Meet Jessica Blankenship:
As a second grader, I decided that I wanted to grow up to be an art teacher. I started college as a double major: art education and interior design. Although I eventually dropped to interior design to focus on art ed, I find that this studio fulfills both parts of those gifts. I get to teach my art camps and classes.... but I also have gotten to design the studio space to comfortably host people. I have combined fresh turquoise with contrasts of black and white for a large group setting with tables and chairs as well as soft couches for conversation, making it a classroom setting mixed with stylish comfort and casual gathering. I called my business The Artful Gathering because it truly is a gathering ground for many types of events and learning.
I have always had a strong love of learning, curiosity, and creativity. The wonderful teachers I had along the way inspired me in many ways in enriching classroom environments and I wanted to create the same connection for my own students in the future.
My obsession with self-reflection and education has led me to achieve a master's degree in gifted education and a whole collection of entrepreneurial courses and personal development. This list includes biblical financial mindset, Christian marriage and parenting, health and wellness, etc. I would call this broad list "the art of stewardship" in life. An artful life is a fulfilled life, balanced and enriched as well as stable and secure.
I have the goal of encouraging and living creatively as well as teaching all these things! It is ok with me if this road is a bit odd and less-conventional. Life is too short to worry about being popular, y'all.
I call this whole adventure "giving yourself permission to experience JOY". Let's embark on this path through art and inspiration. I hope you enjoy reading my blogs and our amazing art classes and creative events.