We all have a dream—something we long to do if only…the if only’s have a tendency to get in the way for most of us, but not Kristy.
Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago, Kristy remembers always gravitating towards anything creative. But in an educational climate where only academics are encouraged, Kristy was encouraged to pursue math and business. She became an accountant and now helps her husband run their construction business.
The urge to draw, paint and create was just too strong. So, despite many obstacles, Kristy decided that she would open an art studio for children. No experience. No teaching degree. Just desire.
In this episode of our art series, Art Stories from Around the World, Kristy shares her story of how she started her art camp for kids and what her plans are for the future.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
- Why Kristy went in a different direction with her career despite having a passion for the arts
- Reasons why there isn’t a focus on art for grades K through 6 in Trinidad & Tobago
- How Kristy strived to pursue her creative endeavours outside of her career in accounting
- Why Kristy involves the culture of her country into the art curriculum she teaches children
- How Kristy plans to change the perception of art in her community
- Why the classroom should be a place of difference as well as kindness
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
My best advice for teaching art to kids.
We all have a dream—something we long to do if only…the if only’s have a tendency to get in the way for most of us, but not Kristy.
Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago, Kristy remembers always gravitating towards anything creative. But in an educational climate where only academics are encouraged, Kristy was encouraged to pursue math and business. She became an accountant and now helps her husband run their construction business.
The urge to draw, paint and create was just too strong. So, despite many obstacles, Kristy decided that she would open an art studio for children. No experience. No teaching degree. Just desire.
In this episode of our art series, Art Stories from Around the World, Kristy shares her story of how she started her art camp for kids and what her plans are for the future.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
Why Kristy went in a different direction with her career despite having a passion for the arts
Reasons why there isn’t a focus on art for grades K through 6 in Trinidad & Tobago
How Kristy strived to pursue her creative endeavours outside of her career in accounting
Why Kristy involves the culture of her country into the art curriculum she teaches children
How Kristy plans to change the perception of art in her community
Why the classroom should be a place of difference as well as kindness
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
DOWNLOAD A LESSON GUIDE…
You can download this Lesson Guide BY CLICKING THE BLUE BOX BELOW:
DOWNLOAD A LESSON GUIDE…
You can download this Lesson Guide BY CLICKING THE BLUE BOX BELOW:
My best advice for teaching art to kids.
Yes, the day has come!
After a long time deciding if, I finally said when.
Thank you SO much for your encouragement, show suggestions and help getting Art Made Easy off the ground.
Many of you were so pumped about this show but confessed that you had no idea what a podcast was. I love you guys for your unbridled enthusiasm.
Here’s a quick definition of a podcast & what to expect from Art Made Easy:
A podcast is a free radio show. The host (me!) interviews guests or talks about a favorite subject. You get to listen through your computer, laptop or smart phone. I like to listen to my favorite podcasts in my car during long travel days or on my walks via set of ear buds and my iPhone.
You can subscribe to the show via iTunes and Stitcher radio. The benefit is that your free podcast ap on your iPhone will automatically be updated with all the podcast episodes from any show you subscribe to.
Go ahead and give it a try!
To listen on your laptop or computer, just click the play button in the colored box below.
To listen via iTunes, click on the “play in iTunes” banner and click subscribe.
And now onto the show…
For my first show, I wanted to tell you my story of how I became an art teacher. We all have different paths and this one is mine. I’ll share advice to those who are just starting out as an art teacher and some of my best tips for teaching art to kids.
This episode is for anyone who thinks they may not have the qualifications to be an art teacher. Teaching art to kids doesn’t have to happen inside a classroom. You can teach art at home, at a summer camp and even as a volunteer (like I did).
If you are an art teacher just beginning your journey, I’m sharing my best advice to get you through that tough first year. Download my free handout and keep it in your teacher planner and refer to it when you have a tough day.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
SHOW NOTES:
Drawing With Children: A Creative Method for Adult Beginners, Too
Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media-For Budding Artists of All Ages (Lab Series)
National Art Convention
CreativeLive- free online classes
Art Teachers Facebook Group
Website: Painted Paper in the Art Room (Laura Lohmann)
Website: Art of Education
Book: Classroom Management for Art, Music, and PE Teachers
PS – Please leave a review on iTunes!
Art Made Easy is now live on iTunes! Subscribing to the show and leaving an honest review really helps the show gain visibility and allows me to tailor the show to your needs.
Follow Us
Way to go Kristy,. I am so proud of you that despite all the obstacles you were able to push and achieve your dreams. On top of that you actually started something that no one has ever dared to do. You are such a gift in a society where art is not given enough attention, keep it up.
So great to see Trinidad represented here 🙂 I’m a fellow art teacher right around the corner Kristy and I only recently saw your classes now you’re on DSS! Good for you 🙂 Love your blog by the way Patty I’ve ben following you for years and your lessons have been a God-send and an inspiration 🙂 Every child needs art, so I’m thrilled that people are starting to pay a little more attention to it in my neck of the woods. The gov’t is actually running an art camp for adults who want to turn art into a creative business this year so I think that is also a step in the right direction. YAY for T&T!
Kristy is pretty amazing…so new to art but taking the major plunge to learn more. Love that about her. And how wonderful you two can collaborate. That really helps.Hope you both keep us posted on the great things you are doing.
Thank you Natalia. Great we are both making Trinidad a better place by teaching Art to kids. Patty really is an inspiration to me. She has really made,teaching Art to kids a,whole lot easier.
Loved hearing how passionate she is about sharing her love of art and how caring she is with the children she is teaching. We need more of that in this world. Thank you for sharing this story.