Upon entering the creative spaces that I have cared for throughout my teaching career, you are greeted by a sign that states “Welcome to the art studio; where EVERYONE is an artist”. The art studio is a welcoming, safe and inspiring work environment where students are encouraged to take risks and develop an aesthetic awareness. Personal views are respected, differences are celebrated and all students are considered working artists. It is a place where students hear “practice makes better” and come to understand that perfection is an illusion. A dozen times a day I share with my children, “there is no such thing as a mistake, just marks we wish to change” because I truly believe in the power of mindful language and that a positive tone will help center students of every age. 
Essentially, the learning that takes place in the art studio happens through hands-on kinesthetic experiences. Materials are the best teacher. The art making process allows children to explore, analyze, make connections and develop a rapport with tools that will someday help them to express an idea they may not have words for. It is this unique kinesthetic experience that allows new knowledge to be born and also employed. 
I believe the teacher to be a performer. By strategically choosing materials, setting their placement and planning the process in which they will be utilized, I am able to create space in which my students will discover their creative potential. My goal is to support children in becoming successful at working on their own. I want them to know what it feels like to be empowered and sincerely believe that they are all artists.