About Purple Dog Art Studio
Since 2003, we've had the joy of sharing our passion for art and creativity with young artists. We provide a positive, hands-on environment for children to imagine, explore, create and appreciate art. Purple Dog is built around freedom of expression without the fear of failure.
We offer year round art classes, summer and holiday art camps, workshops and parties. We’re fortunate to have amazing artists and inspiring educators teaching our students. Here, kids can be, well…kids, and indulge in all things art—from drawing, painting and sculpture to clay and mixed media.
We hope you and your child will find Purple Dog as inspiring and as much fun as we do.
WRAY JEAN CLIFFORD, OWNER
Art had always been a part of my life.
I remember, as a child, coloring for hours and can vividly recall the smell of a fresh box of Crayola crayons. I'd even hold art classes for my very attentive stuffed animals…clearly I was an art teacher in-the-making!
In college, I earned a degree in Medical Illustration from The Ohio State University, and began a career in Medical Advertising in Chicago. Longing to be closer to home, I returned to Columbus and began working in business management.
But along the way, I realized that I'd lost a piece of myself—the artist.
I was a living example of the quote by Pablo Picasso, “Every child is an artist. The challenge is how to remain one as he grows up.”
Eventually, a little soul-searching led me away from my desk job and straight to Purple Dog's door. When the opportunity arose to continue Purple Dog after Angela’s retirement, I didn’t think twice about my answer, and I've been loving it here ever since!
I divide my time away from Purple Dog earning my Masters in Art Education, and spending time with my wonderful family.
I’m extremely passionate about helping children celebrate their own unique artistic interests, developing positive attitudes towards self and others, and fostering a life long love for the arts.
ANGELA POWERS, FOUNDER
My interest in art began very early as a child growing up in the country near Nashville, Tennessee. After graduating from college, I started a home based business painting children's clothing. I was able to paint/sell children's clothing and stay home with my three young children. Over the years I have also painted wall murals, pet portraits, and glassware. I discovered that I loved teaching children while teaching my kids religious education classes. My two loves, (art and teaching children), came together and Purple Dog was born.
I held my first summer camp in 2003 with my teenage daughter, Kellie and haven't looked back! I opened Purple Dog Art Studio in December of 2006 and I love every minute of it!
I believe:
Art helps children understand their world and themselves. Children learn by recreating their experiences. Art is very important to a child's development. Today especially, with t.v., computers, and video games, the hands on experience that art provides is more important than ever. Research has shown that kids who participate in the arts perform better in other disciplines as well.
Creating art can be enjoyed by everyone. Children should be encouraged to enjoy the process of creating art. Our world is so product driven that we sometimes forget to enjoy the process. Purple Dog provides a positive place for children to express themselves visually and enjoy the process of creatingand appreciating art.