What I do on Weekends.

I know I mentioned briefly before that I teach private art lessons... and have done so for almost 2 years.

I wanted to share with you all a little bit about the studio and the story behind it (including how the heck I got a teaching job).

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(the last picture we ever took together..2 weeks before she passed away)

My grandma June was an extraordinary person. On top of being a loving woman of God she was an incredible artist and an even more incredible teacher.

She taught locally for 40 years.

She never turned a student down - blind, deaf, disabled - it didn't matter.

She was an angel. And she went to meet Jesus on March 7th, 2009. 

When she passed, no one could think of closing the door on the incredible school she had created. Though it had gone from building to building, over the years it became a structure all it's own - one made up of passionate people who all shared a love and admiration for the person who had inspired them to do what they loved most - create beautiful art!

Myself and another fellow student (Danny Elchert) decided to take over the teaching job - we teach children ages 6+ and it's always an adventure!

I feel like a proud momma when I see them turn out such incredible work!

Here are some examples from students during my lessons on value:

Above is my little brother, being amazing.

And here it is finished!

Yes, this is a japanese bento!

Just recently we moved the studio to the back of my parents' business (an art gallery and custom framing shop). It's a beautiful space with nice high ceilings and great lighting. This is also a BIG deal because it was always a dream of my grandma's to merge the two together.

(Above: some of my grandma's old teaching charts)

It means a lot to me that I can carry on my grandma's legacy... I like to think she would have been happy we kept it going. 

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In other news, here is a toad I've been working on (slowly but surely). I'm planning on going back to school in the fall and am working on some portfolio pieces. 

I hope they like toads!