I believe that every child is an artist, created by God, the Master Artist, to find joy in the creative process. The mission of Art Safari is to provide a nurturing point of departure where young hearts, minds, eyes, and hands embark on a journey of artistic adventure and discovery of self and others.

At Art Safari, young artists learn skills and techniques fundamental to art-making and, more importantly, to unleash their creative energies as they explore drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and ceramics.

Imaginations are kindled and hearts are inspired when, through storytelling, the fascinating lives of celebrated artists, often from distant times and places, are introduced to the young artists. The children are encouraged to be fearlessly original, like the artists that they learn about.

About Me

Being an artist and art teacher was always my childhood dream. I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Baylor University in 1993 and a Master's of Art Education from the University of North Texas in 1998. That same year, as a Marcus Fellow, I interned at the Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University and studied at Harvard University in Howard Gardner's Project Zero Classroom.

I was the art teacher at University Park Elementary in the Highland Park School District from 1995-2004. I was honored as a national finalist in the Entertainment Industry Foundation's 2004 Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year when a former student (John, pictured in center at right) submitted an essay about my influence on his pursuit of art.

I have traveled to many parts of the world studying art history, visiting art museums, and experiencing a variety of cultures. My journeys to Africa, Australia, South America, Asia, and Europe have broadened my cultural perspective, amplified my knowledge of art, and enriched my art instruction tremendously.

A Prayer of Praise to the Master Artist

I give thanks to You, O lord, and I stand in awe of You, for I am wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works! Thank you that you uniquely designed and created me, with the same care and precision You used in creating the universe…that You formed me in love exactly to Your specifications…that You embroidered me with great skill in my mother's womb.

I'm grateful that my looks, abilities, and my personality are like a special picture frame in which You can portray Your grace and beauty, Your love, your strength, Your faithfulness, to the praise of Your glory. I rejoice that You have gifted me for the special purpose You have in mind for my life.

It's wonderful to know that You are not the least bit dissatisfied with my inborn talents, intelligence, aptitudes, appearance, and personality, for Your hands have made and fashioned me. I am one of Your original masterpieces! I praise You that You are greater than all my failures…that as my Potter, You are able to mold and remold me, as I submit to Your wisdom and skill…that as the Master Artist You are able to take away my sin and through Christ make me a new creation in Christ Jesus to the praise of Your glorious grace.

I worship and bow down; I kneel before You, my Maker.

From 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers