We’re always happy to hear about your experiences with KidzArt! Here is a post from a fellow blogger - The Fun Mommies

How Cute is This?

“My kids just finished up art camp through Kidzart. They had a great time and made a whole bunch of very cool projects including sketch books covered with tie-dyed coffee filters, watercolor paintings, dyed tote bags, and sand sculptures. They said they want to go again next summer, always a good endorsement!

But even cooler, I can (and most likely will) order things with their artwork on them through www.kidzartproducts.com. Through the camp they upload the kids art to this website, but apparently you can also do it yourself.

I have my eye on the notecards.”

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Kristen.  We’re thrilled to provide the benefits of art education to children all over the world!

While students are preparing to head back to school in August and early September, many  parents will be investigating and evaluating afterschool programs that can enhance their children’s education and offer them a safe haven during post school hours. 

Raising awareness and advocating for quality, affordable afterschool programs for children is a critical social and political endeavor.  The AfterSchool Alliance, a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC dedicated to this cause, is garnering nationwide attention via its Lights On AfterSchool campaign.   

On October 16th, 2008, thousands of people will be attending events throughout the nation to celebrate the importance of afterschool programs.  From kids and teachers to principals and politicians, communities will be coming together to support this initiative.  

National sponsors like KidzArt will be conducting these public events in the hopes of making people and local or national policymakers aware of the funding needs in this area so every kid can partake in an organized activity or have a safe place to go after school.

Recycle your packing materials into Sculptural ART by Chris Cruikshank, Curriculum Development, KidzArt 

Supplies:
Toothpicks

Packing foam  peanuts (cellulose or plastic)

Water containers for cellulose peanuts

Rigid Molded Packing foam (the kind that has been sized to protect the item packed, like a radio or computer)

Spray paint or acrylic paint and brushes  (optional)
 
Project #1 Using cellulose peanuts (the kind that dissolve in water) :
1. Dip the end of a peanut into a small container of water
2. Press the wet end of a peanut to another peanut–magic—it sticks together!
3. Build up a form using this simple process

Project #2  Using plastic peanuts, toothpicks, and molded foam
1. Carefully insert a toothpick into the peanut
2. Stick the other end into molded plastic foam
3. Build a sculpture using this process
4. Spray paint or hand paint

Enrichment classes such as art, music and drama are much more than just fun activities for your kids to participate in during school.  Studies have shown that in addition to improved academic performance and higher test scores, the arts help kids express themselves, improve their problem solving and critical thinking abilities as well as boost self-confidence. 

School districts that do not have funding for ‘arts’ activities understand the far reaching benefits of arts education and know what their kids are missing.  So it was a huge victory for DeSoto County, Mississippi public schools when their board of education voted to put art education back into the district’s curriculum. 

KidzArt had been providing a fee-based after school art instruction in the county that only some children could take advantage of.  Now KidzArt will be providing art education and supplies to grades K- 5 during the school day as part of the curriculum.  According to the district’s contract with KidzArt, 20 art assistants would be posted at elementary and intermediate schools, while four certified art teachers would rotate to supervise them. 

According to Alice Denton, KidzArt Director in Mississippi, “It’s proven that grades are better when art is taught.  It teaches children to break down components. It makes a huge difference because it builds their confidence so they take chances and speak up. In art, there are no wrong answers.”

Summer enrichment programs are becoming some of the most popular camps for kids who are looking for unique learning opportunities. Whether it’s sleep away or day camp, many kids are enrolling in enrichment camps that allow them to learn something new, discover a hidden talent or tap into their creative side. Many children seek creative or academic opportunities for their summer camp experience that range from dancing, cooking and painting to writing, learning a language or doing science experiments. There are many options, beyond traditional nature camps, that allow kids to explore or experience something new while having a great time. Enrichment camps typically take on an approach to learning that’s different from school. Their interactive, engaging and energetic style keeps kids interested. In addition, they abide by the philosophy that discovery and learning must always be fun! While some parents feel that enrichment camps don’t give kids the true summer ‘break’ that they need, experimenting and learning something new can be stimulating and beneficial. Even better– camps that keep kids’ brains active can contribute to their success in the coming school year!

KidzArt is embarking on a new endeavor: expanding our business into China.  In the process of becoming the third children’s education brand to enter China (behind Gymboree and FasTracKids), we’ve learned a lot about Asia and its changing culture.  There’s a new generation of parents who are looking to expand their children’s education beyond just the core subjects of math, history and science, etc.

Until recently, Chinese art education has focused on technical skills and copying with little personal expression involved.  The Chinese government is now advocating the development of its children’s social and creative skills in preparation for a global economy favoring a workforce of more imaginative thinkers.

It’s exciting to see that other cultures are discovering what we, in the U.S., already know:  art education opens minds and creates opportunities.

The benefits of right brain thinking (processing information in an intuitive and simultaneous way, looking first at the whole picture then the details) are becoming more and more apparent.  An article in Sunday’s New York Times (htp://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/technology/06unbox.html?ref=science) discusses why right brain thinking or “thinking outside of the box” is so crucial today.  The article quotes Daniel Pink, author and friend of KidzArt, who says that “it’s time for our imaginative right brain…. to take center stage.”  In Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind, he suggests that artists, inventors, innovators and individuals with creative thinking skills possess a mindset that will thrive in our changing world. At KidzArt, we’re committed to developing your child’s resourcefulness, imagination and originality to make them the innovators of tomorrow.   Let us know your ideas and the different ways that you inspire your children to use their creative thinking and problem solving skills. 

Let’s start us off with a cool drawing gadget so we can all share our masterpieces. Be sure to reply with your saved image if you create something to show off!