kite & minnow
art classes for children who love to create.
Meet Aleisha
Some of my earliest memories are of spending hours under my ancient pear tree drawing in my sketchbook in the summertime and time alone making beautiful things from whatever materials I could get my hands on. As a child I always wished that I could get the paints out without asking, that someone would finally teach me how to use that sewing machine that sat in my kitchen just staring at me while I ate dinner. When I left the nest I went to art school, studied Art Education and Art Therapy and then decided on a whim to move from one coast to the next. I began teaching children 18 years ago and making art with them ever since. It's what makes me the happiest.
For the health and well being of my family and yours, Kite & Minnow will be closed until further notice.
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NEW! 2020 Upcoming Workshops and Camps
*Cost includes all materials*
Registration and contact information can be found below the list of class offerings
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Spring Break Camp (canceled due to quarantine, be well and I hope to see you soon!)
March 24th-27th from 8:00-3:00 (extended hours for spring session only)
Cost $250 (includes bus fare, all materials and lunch and snacks on Friday.
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This session we will be heading out into the community for inspiration! We will spend one day at the Portland Art Museum and have a picnic downtown, paint what we see in nature in a local park, explore public art and finish up the week making edible art! This four-day camp will be packed with adventure and creativity! Space is limited to 6.
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Each morning begins with a group art lesson such as painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, watercolor, weaving, sculpture and embroidery. I have found that a mix of structure and freedom to explore what inspires you is a perfect combination. Throughout the day children are welcome to take snack and hammock breaks as needed. We will take daily walks to the park before we have lunch together in my backyard garden. The afternoons are our open studio time where they can explore and create what moves them.
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5 day Camps 9-2 (gallery walk begins on Friday at 1:30)
Camp doors open at 9:00, early drop off is not available at this time. Please be sure to arrive on time and drop off no earlier than 9:00 as I will be preparing the space for students and or walking my lovely dog Scout (therapy dog and a camp favorite). Pick up is at 2:00 p.m. On the last day of each session the children will host an art show from 1:30-2:00. The cost of the camp is $250 per week. Space is limited to 8, ages 6 & up.
Week 1- June 15th -19th (*$250 payment is due by June 1st)
Week 2 July 13th-17th ( $250 payment is due by July 1st)
Week 3- August 3rd-7th (*$250 payment is due by July 15th)
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Young Artist Camp
July 20th-24th
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Our youth lead summer camp returns this summer! From 9-2, Kite & Minnow will be lead by my 13yr old daughter and her BFF. They are both amazing artists and are incredible with children. There will be a theme each day, nature walks, storytelling, games and more. I will be here to support if needed. This camp is best suited for children ages 5-8 yrs old.
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The cost for this camp is $165 for the week. Payment is due July 1st to give them plenty of time to work with their budget.
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Support young artists and entrepreneurs!
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Past Camps & Workshops 2018
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$200
Gift Making Workshop
Join us in the studio to make beautiful, thoughtful, natural, handmade gifts for everyone on your child's holiday list. Children will have many options to choose from including bath salts, herbal teas, infused oils and more. All ingredients will be high quality, organic, ethically and/or sustainably harvested. We will also create wrapping paper and handmade cards.
Miniature Makers Workshop
$70
Children will create a miniature world of their very own. They will learn techniques to blend, shape, texture and finish polymer clay for their collection of miniatures. For those that are interested, materials will also be provided to create tiny houses to fill with their creations.
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Fiber Arts Studio: Felt, Fabric & Weaving
Weave on handmade recycled looms, make pom poms, tassels, jewelry, flowers, banners, create small creatures made of felt and more! Children will also have the opportunity to work together on a community weaving throughout the day.
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Miniature Makers Workshop
Children will spend two days creating a miniature world of their very own. They will learn techniques to blend, shape, texture and finish polymer clay for their collection of miniatures. For those that are interested, materials will also be provided to create tiny houses to fill with their creations.
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The Amazing Art of the Book-
Creative writing, illustration — the creation of an original book is a true art form! During this imaginative time together, each child will stretch their imaginations, artistry, and storytelling skills as they go through the entire process of creating a short story book from cover to cover!
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Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Join us to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday that focuses on family and friends gathering to honor their loved ones who have passed away. We’ll create colorful shadow boxes and whimsical papel-picado (cut tissue paper) banners and more!
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kite & minnow summer art camps
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Each day children will be guided through a rotation of different mediums, such as: painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, watercolor, weaving, sculpture and embroidery. Children are welcome to take snack and hammock breaks as needed. We will have lunch together in my backyard garden before we get back to the studio.
There will be new projects every week, providing repeating campers with an ever changing experience.
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Each camp takes place in my home studio located in SE PDX. Upon registration I will share my home address.
So that I am able to work closely to support each child's interests, each session is limited to 6 children.
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Camp is open to children ages 8ish-13ish
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Cost varies depending on length of session and cost of materials. I keep my costs to families as low as possible so that more children have access to the art immersion experience the classes offer.
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Cancellation Policy
A refund equal to half of tuition paid will be granted for cancellations made 7 days before camp start date. No refunds will be made for cancellations made less than 7 days prior to camp start date. Please notify us immediately of any cancellations so that a child on our waiting list can attend camp. Full refunds will only be granted if the program is canceled.
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In order for me to have supplies ready for camp the following deadlines are in place.
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Summer Camps 2019
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Week One- June 24th-28th (*payment is due by June 1st)
Week Two- July 8th-12th (*payment is due by July 1st
Week 3- August 12th-16th (*payment is due by August 1st)
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When you are ready to enroll your child please include the following in your email:
Your name and name of child or children
Age
Which week or weeks you would like your child to attend
Preferred pronoun
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Payments can be made via venmo @kiteandminnow or personal check. Please include you payment preference in the body of your email and I will direct you from there.
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A week before camp you will receive paperwork that will allow me to have access to emergency contact information, medical information, social and emotional needs, dietary restrictions or preferences, consent to treat ect.
I am First Aid and CPR trained and hold a current Food Handlers Card.
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*Please keep in mind your child's spot is not guaranteed until you have paid in full for the class*
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When I am not teaching classes I as busy in my studio creating alongside my daughter and wife. To see our most recent work heard over to our studio site.
Visit the Studio
https://mamacraftorama.wixsite.com/kiteandminnowstudio
Contact Me
