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History and Method |
History and Method By Valeen Parubchenko, Founder of Private Picassos According to published research, art can increase fine motor skills, reading and writing ability, and verbal and visual vocabulary. But there are also benefits outside the edges of your child’s paper that can help measure the importance of their experience. Art not only increases their skill level and artistic ability, but also their confidence as artists and human beings. Children who are exposed to the arts at a young age are more likely to try new things, go outside the lines when problem solving, and eloquently express themselves visually and verbally, according to Elliot Eisner in his book Ten Lessons the Arts Teach. At the core of all of our programs is an emphasis and exploration of the fine arts. Using fine art materials and methods, as well as examples of fine artists’ work as inspiration, we are able to offer motivation for our students’ artwork without directly influencing their final product. |
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Whether your child is experiencing art one-on-one with an instructor in their home or in a small, public group art class, they are encouraged to engage in creative collaborations with new people and express themselves to a broad range of listeners. The social interactions and highly personal expressions that coincide with creating artwork with and then explaining that artwork to someone else are also fundamental lessons that children learn through out their formative years. A cornerstone in our curriculums is attention to the artistic level of each of our students. Although each student works at their own pace, most children develop artistically in the following manner (as noted by Viktor Lowenfeld in his book Creative and Mental Growth). We keep the following stages in mind when developing our curriculums:
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With each of our lessons specifically designed to introduce or develop a new skill, method or theme, children thus progress naturally onto the next phase once they have mastered those that came before. Another factor in encouraging this progression is small class size. All of our programs have a maximum of 10 students, with most programs for children under the age of 4 working with two instructors per class. Keeping a small class size allows one on one instruction with the teacher for each student, as well as more social interactions and relationships between our students. I started Private Picassos because I was frustrated with the lack of focus and attention in the arts at many public and private institutions. Also, the overwhelming obsession at these institutions with “adult influenced” artwork, where no expression or creativity of the child was reflected, was also a source of disappointment. This led me to create a unique program that focuses on each student’s skill level, interests, goals, and artistic mind. Private Picassos believes that everyone is an artist and can create beautiful, interesting artwork when given the correct tools. We constantly remind even our youngest students that even though they want to become an artist when they grow up, they are already artists, as is evident in their distinctive artwork. |
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Valeen Parubchenko![]() Founder/Director Valeen received her BFA/MS in Art and Design Education, with a minor in Art History and a concentration in printmaking from Pratt Institute. After working in a variety of educational settings, including museums, early childhood education centers and community centers, she decided to create her own program. Valeen incorporates aspects of her own art education into each of Private Picassos' programs, such as the influence of her two artist parents - one a painter and designer, the other a blacksmith; exposure to museums and galleries from a very young age and the influence of children's and adult literature in her own personal work. |
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| Emily Lambert Art Instructor Bio coming soon! |
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Eileen Hillery |
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| Alyssa Ratkewitch Art Instructor Bio coming soon! |
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| Angela Yeotsas Art Instructor Bio coming soon! |
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Private Picassos partners with a variety of educational institutions around New York City. Whether offering school- day art programming to supplement the current curriculum, or after-school classes, we can create and implement a unique art experience for students age 2 and up.
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Available Positions with Private Picassos
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| Part Time Art Instructor Private Picassos, a unique art education company, is looking for a part-time instructor to lead art classes for kids age 3-8. Classes take place at locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan and cover a variety of themes, including, but not limited to Art Around the World, Recycled Art, Comics for Kids, etc. Potential for more classes, private clients, etc. into summer and fall semesters and beyond. Travel to and from sites is a large part of this position. All instructors are required to meet with the Director of Private Picassos on a bi-monthly basis to discuss classes, lessons, students, materials, etc. |
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| Internship with Private Picassos Private Picassos is looking for a few good interns to assist with advertising, events, classes, outreach and much more. Read our full description below. Private Picassos is looking for an undergraduate or graduate student intern to assist with art classes for kids age 18 months - 12 years, advertising, special events, curriculum development and much more. Interest in learning more about private, independent art education programs is a must. Responsibilities include: - help facilitate art classes in numerous sites throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens - help develop new curricula and programs for upcoming classes - assist with advertising and promotion of programs and events - 10 hours a week (some hours can be completed from home) Special project relating to Private Picassos' current or future programs can be developed specifically for this position. Projects can be based around intern's interests and strengths relating to art education and small business. Intern will work closely with Creative Director of Private Picassos, as well as other PP Art Instructors. Qualifications: - candidates must posses or be in pursuit of a bachelors of master's degree in Art Education (candidates with minor degrees in Art Education will be considered based on their teaching experience) - motivated, responsible, and self-directed individual with strong communication and organizational abilities This position is unpaid, however, a travel stipend will be provided. College credit can be arranged. |
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| Art Instructor in Westchester or Long Island Private Picassos is looking for Art Instructors based in Westchester and Long Island. Read our full description below. Private Picassos is looking for an experienced art instructor to teach In-Home Private and Group Art Lessons for children age 2 and up. Travel to and from clients' homes is a large part of this position. All instructors are required to meet with the Creative Director of Private Picassos on a monthly basis to discuss classes, lessons, students, materials, etc. Payment is made on a per class basis, once a month, which includes prep and class time, travel time and meetings. Responsibilities include: Qualifications: Potential for additional clients' and classes (In-Home and also on site). |
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