Student in the Spotlight: Phoebe
Phoebe, our Student in the Spotlight, began her artistic journey at age 10 with dreams of becoming a biologist. Now studying Evolutionary Biology at the University of Texas, Phoebe is focused on researching lemurs in Madagascar. Her dedication to wildlife conservation includes her Girl Scout Gold Award project at the Austin Zoo, where she designed a scavenger hunt and helped label native plants. Phoebe’s growth as both an artist and environmental advocate continues to inspire!
Student in the Spotlight: Avery
Meet Avery in the 'Student in the Spotlight' series! Discover how early art lessons built a foundation that led to award-winning success years later. Learn why ages 8-12 are key for artistic growth!
Austin Summer Camps for Your Creative Kiddo
Looking for the best Austin summer camps for your creative kid? Check out my top picks that help kids grow and explore outside the classroom. From art camps like The Contemporary Austin Art School and Smudge Studios, to filmmaking with Austin Film Society and coding at Minecraft Camps, there's something for every interest. Don't miss LZM Studio's upcoming cartooning camp, where kids can create their own characters and stories! Whether your child loves art, entrepreneurship, or adventure, these camps offer fun and learning all summer long.
Recommended Gift Art Supplies for the Budding Artist
Here are some great gift ideas for the art lover in your life - just as the holiday season approaches. I posted something similar a couple of seasons ago, but this updated list includes new finds and changes due to suppliers and technology. These are my recommended gift art supplies for the budding artist!
Art supplies make a perfect gift--because it is the gift of an experience--something that will reward the receiver for much longer than just the holiday season. They are the tools that give the art lover in your life a learned skill that lasts. On that note, here are some of my most coveted supplies with links to easy online suppliers at a good price. Happy shopping!
It’s All About the Mind, Folks!
This summer, I had the privilege of working with a small group of 5-year-old girls in private lessons. In our first session, I asked them to refrain from using erasers—a challenging request for many at this age, as they are still developing fine motor skills. Rather than focusing on "perfect" drawings, I encouraged them to embrace their mistakes, seeing them as opportunities to grow and improve. By the end of the lesson, the girls had learned to adapt and thrive, gaining confidence in their creativity.
In week two, Phoebe W. presented me with a heartfelt drawing, a testament to the clarity of spirit that even young children can possess. It reminded me that, "It's all about the mind"—a powerful lesson for us all