WAXHAW

Jill Long of Matthews has recently purchased a KidzArt franchise and will provide art enrichment programs to children in the south Charlotte and Waxhaw areas. KidzArt is an international children’s art education company that has 60-plus franchisees throughout the United States and a growing international presence.

KidzArt, a curriculum that provides drawing instruction for kids of all ages, offers a creative outlet that encourages self-expression in a safe and relaxing environment. No prior arts training or experience are necessary to participate. Classes are small, up to 15 enrollees, to maximize the amount of attention paid to each student.

“My goal is to continue to build on the existing KidzArt reputation as a fun, creative, high quality art program in the south Charlotte area,” Long said in a press release. “Specifically, I would like to expand KidzArt’s presence in area elementary schools and bring KidzArt to preschools and middle schools. Our programs will benefit the home school and the “mom and tot” communities as well. I would love for all kids to experience what KidzArt classes have to offer.”

Long, a mother of three who lives in Matthews, attributes her own son’s growth into a creative, confident problem solver to his experiences as a KidzArt student. “I learned about KidzArt when my son began taking classes three years ago,” Long said. “I was excited when I saw his confidence and creativity grow and the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment that he brought home every week. His experience with KidzArt is one of the reasons why I decided to purchase a KidzArt franchise and offer programs.”

Long holds a B.A. in economics from Northwestern University and worked in accounting and finance in Chicago and New York prior moving to the area. She bases her plans for success on her business experience, enjoyment of art and drawing, and strong family values. “After my third child started preschool, I felt I needed to use my life experiences to affect those outside my immediate family, but would only do so if it was fun and I could work from home,” she said.

Long said giving back to the community is important. “We provide scholarships to students for class sessions and donate classes and birthday parties to fundraisers at schools where our classes are held,” she said. “We also plan to do our own fundraisers to help schools in the community.”

Long is currently holding classes at Kensington, New Town, Rea View and Waxhaw elementaries. For more information about KidzArt, contact Long at 704-941-0074 or visit www.kidzartsouthcharlotte.com.