Art School for Children History and Staff
History of the Art School for Children
The Art School for Children was established in 1977 with an enrollment of 30 students. Dr. Ellin Grossman and Mary Ann Boykin worked together to develop model curricula and teaching methods for diverse ages and learners.
After teaching with the Art School for 10 years, Dr. Ann Waltz served as the program director from 2005-2017. Dr. David Moya took over as director in the spring of 2017 and became a clinical assistant professor for the E-12 art education track in the summer of 2020. Dr. David Moya served as the Art Schools director from 2017-2024. The program has expanded to an annual enrollment of over 1,200 students. Classes are held at UH-Clear Lake, after school at numerous elementary schools in the Clear Creek and Friendswood Independent School Districts, at local private schools, and at home school groups.
The Art School for Children is dedicated to offering art classes that benefit all children, inspire pre service teachers, give additional options for professional teachers, and serve families and the community.
Meet the Team
Classes are taught by our director, university students, certified teachers, and others with strong backgrounds in art and/or art education.
Business Admin - Arianna Estis
Arianna assists in managing registration needs, enrollment records, hiring, and scheduling. She is eager to assist and inform when questions arise. Arianna can also provide information to anyone interested in volunteering to work with the Art School. In addition to being the schools Business Administrator she is one of the Art Schools amazing teachers and an active practicing artist. She is a mixed-media artist from Clear Lake who explores identity and culture through her artwork. She just received her MA in Humanities, but also has a BA in Philosophy and Theology with minors in Psychology and Ethics. She is currently crafting an independent gallery exhibition while refining her skills in painting and sculpture. She has 10+ years of experience inspiring young artists around Houston and is continuously excited to see what your students will create!
Contact Information: Estis@uhcl.edu
EXT: 3374
Interim Director - Michaela Dillman
Michaela is an alumni of UHCL and the BFA program, an MA student, as well as a former public elementary art educator. She is passionate and has deep appreciation for the transformative power of art education. She manages curriculum, scheduling, purchasing, marketing, as well as teaches at the Art School! She has worked as the Art Schools Program Coordinator since 2023 and is now serving as the schools Interim Director.
Contact Information: dillman@uhcl.edu
EXT: 3374
Contact
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Art School for Children
Phone: 281-283-3344
Email: childrensart@UHCL.eduArbor Building 1315
2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 154
Houston, TX 77058-1002
