Art Smart is a creative resiliency program
that uses familiar at-home art supplies and
comprehensive process-based virtual art lessons
to foster lifelong creative thinking skill sets in children
and their guiding grownups.

a message from our founder

Art Smart is produced by an independent instructing artist with
17 years experience leading process-based art lessons in these age groups.
this enrichment is the culmination of years' of experience combined with a new way to learn together.
we approach every lesson with a process-based curriculum.
this approach allows for the heart of creative spirit to take form through
guided exploration of material, technique + ideation.
Art Smart offers fundamental lessons in art making, natural cycles, 
 and re-visioned art history, while structuring the foundations of 
lifelong creative thinking skill sets.

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what is Art Smart?

Art Smart is a new way to learn about materials, techniques, and our own unique creativity

we build a foundation of lifelong creative thinking
​and creative decision-making skills
through virtual process-based art lessons. 

how does Art Smart work?

1. register for a free account

don't worry too much about fitting in a box
work together as a small group at any skill level

2.  access art lessons with your free Art Smart account 

learn by individual classes,
or get a monthly subscription for the best value
with access to all lessons,
bonus grownup support, plus many more benefits.
think of it as a gym membership for your collective creative muscles.

3. check out our ideas for at-home art enrichment 

we offer guidance for use of shared space at home
ways to organize materials
allowing access to supplies
and more

4. log on + start building creative resiliency

 use the Art Smart website to log into your account to access lessons
access your lessons anytime using phone, tablet, or computer
unlimited access to all available lessons during your subscription
unlimited access to individually purchased lessons forever

learn more about...

subscriptions
art supplies
process-based art​
creative environment
being the art teacher

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we make sure that guiding grownups know what to do 

every lesson comes with detailed guiding information about 
how to understand the materials and use the techniques.
there is a pdf with written and visual instructions
and a full video demonstrating the class.
Art Smart is committed to supporting the process
of learning and creating art at home
at any age or skill level.

it's okay if you feel like you aren't artistic 

Art Smart is a creative resiliency program that uses 
process-based art lessons to build lifelong skill sets.
this is not how most grownups that are leading at-home art
were taught art ourselves.
consider this a chance to re-discover with wonder,
dive deep with the young artists you work with
in learning a process-based approach
to material and technique.
it's okay if it feels a little new and uncomfortable,
a little exciting and joyful too.

there isn't a way to do Art Smart right or wrong

you cannot have a "should be" or "should not be"
if there is no right or wrong way to do something.
we are working on building resiliency, which involves not getting it "right" every time, or most times, or ever.
all new skills take time and practice, and that is what we are interested in - patient and grounded practice.
process-based art is intentionally "un-pinterestworthy".
we know it isn't important whether we win or lose, just how we play the game.
the same strategy applies to making work
and allowing our children to build their own sense of creative direction

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what sets Art Smart apart?

- lessons are an example of how to execute techniques, ideas, concepts, explorations of materials - this is the heart of process-based learning

how do parents/caregivers know what to do?

I'm not artistic. how am I supposed to teach a child?

- teaching skill of knowing when you are complete with a process 
- ask them to "tell me about this" instead of "what is this?" - by asking what something is, we indicate that we don't recognize somethign they likely very clearly saw in their mind's eye 
- asking to be told about the thing in the artwork, we open up the conversation to the child's own version of their artwork/expression, and allows us to openly listen to whatever they wish to share
- ask open-ended questions, respect silence, accept and celebrate what they say - let them know you're a safe place to share and listen nonjudgmentally 
- your own opinion isn't what's important in response to your child's creation, because we want them to build confidence in their own creative thinking skills, creating a lifelong certainty on their own good judgment and ability to navigate complex decision making 
- absolutely talk about what you like in your child's artwork and remember how powerful your words are at this young age 
- praise them for making the work, the same way you would congratulate them for playing the game, whether they won or lost 
- detachment from outcome and "playing the  game" are the heart of process-based artmaking and creative resiliency 
- it doesn't matter if you think "you don't know anything about art" or "couldn't draw a stick figure to save your life" - use the same leadership that you are applying to all sorts of new situations daily, and trust yourself and your ability to do this 

how do we know if we are doing it right? 


- there isn't a large margin for uncertainty - can't "should" when there is no right or wrong way
- as long as they're executing the task + underlying motor skill, let them do it 
- if we are practicing scissor skills + they cut up their whole collage into shreds instead of placing the collage together, let it happen. try collaging again at another time + let them enjoy making what is a relatively easy mess to clean up with their newfound skill 
- try to set out the suggested amount of material, follow the video, pause + return as needed, don't be upset if it doesn't work out the first (or second, or third) time...this is about building resiliency, which involves not getting it right every time. 
- all new skill sets take time and practice and that is what we are interested - patient and grounded practice 
- allow your inner child to enjoy the process as well 
​- find deep connection with your child over the process of learning these processes and skills together 

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what sets Art Smart apart?

- lessons are an example of how to execute techniques, ideas, concepts, explorations of materials - this is the heart of process-based learning

is it truly beneficial to learn art via a screen, especially early on?

is my child supposed to learn this on their own?

what if we don't have very much space?

isn't this going to make a gigantic mess?

why is the creative environment important?

- allow their efforts to be seen
- display the process work in  visible spot at home - painter's tape works great for temporary hanging
- allow them to make curatorial choices with you and ask their permission to hang things up 
- if they are embarrassed about something they created, ease them by asking how they would like to keep their artwork or allowing them to place it where they most enjoy it - it reminds them they are a vital part of life and your family. and if they wish to throw it away, don't hold on. that's their choice and letting go is an important skill. 
- we hang our art work all over - maybe you want to designate a special area of the house as their "gallery space" - encourage their choices of what they would like to hang + where - rotate occasionally 

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what sets Art Smart apart?

- lessons are an example of how to execute techniques, ideas, concepts, explorations of materials - this is the heart of process-based learning

why is equitable access to art enrichment important? 

what is process-based art?

- based on use of foundational materials + creating skill sets 
- based on process of ideation, creation, completion + possibly presentation 
- long term skills used to create concept, composition, expression of own self interests
- no product or intentional outcome because it's about making consecutive choices in response to the markings + material placements we have already executed, learning to follow our own path 
- gaining one's own sense of balance in material use + physical interplay, allowing development of confidence in own decision-making
- skill sets build over time with your child's development and each video has suggestions for how to execute specific skill sets or instructions with younger and older or more practiced young artists when applicable
- instead of being told you're finished or that it is supposed to look a certain way to be done, children learn to cultivate their own sense of completion and critical thinking choices at their own level of development 

how come there are no images of final products?

- an end product example isn't given because its presence sets in motion the idea that there is eventual right or wrong outcomes. We don't want children to think, "if mine isn't like this, I'm doing it wrong, and that feels bad." We do this as adults, stopping before we even begin, because we aren't certain about doing it right. 
- it doesn't matter what the project looks like in the end. enjoy the time spent together learning the process and creating together. as long as you made something, you did it right. if you didn't try again anytime. if you enjoy making it, make it over and over in all kinds of different ways. 

what is creative resiliency?

why is creative resiliency essential?

what are the benefits of making art at an early age?

- instituting creative resiliency in our children starts now, at any age, and by leading them, we lead ourselves. 

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what art supplies do I need for the lessons? 

Art Smart lessons use everyday, familiar art supplies and
​household materials to create beautiful, process-based art.

how much should I plan to invest in art supplies? 

we suggest setting a monthly art supply budget and
making a date to shop for supplies in store or online - make it a routine 
budget $50 - $100 to initially invest depending on your artist's usage and enthusiasm 
and what you already have around the house
budget roughly $120/ year for renewal and miscellaneous supplies 
($10-$15/month on supplies) 

do you send art supplies in the mail? 

no, although we will offer an art supply box option in 2021

why isn't there a monthly box?

Art Smart is a creative resiliency program, which means we are working on
​ building skill sets and creative decision-making
through familiarity with the materials that we have in our own environments
. 
the most sustainable and comprehensive way to instill these skill sets
is by using familiar art supplies that are common to the home and classroom, 
rather than sending out a box every month. 
when we foster skill sets with materials we know and have access to daily,
​we are building creative resiliency.

what if I don't have a printer? 

while access to a printer can be helpful with some supplemental lesson ideas,
​a printer is never required to complete Art Smart lessons.

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how does Art Smart work?

every lesson is a process-based exploration of material and technique,
designed to build creative resiliency in artists of all ages,
specifically children and the grownups guiding them on their co-learning journey. 
get a monthly subscription to have unlimited access to all available lessons.
purchase unlimited access to individual lessons.
each lesson has a webpage, which you use by logging into your free Art Smart account
you can view it on any phone, tablet or computer.
every lesson has a pdf, a video, and extra tips, ideas and techniques on the webpage.
the pdf explains the outline of the lesson, the goals and reasons for the lesson,
and gives grownups some guidelines for leading the lesson.
the video demonstrates the guidelines for using materials and techniques, 
and leads ways to explore each's lessons goals.
from the webpage you can access more tips, ideas and extended techniques for each lesson
each lesson also contains a vocabulary word and specific motor skill practice ​

what sets Art Smart apart?

Art Smart is produced by an independent instructing artist with
17 years experience leading process-based art lessons in these age groups
this enrichment is the culmination of years' of experience combined with a new way to learn together
we approach every lesson with a process-based curriculum
this approach allows for the heart of creative spirit to take form through
guided exploration of material, technique + ideation
Art Smart offers fundamental lessons in art making, natural cycles, 
 and re-visioned art history, while structuring the foundations of 
lifelong creative thinking skill sets

what does the subscription come with?

unlimited access to all available lessons in age group
includes all incoming lessons + all rotating archived lessons
extra tips, support + resources for the guiding grownups
discounts across site on lessons + workshops
monthly grown up lesson + meditation
monthly zoom town hall style webinar for questions, ideas + sharing our process
access to printables, supplemental project ideas + heaps of process-based art-making wisdom
think of it as a gym membership for your collective creative muscles

how do I sign up for lessons? 

you can access lessons by purchasing them individually
or by choosing a monthly subscription for your age group
create a free Art Smart account and log on anytime to
access your lessons on a phone, tablet, or computer

how do I save the most money using Art Smart? 

the most economical way to access Art Smart is with a one year subscription, 
giving you access to dozens of high quality process-based art lessons for only $19/month
one, three, and six month subscription options give you the most education for your dollar,
the same way a monthly gym membership is more economical than paying for individual classes

can I use it on my phone? 

yes, all Art Smart lessons and digital materials can be accessed on any phone, tablet, or computer

why isn't there a monthly box?

Art Smart is a creative resiliency program, which means we are working on building skill sets and creative decision-making
through familiarity with the materials that we have in our own environments. 
the most sustainable and comprehensive way to instill these skill sets
is by using basic art supplies that are common to the home and classroom, 
rather than sending out a box every month. 
when we foster skill sets with materials we know and have access to daily,
​we are building creative resiliency.

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what if I'm not tech savvy?

​No problem! Everything in this program is either by attending live via Zoom, or by using the study page with class recording - a downloadable pdf that you can print or use digitally, or a video that you can watch on your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop. Everything is easily accessible by logging into our website. You will receive an instructional email within 24 hours of purchase explaining every detail and each step of the way.

So don't worry about this one. We've made it easy by design.


​How do i join Art Smart Fresh Start?

​Great news, all you have to do is click here and you're on your way to family wellness!

​When does this start? How does this work? When do I get access to everything?

​Good news! We start in just a couple of weeks, and you can sign up for future classes at any time!
Remember that if you cannot attend live class, you can still access all recordings, study pages, pdf worksheets, and bonus material after the class. All recordings and materials are available within 24 hours of scheduled live class. 

​After registration, you will receive an email with class themes, materials, and all other information within 24 hours. Attend live class via the Zoom link you receive, or log in to use all recorded materials, pdf worksheets, study pages and ongoing bonus material after live class has ended. Use these lessons and tools anytime for ongoing creative thinking skill building and practice!

What if I have multiple age children in my family?

​Can I sign up, try this, and then ask for a refund?

​Due to the digital nature of this course, and the fact that you can access all class materials indefinitely whether you attend the live class or not, no, we do not offer refunds on this virtual program.

In reality, these are tools and techniques that I've used as a teacher and artist for twenty years of studio and instructional practice. If you complete all of the exercises to your fullest capacity and feel dissatisfied with implementation of these new habits, you are welcome to contact us to discuss your process and we will do our best in this studio to accommodate a solution.

We're burnt out on trying to learn art on a screen and we would rather go in person. Is this really something we can do virtually?

​One of the best aspects of learning Art + Wellness virtually is that you can have a viewpoint of everything the instructor is doing, hands on, overhead, and see many parts of a process that you may not be able to see in-person. We are able to show multiple steps to everyone at once, meaning most of the time artists are working rather than waiting on someone else. Plus, when you use the class recordings and study page, you can stop and start again to learn at your own pace or spend extra time on a specific part of the lesson.

how do I buy and use Art Smart?

​what if we don't have art supplies?

​I don't know the first thing about art. what if I can't draw a straight line?

what if we don't have art supplies?

​what is Art Smart Creative?

how do I buy and use Art Smart?

​I had a terrible time in art class and I think this will make me more anxious. how do I know I can do this or teach it to my kids?

​what is process based art

We are already too busy and I don't have time for more things. when would I fit this in?

where do we do the art lessons?

can we learn this as a group?

I want to make art alone. Do I have to do this with anyone?

is there really a connection between making art and our mental health and wellness?

aren't my kids getting enough art enrichment at school?

mindfulness sounds kind of fancy and not like somethign i would would how to do. I'm not sure that any of this has to do with my life. How do I know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to?

I'm horrible at art and my work never looks like the teacher's. How do I know that my art looks right? 

Making art gives me anxiety. Won't doing this give me more anxiety? 

We aren't really into mindfulness and creativity 

​​​​
how do I buy and use Art Smart?

what is process based art?

where do we do the art lessons?

mindfulness sounds kind of fancy and not like something I would would how to do. I'm not sure that any of this has to do with my life. How do I know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to?

can we learn this as a group? I want to make art alone. Do I have to do this with anyone? really jsut stress recuction strategies that also enchance your huamn experince 

​mindfulness is stress reduction strategies, mental health, self expression, coping mechanisms 

​feel free to use with family, friends, neighbors, pods, church grups - its yorus 

​I know it feels like you've been tacher this past year - in this case you're taking class with your kids or facilitaging enrichmetn they might now be able to acces in another form eiteh rbeause it isn't open or isn't available where you live....pllus i'm the teacher i got you 

I get it - limited availabiity, maybe not available in proximity to you,  risker corssover, accesiibiltiy, adaptability, cna learn a differne set of details on screen and overlay than in group in person especailly for different learnign sytles 

​how do I buy and use Art Smart?

what is process based art?

where do we do the art lessons?​​​​

lesson + subscription

see all lesson + subscription questions
​how does Art Smart work?
what sets Art Smart apart?
what does the subscription come with?
how do I sign up for lessons? 
how do I save the most money using Art Smart? 
can I use it on my phone? 
why isn't there a monthly box? 

art supplies

see all art supply questions
what art supplies do I need for the lessons? 
how much should I plan to invest in art supplies? 
do you send art supplies in the mail? 
why isn't there a monthly box? 

process-based art

see all process-based art questions
what is creative resiliency?
what is process-based art?
how come there are no images of final products?

environment

see all environment questions
is it truly beneficial to learn art via a screen, especially early on?
is my child supposed to learn this on their own?
what if we don't have very much space?
isn't this going to make a gigantic mess?
why is the creative environment important?

being the art teacher

see all being the art teacher questions
how do parents/caregivers know what to do?
I'm not artistic. how am I supposed to teach a child?
how do we know if we are doing it right? 

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