Van Grow: Art Studio for Kids :: Moms Who Mean Business

Mom-prenuer Hanna Vanderstoel owns the Fort Worth favorite Van Grow: Art Studio for Kids.

Picasso said, “All children are artists. The problem is to remain an artist once he grows up.”

I think it’s important to know that art is more than “learning to draw.” Art is about learning to express what is in your mind, which is an extremely powerful tool and shouldn’t be limited to those who enjoy doodling. Being creative benefits many professions. I like to say that we at Van Grow: Art Studio for Kids are not teaching children to be artists; they are already artists. We are growing their creativity.

I took on Van Grow 12 years ago when I purchased the studio from another awesome mom-preneur, who also had another business. It was the perfect opportunity for me as I was in a time of transition and considering teaching private art lessons. I fell in love with Van Grow the moment I stepped through the doors . . . and I’m still head over heels.

A Place to Create

Van Grow offers weekly fine art classes for ages 2-17. Our weekly after-school art program and Saturday workshops focus on creative idea development. We teach drawing, art history, and introduce students to all artistic mediums. Our weekly preschool program focuses on line-by-line drawing instruction (to help define fine motor skills) and fun projects using paint, clay, and collage. We offer “Parent and Me” classes so that loved ones can experience being creative together.

During school holidays and the summer, we offer day camps. Each day is filled with fine art and “FUN art” activities based on a central theme. It is an action packed day full of creative projects and free time in the studio. The summer schedule is always an exciting time. Because there is such high demand for the programs and classes, we always put out the schedule information and registration in January.

Birthday parties are always a winner too as well as the Paint Your Own Pottery Studio.

The staff at Van Grow makes an effort to participate in as many community events and fundraisers as time allows. It is very important to us that our customers understand how much they are appreciated and supported.

I hope Van Grow is known and remembered as the place where every child was embraced equally and given the opportunity to explore his or her creativity.

It’s a great time to paint pottery for the holidays! Van Grow is open Tuesday-Saturday from 12-6 p.m. and has a great selection of gift ideas. Between 12-4  p.m. every Friday customers receive a “Buy One, Get One Half Off” discount. Don’t forget that fabulous selection of holiday classes. And be sure to flag January as the month the summer schedule comes out!

Hanna moved to Fort Worth in 1996 the second she graduated from college with a degree in Studio Art. She is a painter and mixed media artist. In her spare time she likes to sleep and dream about having more spare time.  She is wife to Mr. Maarten who runs the studio with her  for 11 years; they have two children, Lyla (5) and Evan (2). You can connect with Hanna via Facebook.