Abrakadoodle's Kids' Imagination Project to Premiere at Art Whino Gallery

Reston, VA, April 24, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Abrakadoodle international art education franchise is pleased to announce the premiere of children’s art from around the globe submitted as part of Abrakadoodle’s Kids Imagination Project (KIP), a campaign designed to promote children’s creativity that began October 2009 and ended April 2010. The theme for artwork produced for this inaugural campaign was “Imagine.” The art premiere reception will take place Friday, April 30th from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Art Whino Gallery, 173 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745 and is open to the media and the public. The premiere kicks-off Abrakadoodle’s annual national conference.

“While I view our role as one in which we inspire children to create, the wonderful submissions of children’s art have served to inspire all of us at Abrakadoodle,” remarked Mary Rogers, MA.Ed, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle, Inc. “Creativity is considered something of an abstraction, and so we designed KIP to reveal some of the creative ideas and images that reside in children’s imaginations through their own art work, which we now celebrate.”

Abrakadoodle’s Kids’ Imagination Project was open to all children, as well as students at participating Abrakadoodle locations throughout the United States, as well as its international locations in Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan. Abrakadoodle’s Austin franchise through a partnership with Art Alliance Austin presented free workshops in Austin area schools for the Kids’ Imagination Project to reach approximately 7,000 Austin area school children. The artwork is scheduled for display in the 2nd Street District during Art Week Austin April 21-25 with part of the display moving to the Kids Activity Area on site at the Art City Austin Festival April 24-25. Select children’s creative postcard art has been featured on Abrakadoodle’s blog, “Art for Creative Kids” – www.abrakadoodle.com/blog. Artwork is also available for viewing in photo albums on Abrakadoodle’s Facebook Fan page – www.facebook.com/Abrakadoodle.

Abrakadoodle was the first nationwide company to bring a comprehensive, standards-based art education programs to children. More than just a drawing program, Abrakadoodle embraces art in its broadest scope – from public art to all types of painting, sculpture, animation, paper and fabric art, digital photography, collage, mosaic design and more. Abrakadoodle art programs not only inspire a child’s imagination, but they also build motor, language and cognitive skills. Abrakadoodle students develop an appreciation for art and a sense of craftsmanship. Research suggests that getting an early start in the arts can make a real difference in the lives of children, not only in terms of increased academic achievement but also greater problem solving, leadership capabilities, and increased confidence. Children and parents love Abrakadoodle and our process art methodology, which offers children the freedom to create and express themselves in original, colorful and imaginative ways.

Abrakadoodle students develop a fine arts vocabulary and discover art history as they learn about the styles and techniques of such artists as Michelangelo, Monet, Picasso, Ansel Adams, and so many more. Abrakadoodle also connects its students to contemporary artists through its Artist of Distinction program. Abrakadoodle students use an abundance of such creative materials as bamboo brushes, sculpting materials, fabric, watercolor, acrylics and more to explore art. Students often take home framed, labeled original creations that extend the learning at home, as well as boost self-confidence. Results from a 2010 survey of U.S. school principals and administrators regarding the quality of the Abrakadoodle program revealed a “Highly Satisfied” rating for customer satisfaction. In fact, Abrakadoodle has received “superior” ratings five consecutive years in our nationwide satisfaction survey. Parents are also thrilled with our quality and value, which is evident because Abrakadoodle received seven First Place Awards from Nickelodeon’s 2009 Parents’ Picks awards on ParentsConnect.com – more awards than all other art companies combined.

About Abrakadoodle (www.abrakadoodle.com)
Abrakadoodle was co-founded in 2002 by award-winning educator/franchise developer Mary Rogers, MA.Ed, and children’s services franchising expert Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE. Abrakadoodle is the most comprehensive art education company of its kind, offering extensive visual arts classes, in-school field trips, after school programs, workshops, camps, parties and events for preschool and school age children. The magic behind Abrakadoodle is the creative energy between a child and his/her art materials inspired by a well-trained teacher. Abrakadoodle uses safe, high quality Crayola® art materials and other superior products and supplies in its programs. The imaginative curriculum is developed by artists and educators and exceeds state and national standards for visual arts education.

###