Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Hannon.
Hi Kathy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began as a little girl who loved to create. I loved to draw, paint, craft and everything in between. As early as I can remember, I was involved in some type of extracurricular art class or activity. My mom always fostered my creativity by exposing me to art. It could be a class, a walk through the art museum or just creating at home. I pursued a B.A. in Studio Art from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, but soon after graduating I discovered that there were not many opportunities in the field of art. I did some freelance work and eventually went back to college and received my M.B.A. from Webster University in St. Louis. I worked in the business world for many years and was surprised to discover that I loved business as much as art. When my youngest children- twins were one years old, I had a mild stroke. Working 50 plus hours a week, an hour commute each way and trying to raise 3 young children became increasingly stressful. I walked away from the business world to regain my health and raise my babies. After, I spent a year at home the private school, my children attended asked if I would like to work in their early elementary program. That part-time job grew into a teaching career. I eventually taught art at the school too. Watching the children create whether they were in preschool or middle school was pure joy. And best of all, I was able to go to work where my children went to school. The idea about Wild About Art started when a friend and co-worker, suggested that I do summer art camp. Before we had our brick and mortar location, I did a few weeks of summer camp in a rented location. After my third summer camp, a space became available in Wentzville. My husband and I decided that if it was still available, I would take a chance. And the rest is history. Today, we are celebrating our 10th year. I am blessed that my two careers have merged and I can offer a creative outlet for kids.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are always challenges when starting and managing a business. In the beginning, my greatest challenge was visibility. How will families find me? Is there a need for art in our community? How much do I charge? When we opened our doors 10 years ago, a good portion of our students came from the private school where I was teaching. Today, they come from social media and referrals from current families Today, my biggest challenge is finding the right balance between home and work. My creative brain is always working.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wild About Art for Kids?
Wild About Art for Kids offers weekly art classes, homeschool art classes, canvas painting classes, weekend workshops, art themed birthday parties and summer art camp for kids kindergarten and up. The studio was designed for kids. I wanted to create a fun, friendly environment where kids can discover their inner artist.
We have a variety of evening classes during the school year. For the younger students we offer classes where they can learn the basics of drawing and painting while exposing them to a variety of mediums including: watercolor and acrylic paints, oil and chalk pastels and clay etc. As they get older they can take a class that is more specific to their interests. Homeschool art classes are also offered throughout the school year.
Generally, we have 2 classes per month with one class focusing on a specific artist. The students get a art history lesson and then create a project using that artists techniques. In the summer months, we offer summer art camp. We have 1 day, 3 day and 4 day camps. Each week has a different theme and students will create projects using a variety of mediums. The studio offers canvas painting classes on the weekends. The classes range from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours long depending on the size of the canvas and the subject matter. It is a guided class, but students can always add their own personality. Adults are always welcome to paint!
We have just added a Mommy and Mini Painting Class. Students bring their favorite adult and each paints a canvas that together creates a picture.
Our art themed birthday parties are tailored specifically to the birthday child. We take their interests and help them come up with the perfect subject matter to paint. No birthday party is the same! While most kids choose to paint on a canvas, they can also draw or craft. Generally parties are 2 hours, but may be shorter depending on the birthday child’s age and the project chosen.
Every class, camp, workshop or party is always different! And creatively that makes me really proud.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
There will always be a need for children, as well as adults to have a creative outlet. The benefits of art are endless.
Currently, our focus is on children ages 5 years to 18 years. But in 2026, the studio will be adding toddler classes and adult classes so that everyone of all ages will have the opportunity to create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildaboutart4kids.com
- Instagram: wildaboutart0925
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/wildaboutartforkids
Image Credits
The above pictures are students art work.
