My Art Nanny

Hi. I'm Pattie Ann. I've been making art since I could hold a crayon, I always say. For over 30 years I've been a working artist whose work has been collected nationally and abroad. I've always been focused on making art part of everyday life and have inspired many to do the same. I believe engagement with the arts help up to feel more fully alive!That's for everyone - not just those thouugh of as "artists." I believe everyone is an artist and it's my passion to bring that everyday understanding and freedom to express to children and family life! 

 

I've directed galleries in educational, non-profit, and retail establishments, helped to lead arts initiatives across 19 counties in Southwest Virginia, and taught workshops in the U.S. and abroad on art as a soulful, even spiritual, practice.

 

I studied and worked in the mountains of Southwest Virginia and Asheville's River Arts District before bringing my studio home and shifting into one-on-one creativity coaching and larger community events. I've worked one-on-one with hundreds of clients over the years. I've written a book (*Journeyartfully: Secrets for Living an Artful Life*) and a coloring book (*Ponderings for the Soul*), both rooted in the belief that art is good for the soul. Children's art classes and workshops have always been so rewarding. Kids light up and express with almost pure freedom and it's a joy to work with them always! I've taught kids in private school settings, homeschool groups, non-profit organizations, honors programs, community outreach events and of course, personally to every kid in my life at one time or another. 

 

MyArtNanny grew out of a season of a special time of serving as a nanny myself and spending time with my daughters who are also nannies. I've told my daughters and other nannies too that being a nanny is the 2nd most important job in the world second only to parenting. Early and continued creative development makes all the difference in my opinion.  I'll never forget the bond that making art and being creative with children brings. My Art Nanny is my way of bringing that love for children, mothers, and creativity together—offering in-home kids' art classes, Mommy & Me sessions, and Mama's Muse Studio for mothers who need art time that's entirely their own.

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