Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Time for a Workshop!

Thank you to everyone that stopped by our Budding Artists Open House and Christmas Sale this past weekend. The butter tarts and chai were scrumptious, for those of you who couldn't make it! The children's crafts were a hit with all the kids that came too. We are almost out of reindeer food! I suspect that a few stocking stuffers were picked up by clandestine parents as well, while their darling little ones dove into mask making and more.

Don't go feeling like you completely missed out though. Now that Budding Artists has a new home, we are offering workshops throughout the week.


NEW BUDDING ARTISTS PROGRAMS

Drama Workshops on Mondays

~ Are your children born to act? Do they turn every action into a performance? Budding Artists has the perfect answer to how to encourage your budding dramatists. Sign them up for our theatre workshops on Monday evenings with Kim Stark (formerly of Sitting Tree School). She will be teaching movement, script reading, character development, playwriting, improvisation tactics and more. Aside from having fun, these workshops also help to build self-awareness, social skills and confidence, while decreasing anxiety. Geared towards 8-16 year-olds.


Toonie Tuesdays

Toonie Tuesdays

~ If your craft budget is a little slim, then Budding Artists has a cheap solution for creativity for you - Toonie Tuesdays! For a mere $2, you can drop by the Bruce Pavilion at 944 Western Counties Rd from 4-5:30 pm every Tuesday afternoon and make art with the ladies of Budding Artists.


Eco-Tots

~ Do you need to get your little ones out of the house more often? Would they appreciate a little more time spent in nature, exploring all that it has to offer? Head down to our fabulous location on the edge of Westminster Ponds and discover the joy that only hands-on exploration can bring. Eco-Tots is held every Wednesday meeting at 944 Western Counties Rd, from 10-11:30 am. Dress appropriate for the weather and don't forget to bring your creativity along for some art activities as well. This program is designed for 2 1/2-4 year-olds.


Friday Craft Night

Friday Craft Night

~ If you are looking for an art project that is fun for the whole family, then look no further than Friday Craft Night! For $25, an adult and 1 child ($5 for additional child) can get crafting to help wind down after a long week. Hours are 7-8:30 pm. Register early so that you don't miss out on the creativity. 


Crafting the Masters

~ Why mess with a good thing? Budding Artists is bringing back our Crafting the Masters series on Saturdays, from 10-11:30 am. It is the same children's art workshops that you remember from our previous location at the London Farmer's market - a little art history, techniques, games and stories, with a focus on a master artist. Your children will even get to bring home their very own art project at the end of the day.


Budding Artists Birthday Parties

~ Are you looking for something a little different this year for your child's birthday party? Why not consider one of Budding Artists Budding Adventure Parties! You get two hours of indoor and outdoor fun at our Westminster Ponds location, including 45 minutes in our party room. You can choose between one of three fun-filled adventure parties, where you have a mystery to unravel, but regardless, a good time had by all is guaranteed.


PD Day Camps

~ While some parents are able to take time off work for the many PD Days that occur over the course of the school year, that luxury is not an option for all. What do you do with your children, when the teachers cut them loose for a day then? Budding Artists has a suggestion - drop them off to our PD Day Camps! Not only do we entertain children with art projects, movement and plenty of other activities, but we also feed them a pizza lunch, healthy snacks and juice. You get peace of mind knowing your children will be well taken care of, and your kids get to explore their creative side in an encouraging and supportive space. Perfect!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Vote for Me!


Please vote for me. I am applying to The Mompreneur Award of Excellence 2013

Five years ago, Budding Artists (www.buddingartists.ca) began as an idea. Through trial and error, I have helped over 50 schools, churches and daycares fundraise over $50,000. Budding Artists is a work in progress and it has been building steadily over the years. I am proud of what I have accomplished by myself and the help of friends and family. 

There is no doubt it has been difficult since I don't have a business background.  I have successfully juggled my role as an entrepreneur with being a mom, wife, teacher and volunteer. I am most proud of the work I have done co-organizing Halloween in the Village,  a local carnival and night parade for my neighborhood. Last year, It was estimated by CTV that over 1000 people were in attendance. I have been active member in Home and school as well as parent council. 

The grand prize will allow me to hire local staff to manage Budding Artists so I can dedicate more time to creating a not for profit children's art studio. It will also allow me to have access to mentors and create systems so Budding Artists can reach out to more  parents so they can easily preserve their children's imagination. When parents value their children's imagination, children will value creativity. In an increasing complex world, our future will require creative problem solvers. We make it easy and fun while at the same time helping schools and organizations fundraise. 

The children's arts studio will operate as a collective. Our mission is to create place where integrity and the arts grow for local London children and families.  This winter we are offering workshops in drama, creative writing, cursive writing. Every last Friday, we are offering Friday Craft Nights and every Tuesday is Toonie Art Day. 

I am really excited about the possibilities for Budding Artists and the Studio. It doesn't take long to vote and feel free to pass this on to your family and friends. You can follow this link.  

Many thanks,
Maria

Monday, November 19, 2012

Why Art?

Why Art?

"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls" ~ Pablo Picasso
Isn't that a truth that is forgotten in the busyness that often equals daily life. When schools cut art programs in order to save precious dollars for their budgets, it is a travesty for society as a whole. Picasso knew that and so does Andrea Mulder-Slater of Kinder Art, as she notes "It's been proven that early exposure to visual art, music, or drama promotes activity in the brain." Its called imagination and we at Budding Artists know how important that is.

Metal Sculpture created by Acme Animal
As an outlet for creativity, emotional expression, social commentary and more, art is not only important, but is also an integral part of life. It is found from the beginnings of recorded time in the likes of cave paintings, all the way up to modern art that appears everywhere we look - social media, television, newspapers, magazines, and advertisements galore. You can find art anywhere from the simple lamp sitting on your desk, to the shape of a building designed by a master architect. Art can take on the form of paintings, murals, sculptures, tattoos, glass and metal ornaments, plus so much more. If you look at anything with an aesthetic eye, you can see art in its very nature.

Child's Picasso-inspired sculpture
from Budding Artists Summer Camp
If art is everywhere, but not always seen or valued, how do we encourage it in young minds? Sometimes the easiest lesson is in handing a child a piece of blank paper and a marking utensil of some sort (ie. crayon, marker, chalk, pastel) and asking them to create. Tell a class of children to draw something they see, and watch the number of representations that emerge - a different picture for every child. The key is to value that creativity and watch where a child runs with it. Don't worry about if a picture is drawn within the lines or an apple is coloured purple. See the value in the thinking and creating that the child attempts.

What would they do with a pine cone? How would they use a  block? If you handed them glue, what objects would children seek to create a collage of their very own? When a child's brain starts to question, examine, ponder and imagine, it grows in leaps and bounds. They learn about colour, time, space, and in the process, develop self-esteem, self-discipline, motivation and more. It is our responsibility, as parents and teachers, to ensure that creativity is sparked and flourishes in a child's mind. Children are the next generation of sculptors, painters, designers, and artists. They provide the colour of life and that cannot be underscored enough.

GLOB
Just one of eco-friendly art supplies
that Budding Artists carries
So how do you promote your child's creativity? What tools do you offer them to create art? If your answer is a little flat, let Budding Artists help to spark some life back into your child's art. We have eco-friendly art supplies that any parent can be proud to offer their children. If you stop by our Open House and Christmas Sale (944 Western Counties Rd, behind Parkwood Hospital), this Saturday, November 24th, from 10 am -2 pm, you will also get 10% off any purchases you make, plus you can start the creative juices flowing at a free craft activity. You might even decide to sign your child up for one of our workshops. It is a step in the right direction.

We'll put the snacks out, just to be sure you make it. See you there!


Monday, November 12, 2012

Countdown to Christmas


With the arrival of Santa Claus in London, Ontario this past weekend, the countdown to Christmas is on! Only 42 days to be exact. If you are itching for something festive a little sooner though, there is a Christmas event that falls a little closer on the calendar. On Saturday, November 24th, 2012 from 10 am - 3 pm the doors will be opened at 944 Western Counties Rd (Bruce Pavilion behind Parkwood Hospital) for the Budding Artists Open House & Christmas Sale! That's right, Budding Artists wants to celebrate the season in their new location and YOU are invited.

Wondering what you have to look forward to? The scent of Christmas will be in the air with hot drinks and snacks on offer. It wouldn't be a Budding Artists affair without crafts for the kids too. Plus, get a sneak peek at all of the new programs that Budding Artists is running at the new location, like Free Drama Workshops on Mondays, Eco Tots Exploration, Creative Writing Classes, Toonie Tuesdays, and Friday Craft Night Fridays. And of course you can get some shopping done as well, with 10% off all of our eco-friendly arts products, plus Budding Artists Keepsakes! No Scrooges here either - NO Tax!

In fact, the Drama Workshops are going to have a decidedly Christmas-y feel to them too, as Budding Artists are gearing up for a Christmas Play this year. The first audition will be held tonight, so hurry on down. Workshops are held on Mondays, from 4:30-6:30 pm with Kim Stark (former Principal of the Sitting Tree School) presiding. We can't wait, but you will have to, so we'll be sure to let you know when the performance will be held!

Don't forget that we'll be running a PD Day Camp this Friday, November 16th, 2012 at Wesley Knox Church from 9 am - 4 pm too! Sign up today!!

See you soon! HO, HO, HO!


Monday, November 5, 2012

Reach Out and Touch Someone

It takes a village to raise a child ~ African Proverb
The meaning behind that of course is that many people influence a child's life. The same holds true for everyone in fact. We do not exist in a bubble. Every day we touch family, friends, acquaintances, business associates and even stranger's lives. From the grocery clerk, to the gas bar attendant, to your spouse at home, the people in our world shape who we are and how we view our place in it. That goes for how we raise our children and even how we interact in business settings. You cannot walk through life entirely alone, nor should you.

The same holds true for Budding Artists. While Maria Calleja might be the founder of the business, she is not the sole person involved in the company. Everyone from her children and husband, to friends and family encourage her and support her in her endeavour to bring art alive for children. There have been many faces that have assisted in art workshops, fundraisers, and certainly more than one special event. There are also many other companies that Budding Artists could not do without. Take for example, these companies that create wonderful products that Budding Artists promotes and whole-heartedly supports;


  • Glob
  • Clementine Art
  • Artterro
  • Eye Can Art
  • Crazyoleez Crayons
  • Barefoot Books

  • Without them, Budding Artists would be a little slimmer in scope and a little more hard-pressed to present creative ideas to our clients. Not that creativity comes from a company, but quality products go a long way in producing beautiful and artful pieces. And inspiration comes from sources far and wide, including people of all ilks and stripes. The creative minds that lie behind the Budding Artists logo are only stepping stones for the imaginative ideas that spring forth from the children that we touch every day in the hope that we promote a brighter, more artistic future.

    Today, we recognize and thank all of those who help to ensure that Budding Artists exists and thrives. Without you, we would not be here today.

    So I cannot help but turn around and ask you. Who do you touch in your every day life? Who has influenced your imagination and creativity? Who can YOU reach out and touch today?