New Magazine for Kids Brings Arts Education Home

Julie Hill — mom, award-winning graphic designer and volunteer art teacher — knows a thing or two about the importance of art to learning development. She’s putting her knowledge into action through a new publication for kids called ArtDawg Magazine, to bring more art education to children in elementary and middle school.  

“Studies* show that learning about art is directly associated with gains in math, reading and critical thinking. Yet in an era of school budget cuts, art education is often the first thing to go. I have taught art as a volunteer in many classrooms and I love to see the creativity of the kids. Often, the child that doesn’t necessarily excel in the classroom or on the sports field comes alive through an art lesson,” says Hill.

That’s where ArtDawg Magazine comes in— a full-color, 28-page magazine created especially for kids age five to 12. Unlike any other art magazine for kids, each issue showcases the work and inspiration of both master and contemporary artists, interesting careers in visual arts, age-appropriate projects, how-tos, puzzles and activity pages— all related to visual arts and available through a quarterly subscription.  Hill, the designer-turned-entrepreneur, uses her graphic design expertise to create page layouts that make the publication fun to read.  

The stories are short and written in a kid-friendly style. Special “words to know” encourage kids to learn new vocabulary words related to what they are reading. And interactive pages invite the reader to draw right in the magazine.  The first issue of 2010 was published in early February and features the mysterious artwork of Rene Magritte, Ohio “Recycled Art” artist Michelle Stitzlein and The Texas Tweens who invented the jewelry line called “SnapCaps.”

The inaugural issue, launched in November 2009, relates the story of master artist Henri Matisse, features contemporary artist Noelle Dass, and includes an interview with the creator of SpongeBob Squarepants—Stephen Hillenburg—who told how a career in marine biology led to his creation of the popular cartoon characters and a job with Nickelodeon.

“By highlighting an actual ‘career’ in art, I want to inspire kids to open their minds to all kinds of career possibilities and to pursue their dreams. When I was a kid, art was not taken seriously as a career choice. Today, being creative and artistic can open the door to a whole world of choices.” The magazine publishes quarterly —February, May, August and November — with a subscription price of $19.99.Hill has over 20 years of experience with volunteer-taught art education programs.

After moving to Bend, Oregon in 2001, she started a program at High Lakes Elementary called “Art-In-A-Box”. Modeled after the Art Literacy program in the Beaverton, Oregon school district—the Art-In-A-Box program uses parent volunteers to teach art lessons in the classroom. Based on master artists, Hill was able to use her educational background in art history to create a curriculum.

The lessons include both biographical information about the artist and hands-on art lessons based on the artist’s style.  www.artdawgkids.com or Julie Hill at 541.318.5057

Catering to the Artful Traveler

In 1990, on her first trip to Europe, Bend Artist, Cindy Briggs took a plein air painting workshop in Paris. She loved France, loved the instructors, and loved painting around the city. However, she didn’t love dragging too many art supplies on the metro, racing for trains, getting lost and disliked staying far out of center of Paris in a nothing-special hotel.

While Briggs relished the experience she decided she would plan tours that truly cater to artists, include inspiring painting demonstrations in a nurturing atmosphere, be as stress-free as possible traveling at an artist’s pace and offer delightful accommodations in a scenic location. Ten years later she’s in her eighth year of leading Make Every Day a Painting tours in Europe with Seattle Artist, Theresa Goesling.

The artists are returning to the Amalfi Coast, October 1-9, 2010 with a renewed focus on creating captivating watercolors, journaling and mixed media. A spectacular place to paint plein air and take photographs to provide inspiration for years to come, the Amalfi Coast is known for its rugged terrain, picturesque towns, turquoise blue seas, umbrella filled beaches, vineyards and lemon groves. The participants will take in the wonderful rhythm of Italy as they enjoy the plein air experience. “Every sketch or painting is proof that you personally connected with the landscape and dared to be creative on location. Minimal art supplies are suggested so you spend more time painting and less time packing and setting up. We stay in the heart of spectacular Positano - just a simple walk to the beach and a scenic boat ride to the Isle of Capri and Historic Amalfi.

The bed and breakfast hotel has incredible coastal views and owner “Mama” Maria makes everyone feel like part of her family,” Briggs shared. With beginning to professional artists and many return students in the group, she said, “all you really need is the desire to nurture your creativity and an adventurous spirit.” The instructors guide each student into new ways to artistically capture the essence of a scene with confidence and provide on site reference materials in their comprehensive aquamedia manual “Make Every Day a Painting” included with their tours. Like their personalities, Theresa’s work is experimental, vibrant and bold,

Cindy’s work is calm, colorful and luminous – the two balance each other and share their enthusiasm with their students. An artists workshop is a gift of time you give yourself, whether in Oregon or in Europe. Along with the Amalfi Coast trip, Briggs and Goesling are also planning another Mediterranean cruise in 2011 and offer workshops closer to home at the Arts Central Station in Bend and at Daniel Smith in Seattle, Washington. For details see www.MakeEveryDayAPainting.com or 541-420-9463. Briggs is featured in Bend at The Wild River Art Company, with the High Desert Art League at the Redmond Design Center. Both artists show at Takara in NW Crossing.

Eastlake Celebrates 25 Years
in the Business

What does it take to survive in business for more than 25 years? Debbie Spicer, owner of Eastlake Framing, would tell you it requires a fundamental, yet simple philosophy: love what you do, do it with integrity, and remember to always give back. “I’ve been lucky enough to combine my business expertise with one of my life’s passions – photography,” said Spicer.

Spicer studied art and photography in college. In her early twenties, she started a photo finishing business in Wagner Mall. Nine years later she started her own photo re-touching venture. One of her clients introduced her to Eastlake Art Company, an art supply company that did minimal picture framing. Debbie purchased it in 1992 and eventually changed the name to Eastlake Framing. Under Spicer’s leadership, Eastlake Framing has developed a retail footprint that is three-times the size of an average frame shop in the US.

It has been recognized as the small business with the best consumer marketing program in the country by the Photo Marketing Association/Professional Picture Framing Association (PMA/PPFA). Eastlake Framing was also recognized as Bend’s 2008 Distinguished Small Business of the Year. Spicer’s recognition as a business owner is due in large part to her charity. Spicer believes people want to do business with companies who are interested in enhancing the community.

Her latest contribution has been a year long venue for Bend’s best photographers to showcase their work. The grand finale celebration for the 25th Anniversary of Eastlake Framing will be a signature event that few will want to miss. On Friday, December 4, 5-9pm, at their frame shop on Galveston, they will be celebrating 25 years of artistic spirit by creating a truly stunning piece of art. Debbie Spicer, owner of Eastlake Framing, has teamed up with Saxons Jewelers and Ric Ergenbright to create a statement of true wearable art that is valued at $35,000.

The artistic creation will feature an exclusive diamond encrusted necklace that is surrounded by a gorgeous one of a kind photograph. Come and enjoy live music, wine, catered food and anniversary cake, along with wonderful art and a chance to win a silver anniversary gift from Eastlake Framing. See you there! www.eastlakeframing.com.