The KEA Story

When my kids were little, I volunteered monthly at their elementary school to set up art at recess. My daughter had been left out of too many recess cliques, so I desperately wanted this to be a safe space.

Pulling my 3-wheeled wagon filled with art-supplies, I set up 1 open-ended art project each month, and quickly learned that lots of kids love art!

At least 150 kids CHOSE ART after lunch. This made direct instruction impossible — organically, a studio-style art maker-space was born.

Kids were given few instructions and some visuals. There was no “right way” only “your way” to do the projects.

My goal in creating this program is to remind kids that PLAY is a BIG part of making ART. When we worry less about our end result, and toss out comparison words like “best” and “worst”, we tap into our internal creativity, and utilize our human-super powers like emotion, intuition and acceptance.

And when schools provide a community space for ART that is consistent and open to all, they send the message that ART can aid wellness, that PLAY is healthy and good, and that tech-free experiences matter.