling guests as she created layer upon magical layer.

Natasha will be the guest of Abrakadoodle-Northwest Florida for a “Whimsical Weekend” at HarborWalk Village in Destin on September 24-25 during which she will be leading interactive paint classes for children on Saturday and for adults on Sunday. For more information regarding this appearance/event, call Erin Bakker, Director of Abrakadoodle: 850-424-5058.

5 Steps to Finding the Right Afterschool Program for Your Child

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Get your child off to a great start this school year! As a Mom or Dad, you are already flooded with lots of back to school activities like parent’s night, career days, sports programs and homework review.  Now is a great time to plan ahead for a great afterschool program. An afterschool program can inspire your child, increase his/her confidence and build new skills. Mostly, it can be a fun and empowering experience! With many options such as art, music, theatre, magic and more to choose from, how do you choose the afterschool program that is right for your child?

Mary Rogers, Educator & Entrepreneur

Mary Rogers, MA.Ed, CEO of Abrakadoodle, has designed afterschool classes and programs that have been delivered to more than 1 million kids worldwide.  As an educator, she has some very definite views about what parents should look for in after school enrichment classes and activities.

Step 1: First and foremost, consider your child’s interests — Is she interested in music, drama or dance?  Does he like to dabble in paints or conduct science experiments?  What does your child like to do?  Gently nudge him/her towards options that might help that interest grow and develop.

Step 2: Investigate the various options that are available — Virtually anyone can offer a class or educational program, so it’s important to screen your program options.  If you are considering a class at your child’s school, there is a good chance that your school personnel have already pre-screened any program that is being offered. If a program has not been prescreened, here are some questions that you
should ask:

  1. What are the qualifications of the person or persons conducting the
    classes? The person teaching the program should be trained in the subject
    matter.
  2. How much experience does the teacher have with children? Even if an
    instructor is skilled in an area such as mathematics, that doesn’t mean that
    he/she can work with kids.  Inquire about the instructor’s classroom experience with kids.
  3. What is the curriculum? You’ll want to know just what the kids will be
    learning, as well as the philosophy behind the program’s teaching methods and
    techniques. How extensive is the curriculum?
    Some programs have just a few lessons that repeat. Others have an
    extensive library of lessons, so that there are a rich variety of choices. Who
    designs the lessons?  Having an educator-backed curriculum is best.
  4. How is communication handled? How do you learn about schedule changes,
    class happenings as well as discuss any issues or questions you may have?
    Benefits from a quality after school program are magnified when learning is
    extended at home through a sharing of materials, ideas and session recaps.
  5. How is the program evaluated?  Do the program administrators seek parent and student feedback?  How has the program been previously rated?  You can increase your confidence in your child’s afterschool program selection by ensuring that it is well-reviewed by other parents and educators.
  6. What makes this program FUN? Remember this is not school – it’s afterschool.  If it seems like “school,” your child may not want to attend.  What makes this program special and really fun for kids? Afterschool can be a time when your child can open up to joyful new experiences.

Step 3: Narrow Your Choices – Pick a few program options that fit your child’s interests, your budget and can fit into your family’s busy schedule. Consider a balance of activities that helps round out your child.

Step 4: Involve Your Child in the Process – Talk about the options that are available.  Which one or two have the most appeal? What does your child like about the choices? Ask him/her to also consider expanding his/her horizons by trying
something new.  Would he/she like to invite a friend to participate as well?

Step 5: Success! Sign Up – Programs can fill up quickly so make sure that you submit the registration materials right away and make note of the class dates and times on your calendar!

©2011 Abrakadoodle, Inc.

 

Artful Storytelling

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I was recently so flattered when our 7-year old goddaughter Ainsley visited and before leaving, drew herself into our family tree ~ carefully placing herself under our daughter Krissa. I was touched. She also came to love our two black pugs, Duke and Jester. She loved helping me to feed them and to take them on walks. She carefully drew two big hearts, colored them, cut them out, and then she asked if she could put them down toward the bottom of our refrigerator so that our pugs could enjoy them! Naturally, I agreed! I loved how Ainsley believed that our dogs could appreciate her artwork. Why not?! Ainsley used the sketchpad, which awaited her upon her arrival to our home, and made pictures of our pugs and other things that inspired her. Ainsley has since returned to the East Coast with her family, but her art remains and warms my heart.
Does your child have a story to tell through art? Absolutely! Encourage your child to tell his or her stories through art. What a wonderful way to chronicle a vacation, a visit with family and friends, a pet or so many of the activities that are extended and appreciated when pencil or crayon meets paper. Art feels good. Children gain confidence and enjoy a great sense of accomplishment when they create art based upon their own ideas, especially when their art is not criticized or judged. Instead, ask open-ended questions about what inspired their creation. Celebrate the act of creating art! Encourage artful storytelling and enjoy the imaginative, sometimes surprising art that results!