Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennie Wenk.
Hi Jennie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I created Mini Monets after being told by my school district that art teachers are only hired when an art teacher retires.
Mini Monets debuted in 2009 with 3 locations and 12 students and since then I have taught more than 1000 students in over 50 locations within Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties.
Mini Monets is an award winning art education program that seeks to develop creative problem solving skills in young people that will prepare them for a world that needs innovative thinkers.
From ages 3 to 18, Mini Monets begins with basic art techniques with creative exploration and advances to more complex art forms and critical thinking.
Mini Monets offers a curriculum that blends visual arts with foundations in literature, math, and science based on national visual art standards.
Now, in our current digital climate, people are given the problem and the answer at the same time. This is true for other draw-like-me art programs currently available online. Neither allows for critical thinking or imagination but these skills are essential for innovation and progress.
Each year I look to grow the enrollment and experience of Mini Monet artists beyond the art that they may experience in a traditional classroom.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest blessing and struggle have been low enrollment numbers. As a business, number are needed to be profitable. BUT as a teacher guiding a student through a journey of self exploration in visual arts is priceless.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have spent the last 20 years nurturing the creative thought process in young children. I encourage a child to explore different art mediums through student directed and teacher guided projects. I do not shy away from mediums that may seem too much for young artists such as paper mace, weaving, wire sculpting, and embroidery. I am most proud of the artists I have taught over the years. Each artist has grown both cognitively with planning and executing their ideas as well has the control of the medium they chose to create in. What sets me apart from other programs is my desire to keep pushing and growing my program. I like to offer new experiences each year.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is to keep revising your business plan. You have to ready to pivot and change directions at any time and be open to the change. It may be the best thing for you yet!
Pricing:
- Private Lessons $35
- Class Sessions $65+
- Summer Camps $225+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://minimonetsart.com
- Instagram: @minimonetsart
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/minimonets
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/minimonetsart
