I LOVE teaching art. I have been creating art since I could hold a crayon. I have had many jobs in art over the years  - professional artist,  production artist, sample maker for a craft company, and even a hot air balloon painter! I have acquired skills in a variety of genres in the visual arts and I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. I started in the ad agency world in New York City so there's nothing the children can do that will phase me!  After moving back to Georgia, my illustrator husband Dave and I started a graphic design firm in 1990. That year we also began teaching an art summer camp together in New Hampshire; we still do 30 years later!

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I began teaching art camps out of my house in the summer of 2004. I continued creating art by selling art dolls and paintings on Etsy and Big Cartel. I worked for three years for a large craft company making crafts approachable, understandable for the average person. I made how-to videos and created social media content.

 

I have been an active member of the Montessori community for 20+ years. I began as an involved parent then became an Elementary Assistant, and finally the past 10 years I have been an Art Teacher Specialist exclusively for Montessori schools. I am currently the Visual Art Specialist at Village Montessori School in Roswell, Georgia. 

 

I teach art with a Montessori approach by explaining art theories in engaging ways, clearly demonstrate new skills, and then let the student lead through exploration. Sharing ideas, asking questions, and trying a new way are all accepted in my classes. I support my students without overt praise or criticism. I ask questions to offer reflections on their effort, confidence level, likes/dislikes and satisfaction with their work. I suggest ways to enhance their piece if they seem not satisfied about the outcome. I also encourage follow through as a practice to becoming better. I truly believe each student will love learning about art for what they can express with their point of view.

 

Young children benefit from a nurturing and supportive environment as they begin their journey into art. Exploration can be messy and chaotic when learning a medium for the first time. Introducing a project with an engaging reveal and predictable success, help the children begin to gain confidence in their artistic abilities and decision making skills. Over time, you will find they will create art simply for the joy of the process of making. 

 

Art, unlike other activities, nurtures one's inner desire to create something of one's own making to contribute to the world of beauty in which we all live.   

If I can answer any further questions, please feel free to contact me at suzannecookart@gmail.com