Home/Art School for Children/History and Staff

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.

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: 3344

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.

EXT: 3374

Student Worker - Mrs. Abowd

Mrs. Abowd is one of our amazing student workers who is part of the UHCL's History program. She has built up her experience in ceramics while being a student at the University and is gearing up to start her MA program. We are so fortunate to have someone eager to work with clay and be a fellow Mud Kid.

Student Worker - Ms. Pineda

Ms. Pineda is one of our awesome student workers who is part of UHCL's Art Education program. She has brought such a fun energy to the Art School and we are so thrilled to be a part of her Art Education journey!

Teacher - Ms. C. Vidal

Ms. Vidal is one of the Art Schools amazing student workers and future educators who has been working her way through the Art Education program here at UHCL! She will be graduating in Fall of 2025, and we are thankful to have her just a bit longer! She is excited about working with the older students this summer and is looking forward to seeing everyone's amazing work!

Teacher - Ms. Ashan

Ms. Ashan spent her first semester with us in Spring of 25' and is excited to return for the summer! She is passionate for the arts and art history and loves introducing these aspects in the classroom. She is extremely kind and patient and loves seeing students put their creative ideas into action.

Teacher - Mr. Morris

Mr. Morris will be a new teacher this summer and we are so happy to have him join the Art School family! Mr. Morris is an extremely talented printmaker and a recent BFA graduate from UHCL. He is eager to share his love and passion for the arts, art history, and magical knowledge with the students of the Art School!

Teacher - Ms. Sivley

Ms. Sivley is one of our long term educators here at the Art School and a BFA alumni of UHCL! She is knowledgeable and so talented in many mediums including painting, photography, digital art, and more. She is excited to bring some new ideas and classes to the Art School this summer that have never been offered!