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

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!

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!

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?

Creative Displays for Children's Artwork

BUDDING ARTISTS MISSION: When parents preserve and promote children's imagination, children value creativity. In an increasingly complicated world, we need future creative problem solvers. Budding Artists makes it easy and fun.

Do you struggle with ideas of what to do with all the artwork that your child creates? While we understand that you cannot keep every piece of artwork that is created, in order to value your child's artistic efforts, it is important that you keep some. Even that can quickly fill up file folders and boxes, if your kids are prolific artists. So what do you do with it to let your children know how much you value their artwork and creativity? How about displaying some of it in creative ways

CREATIVE DISPLAYS FOR CHILDREN'S ARTWORK

Source: bhg.com via Su on Pinterest

• How about popping a wall in your living room and featuring special selections of art in it? Experiment with different frames, matching or mismatched matting, sizes and more. Go with a theme to the artwork or mix it up according to what artwork you have and love.

Source: vi.sualize.us via Stephanie on Pinterest

• If you want something less dramatic, why not feature a rotating string of artwork? You can add new artwork as it comes in and remove the oldest artwork from rotation. This idea also incorporates the dilemma of different sized art.

Source: cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com via Marci on Pinterest

• Here is a solution that gives your children more control over what gets displayed - clipboards that your children can maintain. For every new piece of art that goes up, the last piece is again removed. It doesn't take up much space or finances, but is pleasing none the less. 

What about taking your favourite art pieces and incorporating them into everyday items? Budding Artists carries a wide range of products that can be personalized with your child's artwork. These items make great Christmas gifts, teacher presents or just a wonderful way to celebrate your child's artwork every day.

Customized Gifts Using Children's Artwork

How do you display your children's artwork?

The Power of Imagination

Imagination is more important than knowledge ~ Albert Einstein

That is a pretty heavy quote from a pretty heavy thinker. How can imagination be more important than knowledge? Why should we value imagination? Where does it take us and how do we use it? The answer lies in the eyes of a child and their view of the world.

From the moment a child is born, the world is theirs to discover. It is filled with a myriad of shapes, colours and images to draw their eyes and minds. It is the power of a child's wondering that makes that world come alive. Without a little curiosity, they would not reach for blocks, respond to a mother's smile, or attempt to explore their world as a whole. It is that curiosity that sparks imagination and a whole new world to open up. What would happen if they hit that mobile? Imagine if it brought it closer to them, so that they could explore it more! Wow; and life colours into vibrant hues.

Trust that little voice in your head that says 'Wouldn't it be interesting if...'; And then do it ~ Duane Michals

Mona Lisa

As children grow older, their imagination expands and grows. Young minds take all that they have learned from the world around them in through their senses, and expand that into play, creativity, reasoning and so much more. Imagine if Leonardo da Vinci had not been curious about the world around him. Not only would the world be without the likes of "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper", but also his concepts in flight, anatomy, civil engineering and so much more. Many of the concepts that he worked on had no footing in his day and age, but through imagination, he brought them to the world then and now. Truly, imagination was da Vinci's greatest tool and gave much to society as a result of it. Think where today's imagination might take us tomorrow!

To think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted ~ George Kneller

So while we value organized and learned behaviour, the fact of the matter is, is that without dreams, ambitions and a large dose of imagination, we would be stuck in a rut going nowhere. We require imagination to think outside the box, and develop new thoughts and ideas. Imagination fuels poetry, fiction, painting and any new invention out there. It helps us come up with new ways of looking at things and new ways of performing them. Think where art would be without imagination - boring and lifeless. Science Fiction wouldn't even be a dream, let alone a tool to help us reach the sky and stars beyond. And progress in any other aspects of our life would stop overnight. We need imagination to live, breathe and be the best that we can be. Life would cease to sparkle without it.

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try! ~ Dr. Seuss

Eye Can Art: A Project with the Layered Wax Drawing Kit

On a lazy, damp Sunday with nothing to do,
a Budding Artists art kit is pulled out with a big Yahoo!
Not any old art on this soggy day
but an EYE CAN ART kit to chase the blues away.

So we opened the can and looked inside
to see what goodies our creativity could guide
Joy, oh bliss, in a small wood frame
"and a set of pastels to decorate it!", we exclaimed.




The girls set out with a vision in mind
their colours were brilliant, all combined
A landscape emerged, a tree I see
with flowers in a row, how pretty!




The last touches added,
and it was ready to go!
One last glimpse
before into the oven, it was stowed.

Just add beeswax

overtop

 

Watch the bubbles

til they stop!

Out it came
all hot, hot hot!


Till it cooled
and the wax did clot

One last task

Before we were through

To decorate on top

and add more colours anew!

My vampire girl

was ever so pleased

with her Eye Can Kit

and the artwork she conceived

~

Big thanks to Maria & Budding Artists

for the fun Layered Wax Drawing Kit 

that filled our Sunday afternoon

with some creative fun!

It was as easy as...

draw, melt, cool, colour a little more

and hang on the wall to enjoy!

Find more creative art projects online 

or in one of the new Budding Artists workshops

as highlighted below;