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About Me...
​Hi, I’m Kristen, though most know me as Miss Kris, slightly obsessed with sticky notes, sharpies, and a well-organized bin. I’m quiet by nature but loud when it counts, a tree hugger, and animal advocate (yes, even for the spiders). I love learning new things. I’ve spent my entire career in education and currently work as an art teacher (atelierista) emphasizing process and exploratory art, a role that feels like home. I hold a B.S. in Sociology and an M.S. in Early Childhood Education.
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Creativity runs through everything I do, sometimes bold, sometimes quiet, but always present. I believe art lives everywhere, in painted swirls, falling leaves, patterned rocks, home-cooked meals, and the stories we share. It’s not confined to studios, it lives in the everyday, in the mess, the beauty, and the stillness. Children’s art holds a special place in my heart. It’s honest, unfiltered, and full of wonder. It inspires me every single day.
I’m lucky enough to be married to my favorite human, my co-dreamer and builder of all the things. If I can doodle it, he can build it. Armed with power tools and ingenuity we’ve brought more than a few amateur sketches to life. I’m also the proud mom of two grown daughters, each wildly creative and endlessly inspiring in their own right.
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Nature is my sanctuary, but if I’m being honest, my happiest place is home, where the blankets are cozy, the critters (and houseplants) are many, and everything is just the way I like it.
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I’ve created this little corner of the internet to share art, ideas, and the everyday wonders that make life feel a bit more magical. This space is a blend of my work as an atelierista, my love of art, especially children’s art, and my personal creative explorations. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you leave feeling inspired to create, explore, or at the very least, hug a tree.
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About Process Art...
Process art is all about the experience of creating, not the final product. Instead of following step-by-step instructions to make something that looks a certain way, children are encouraged to explore materials freely, mixing colors, trying new tools, and expressing their own ideas.
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In early childhood education, process art is incredibly important because it supports creativity, confidence, and critical thinking. Kids learn to make choices, solve problems, and express themselves in unique ways. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do it, which helps build resilience and a love for experimentation. Plus, it’s fun! It allows children to truly enjoy the act of creating without pressure or comparison.