About Us - How Will Kids Benefit from KidzArt?

 

Program Directors/Owners

The KidzArt Program Directors, Marilyn Binkley and Lisa Vitkus, meet while teaching middle school art together. Marilyn has a B.S in Art Education and a Minor in Art History from the Pennsylvania State University. Lisa attended Hamline where she received a B.A in Fine Arts, and then went on to the University of Minnesota where she obtained her masters in Art Education.   They taught for two years together before the art program was reduced and there was no longer a need for two teachers.  The chance came along to buy the KidzArt franchise in this area, and they decided to seize this opportunity and take their knowledge of art and teaching down a new career path.

What do students do in a KidzArt class? 

• Create original representational art
• Learn in an non-competitive environment
• Complete projects that enhance both drawing skill and self-confidence
• Use a variety of artist grade media
• Brainstorm for multiple solutions and think creatively
• Enjoy new curriculum in every class
• Choose variations for each project – not a “copy exactly” approach.
• Feel relaxed and open to new skills
• Have fun while creating cool art for you to display!

Who provides instruction?

• All our classes are taught by background checked, fully certified KidzArt instructors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many children do you accept in your class?

We limit our  elementary classes to 1 teacher per 15 students ratio and our pre-school classes to a 1 to 12 ratio to ensure every child receives enough encouragement and attention.

2. What ages/grades do you accept in your after school programs?

K-6.  Do you have a location that would welcome a TeenzArt or Adult Art Innovators class?  Please email us at info@kidzartmn.com

3. Do you combine age groups?

If enrollment is large enough, we prefer to run two classes.  If one class is offered, our teacher to student ratio is very low, we are able to give younger / beginner students extra attention and older / advanced students additional challenges.

4. Does my child need to bring anything?

No, KidzArt provides all artist-quality supplies.

5. Who are your teachers?

KidzArt Certified Instructors go through comprehensive training on the KidzArt method.   Many are current or former teachers, or artists themselves.  The KidzArt program is a national program and its methods have been proven for over 15 years! All of our instructors are thoroughly background checked including a multi-state database search.

6. Is every class or session different?

Yes, KidzArt projects will never repeat. 

7. What kind of projects will my child do?

KidzArt is a drawing based art-enrichment program designed to enhance drawing skills and build each child’s confidence. We will work with a variety of mediums throughout the school year, cover all of the fundamentals of art and drawing, and each and every project is “kid tested” ensure that all projects are fun and successful!

8. What types of media are used?

Within each session, students will explore a variety of media and will do a variety of drawing including animals, landscapes and still life objects.  Media will include Prismacolor Markers, Oil Pastels, Chalk Pastels, Charcoal, Sandart, Watercolor and Scratch Art. 

9. How does your program inspire creativity?

In each and every class students brainstorm solutions.  KidzArt does not teach a “copy exactly” approach rather, we use guided instruction to help students learn drawing technique but also encourage students to take risks and think “outside the box.”  You will see that no 2 artists’ projects will ever look the same.  Each class teaches about the elements and principles of art & design.  We help the students to understand, line, planes, color, value, form, texture, balance, emphasis, contrast, unity, harmony and repetition.  In this way, we open up a world of possibilities.

10. Do you offer home-school classes?

Yes!  KidzArt can come to your home school group.  Please call or email us and let’s talk about what your needs are.

11. What other types of programs/events does KidzArt offer?

KidzArt offers a variety of programs and events.  During the summer we offer weekly summer camps with different themes each year.  We also do holiday parties for any size group such as a Girl Scout/Boy Scout Troupes.  On school holidays such as Thanksgiving break, Martin Luther King Day, and Presidents’ Day, KidzArt has workshops available to keep the kids active and engaged on their days off.  Lastly, we do birthday parties for ages 5-13 years old.  We can also customize events to meet your needs please call or email us to discuss your event.

12. Why do you offer classes in the school itself?

We offer enrichment classes in the school for many reasons – they benefit children, parents, and the school itself!  Children are in a familiar environment they feel comfortable in which helps them learn a new skill.  Parents can reduce the time and money associated with driving errands.  We limit the pick up, drop off, and then pick up again drive time!  Schools benefit from being able to offer a program that parents and children desire, without adding to their internal workload.  KidzArt even donates to school PTAs and PTOs!  Ask about our school fundraiser by calling 763-494-6957!

 

KidzArt® uses only high quality, non-toxic art materials.