Photo credit:Natalie Rutkin
For Curious Minds
Thanks to my buddy Eitan for the name of this page! A private student for three years, he has a curious mind and values that in others. Are you interested in resources related to creativity and exploration for kids, parents, teachers and school administrators? Indulge your curious mind and check out the ones that interest you! I’ll be adding more links, stay curious and check back!
“I really like how Ms. Alison always reads a book and has it relate to an art project. She shows me how to do the art, you can ask her questions. She makes it easier for me to make art. I also love my conversations with her." - Eitan, age 7, private student
An excellent website to find virtual tours of museums and all kinds of other resources to explore our great big world!
You can find links to museums, games, cultural and historical interests along with opportunities for creativity and learning. There are educational videos, virtual tours and more to explore. I recommend this as better use of screen time than many options kids have because it will benefit learning and growth.
Check out my friend Patty’s Youtube page filled with fun directed drawings: https://www.youtube.com/@pattyfernandezartist/featured
I met Patty at Fenton Primary Center. She was the K-1 art specialist and I was taking over her part time position while she returned full time to the classroom. She was friendly and encouraging as she showed me the ropes. She has a fantastic Youtube channel with guided drawings. There is a wide variety of subject matter and her channel is a great resource for in the classroom and at home.
Curious about my drum teacher? Check him out here: https://www.manasitene.com/
Manas Itene is a super friendly and loving guy. Born in Nigeria, he began playing drums at age 8. He has played drums with world famous feel good band Michael Franti and Spearhead for over 20 years. Also skilled at playing keyboards and singing Manas has produced his own music in addition to his work with the band. He’s traveled all around the world and enjoys his RV during his time between playing shows, leading retreats, teaching drum lessons and collaborating with interesting venues to bring his joy out into the world.
My mom and I with Manas, Soulshine at Sea, 2021 Photo credit: some random Soulrocker doing us a favor.
Wide variety of art supplies and other items at reasonable prices!
I have ordered from Discount School Supply for school programs, personal use and stocking up art supplies for workshops and private lessons. Their customer service is good, the website is easy to use and they often have sales to further discount the already low prices. Shipping has not been delayed and the charges are reasonable, there is a standard offer for free shipping with a $99+ order of non-sale items but sometimes they offer it as a special, it’s worth seeing you can locate a virtual coupon.
Information on Beat the Odds™ and UCLA Arts and Healing
https://artsandhealinginitiative.org/pages/beat-the-odds®-bto-program-page
https://artsandhealinginitiative.org
I became aware of the Arts and Healing Initiative during the pandemic. I have taken advantage of a few of their free programs that support creativity and mental health. The programs are high quality and engaging. The online training for Beat the Odds™ was fun and well run, well worth the investment of time and money.
Are you a school administrator? Here are some informational articles about booking programs for your school that may be helpful.
https://daveruch.com/school-assemblies-13-things-every-planner-should-know/
https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/33-how-to-choose-school-performers
If you need more information about what I am offering please do not hesitate to reach out and connect!
In Appreciation
Starting this business was a lot of work and I certainly did not do it on my own! To Rick Welch, my loving husband of 30+ years, thank you for your patience. To my loving daughter Shannon Welch, you’re my best daughter, thanks for all your support and attention to detail in your reviews. Florence Brett, Roger Gutwillig, Angela Brett-Lucaroni, Michael Lucaroni, Alicia Lucaroni, Alex Lucaroni and Alayna Lucaroni, thanks for your support. Michelle Holloway, thank you for your inspiration for the name of my business, I appreciate your considerate input and encouragement. Thank you to Altadena Baptist Church for their support of my Focus Group. Thank you to Michelle Zvonec and Oasis Trilingual Community School for their support of my test run on my workshop and helping to arrange for photographs for my website. Thank you to Alisa Matulis for the photography work she did for the website. Lisa Rueff, thank you for all your guidance and excellent direction as well as for all the light you shine into the world. Caroline Couig, thanks for all the time and assistance with the website, not to mention being one of my best friends for over half a century! Thank you to Jane Harvey Brown, my dear friend, for her work with me on vocalization and stage presence. Thanks to Jamie Lee, Shane Lee, Shiloh Lee, Judy Lee, Dennis Lee. Ethan Lee, Lucas Lee, Natalie Azerad Rutkin, Brian Rutkin and Eitan Rutkin for their participation in my website. Thank you to my Fenton Primary Center support system including Richard Parra and Wendy Kaufman along with others who have offered their encouragement and kind wishes. Thanks to to the following people who have been sounding boards and cheerleaders: Ricardo Salvador Miranda, Stacy Patrice, Alex Reith, Brian Mindlin, Mark WilliamsBarb Felicia, Sandra Burch, Lynn Agostinelli, Diane Gutwillig and all the other people who I have spoken to about my idea and received positive feedback from. I truly appreciate all the support I have received.