Most peole know I HATE arts and crafts. I don’t like doing them. I hate messes. I get anxious that I’m not doing it “right” and that I’ll get paint on my jeans. Funny, ‘cause my kids LOVE some arts and crafts. Which is why I take my children to Small Hands Big Art. My oldest son went to the studio near Ardrey Kell when he was just 18 months. They encouraged him to hold a paint brush and explore colors and shapes. That has transitioned to crafting and drawing and I now have a house stocked full of darling crafts and plenty of extras to share for gifts. We go to art classes because I want my children to be exposed to arts without doing the art myself. Over the years, I’ve begun to consider Jennifer Bryant, owner of Small Hands Big Art, as a leading lady in my “village.”
Q: Have you always been crafty?
As long as I can remember. My mother wrote in my baby book that I "loved to sit and color", which conveniently freed her up for Days of Our Lives. I had an art scholarship in college which I completely under-appreciated at the time, placing a higher priority on lunch meetings in the Union Building and painting banners for my extremely important student government position of {ahem} events coordinator. I wish I could have a "do over" now that my wandering career path has led me back to my love of art!
Q: What was your profession prior to opening Small Hands Big art? What brought on the change?
I worked in securities compliance for about 17 years (back when it was legal for eight-year-old olds to work). After almost 10 years at GE Financial, I relocated to Charlotte to work at Bank of America Investments in 2001. I know, it doesn't get any more left brained in comparison to what I do now!
I spent the last two years in corporate America with my door shut, huddled in a fetal position under my desk cursing the chatty guy with the annoyingly loud voice who sat just outside my office (who I hope never reads this), telling myself there must be more to life and wishing I could figure out what it was!
I was randomly approached by a reporter while taking a water break during a bike ride, who thought "everyone had a story." Turns out I was apparently the only person on the planet who didn't, or at least couldn't think of one in the moment.
Looking back I think that incident - sending that reporter off empty handed - was really was the kick in the pants I needed to make a change. I've always loved children and art / creativity - and not to sound cliché, but it literally hit me out of the blue. I truly believe with enough desire anyone can reinvent themselves (more than once!) and if you haven't found your passion yet, keep looking! Small Hands Big Art is truly the fulfillment of a dream. I can't imagine doing anything else and I'm excited to find out what the future holds! Along with our team of extremely talented, qualified art teachers, we strive to create an environment where children of all ages can create, learn, make a mess and have fun!
Q: What’s the messiest craft you’ve ever done in the studio?
After one particularly memorable lapse in common sense, we immediately implemented a company policy restricting the use of red paint by toddlers wielding sponge paint rollers. Can you say "crime scene"? I know the moms were as horrified as we were. Sorry everyone.
Q: Who’s your most memorable student?
Oh, we've had so many wonderful students, and we get so attached to the kids! In particular those who laugh really loud at our jokes, and answer "14” when we ask them how old they think we are.
Honestly, it's hard to single any one child out because we love them all for different reasons, but we were especially fond of a little girl who came to class for the last few years named Isabella Santos. She recently lost her battle with cancer. Like a lot of seven year olds, she loved art, but it was really her spunk, determination and her truly unique spirit that inspired us and everyone who knew her. You can read about Isabella's courageous story at http://isabellasantosfoundation.com.
Q: What’s the best age to get children started in art classes?
Our toddler classes start at 18 months, which is about the age where kids can control gross motor skills to their elbow, and we teach classes up to age 14. Art is important to children's development in different ways at different ages, so ANY time is the right time!
There are many benefits to exposing your child to art.
