2021 celebrates Cordovan Art School’s 12-year anniversary of art education in the Austin area, providing creative learning opportunities in the arts for thousands of kids, teens and adults. Founded in 2009 by award-winning artist, John Howell, Cordovan Art School has become an anchor of art activity in the 5 local communities they serve: Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, NW Austin, and Southwest Austin. In addition to supporting local art boards and participating in community activities for the arts, John spearheaded the annual local “Chalk Walk”, celebrating 10 years in 2019 at the Dell Diamond with over 40,000 visitors.
In recent years, Cordovan Art School has learned that the United States tries to keep up with the educational trends and demands of the modern world, our school curriculum has shifted heavily toward the common core subjects of reading and math. But what about the arts? Research shows that education in creative arts provides some of the most fundamental building blocks for academic, mental, and social development, particularly in children. Studies show a direct correlation between art and academic achievement. A report by Americans for the Arts states that young people who participate regularly in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in a math and science fair, or to win an award for writing an essay, than children who do not participate. The report goes on to state that art education strengthens problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The experience of making decisions and choices in the course of creating art carries over to other parts of life. Without creative opportunities in school, supplemental creative activities are more important than ever.
Cordovan Art School’s greatest success is found in providing everyday learning and personal development in the arts, one person at a time, in a small, individualized learning environment, with a professional art teacher, during a hands-on drawing, painting, or sculpting experience. The Cordovan motto is “We Create Artists”, but that is just half of the equation. The environment is wholesome and safe, and kids “fit in”. Students say that they feel they are with “their tribe” when they are in an art class. It’s a great place to break down barriers and thrive in a creative, non-competitive environment.
While award-winning Cordovan half-day and full-day Art Camps offer a fun, creative environment for kids during school breaks and the summer months, the Cordovan studios are filled in the afternoons, evenings, and on weekends with weekly art classes for children, home-schoolers, teens, and adults. Online art classes and camps are also expanding opportunities for creative expression at home.
Adding to its love of the arts, Cordovan Art School offers pottery painting in some of its studios. The Pottery Parlors at Cordovan Art Schools are walk-in paint-your-own-pottery studios where individuals, families, and friends enjoy time creating and personalizing selections from hundreds of fun and functional ceramic pieces.
Cordovan Art School and Pottery Parlor offers ceramic and canvas painting parties and special events for all ages: Birthdays, scout troops, youth groups, small celebrations or parties, large community get-togethers, or team building corporate events can be customized in their studios, or on site.
What about art? Cordovan Art School can help fill in the gap of creative learning that is vital to every child at the foundation of their education. Visit www.cordovanartschool or call 512-275-4040 for more information.
