In a world filled with distractions art instructor Susan Anderson invites her students to connect with their imagination, creativity and have a fun time.
“If you can listen and you have hands and you’re ready to try, you can create art,” Anderson said.
The joy and magic of art is what drew Anderson and her husband, Wayne, to purchase her own franchise of Abrakadoodle. The elementary education teachers from Elburn loved the idea that with Abrakadoodle more students would have access to art classes.
“With art, it makes you set aside other things and gives you a break from the outside world,” Anderson said. “The benefits of art, studies have shown, include a higher level of achievement, improved school attendance, focus and attention as well as improving written and speaking skills.”
Her art classes even incorporate elements of Science Technology Engineering, Art and Math, known as STEAM.
“We have to determine the frame’s dimensions or talk about animals and nature and there’s even 3D art with moving parts,” Anderson said.
Last year she became a partner with the St. Charles Park District to bring Abrakadoodle classes to youth through the park district. This past year Abrakadoodle hosted three art-based summer camps at the St. Charles Park District and Anderson taught art classes at the park district.
“Art gives children a chance to express themselves, problem-solve and build confidence in ways that extend beyond the classroom. Susan has created an environment where participants feel encouraged to be creative, and we’re excited to continue offering these unique experiences,” added Tiffany Kohorst, Recreation Supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
Anderson has brought Abrakadoodle art classes to local park districts, libraries and afterschool enrichment programs. For the elementary education teacher, it’s a joy to see how students respond to the art classes and realizing they can create something as they receive guidance.
In addition to Anderson, she has five instructors who share her passion for teaching and a love working with children of all ages and abilities. Her team works with students who have special needs, whether it’s a single child and their support staff or in a group setting, like the partnership with Abrakadoodle and Rising Lights Project.
“Art is a wonderfully adaptive subject matter,” Anderson said.
She’s also built partnerships with local private schools and a local homeschool collective. Abrakadoodle has art classes for children as young as 20 months with a caregiver. She offers art classes to elementary-aged students and classes that include drawing, using mixed media and yes, getting a little messy with paints and oil pastels.
Anderson said Abrakadoodle even has lessons designed for a child’s birthday party or a grown-up night in, teaching an art class right in someone’s kitchen. She was recently invited to lead an art lesson for a local networking group.
“We call it an ‘Arty Party’,” Anderson said.