In a town like Searcy, where community spirit runs deep, AJ’s Art Studio has been a creative haven for children and families since 2011. AJ is a passionate artist with a heart for teaching, the studio isn’t just about making art; it’s about fostering imagination and giving kids the freedom to explore their creativity in a stress-free, welcoming environment.
What sets AJ apart is her laid-back, child-centric teaching style. Unlike a traditional art class, where students might feel confined to specific techniques or projects, AJ focuses on letting kids express themselves however they choose. “I don’t like to do it like school,” AJ says with a smile. “I show them how to use the supplies and then just say, ‘Go for it!’”
Kids in her classes, which range from ages four to twelve, are encouraged to explore watercolors, Sharpies, glue guns, and more, often using materials they might not get to handle in a typical classroom. “They love the glue guns,” she laughs, “because they don’t get to use those things on a regular basis.”
And the results are nothing short of amazing. The students often surprise AJ with their creativity, coming up with projects and ideas that go far beyond what she demonstrates. “They delight me every time,” she says. “It’s not about perfection or following strict guidelines; it’s about having fun and creating something they’re proud of.”
AJ’s classes at the Make.Do. studio is a place where every child feels welcomed, no matter their background or experience with art. AJ’s classes are open to kids as young as four, and she’s had students grow up with her program—some starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. For AJ, watching these kids grow as artists and individuals is incredibly rewarding.
While most of her students are young, she’s also found that art resonates deeply with special needs children. For many of these students, the studio becomes more than just an art class; it’s a form of therapy. “Art really helps,” she shares. “It’s calming, it helps them focus, and it’s a way for them to express themselves without any pressure.”
In August of 2022, AJ made the decision to close her personal studio and step into semi-retirement. Now, AJ holds her classes at the Make.Do. studio in Searcy, a local nonprofit that offers a variety of art and sewing classes. While she enjoys the flexibility of teaching at Make.Do, AJ is still deeply involved in her students’ artistic growth. She continues to teach a mix of homeschoolers and after-school students, balancing her time between her classes and her family, including her high school-aged son who keeps her busy with his own passions for sports.
Though her personal studio has closed, AJ’s artistic endeavors are far from over. She has embraced a new passion—self-publishing. Using her art and design skills, she creates journals, kids’ workbooks, and other creative projects, which she sells through Amazon. It’s a way for AJ to continue sharing her art with the world, and it also serves as an inspiration for her students. “I show the kids that you can use your art,” she says, “It’s not just something that’s going to go in the drawer, hopefully.”
AJ’s daughter, who shares her love for creativity, even helps her with some of the projects. Together, they’ve worked on planners and journals, including one inspired by a trip to Germany, where they incorporated AJ’s photography of a castle into the design. It’s just another example of how AJ finds ways to blend her passions and bring her artistic vision to life.
For AJ, art isn’t just about creating beautiful things—it’s about fostering a sense of freedom and creativity in everyone she meets, from the youngest children to the oldest adults. Her open approach to teaching and her emphasis on making art accessible to all have made AJ’s Art Studio a beloved part of the Searcy community.
Whether through her classes at Make.Do or her self-publishing projects, AJ’s artistic journey continues to evolve, touching lives along the way. Contact her through her Instagram or book a class through Make.Do.’s website.
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