Robyn Thurecht
Robyn believes everyone is creative – they just need the time, the space and the encouragement to create. Teaching art and art-related subjects over the past 20 years, Robyn founded artKids with a focus on building kids’ skills and confidence in creativity while insisting on an element of fun at all times. She loves that there is no one ‘right’ way to draw or create. As a writer in a previous life, Robyn also encourages the children to develop the story behind what they draw on their page. She lives by the statement: “There are no flops in art, only flopportunities!”
@robynthurecht_art
Jenna Poore
Jenna spent many years as a K-2 specialist teacher in ACT public schools before deciding to make art her passion. She completed her Degree in Fine Arts (Drawing and Print Media) at the ANU, and both teaches and plans our Term programs. Passionate about art for all ages, Jenna created our year-long artTots process art program for 3 – 5-year-olds which has become increasingly popular with grandparents looking for a bonding activity with grandkids and Early Education Centre as part of their art incursions. Jenna is currently on Maternity Leave with our very own first artBaby.
@jenna.poore.artist
Heidi Dreyer
Heidi started with artKids a year ago, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and skills in business management. Her passion for art and teaching kids snuck up on her and she is now one of our student’s favourite Tutors. Heidi not only has a passion for art but for animals. She loves marathon riding her horses and, to keep them company, she has inherited llamas, sheep, dogs and chickens. Her favourite art mediums are charcoal and chalk pastels as “they are so forgiving.” She embraces flopportunities!
Libby Gerner
Libby is both teacher and artist, and comes to artKids with a bag full of life skills and experiences that she loves to share with her classes. She enjoys the process of breaking instructions down to students to scaffold their learning in a way that suits their own style. Libby encourages her students to be proud of their unique and individual art making. While spending time at home among her chooks, dogs and sheep, Libby enjoys ‘pottering’ in her studio, creating whatever inspires her in the moment – collage, watercolour, abstract acrylic painting or dancing.
Christian Fietz
Christian strongly agrees with our artKids belief that learning art should be fun and inclusive. With a lifelong love of drawing, particularly cartoons and works inspired by movies and TV shows, painting and drama, Christian believes that expressing individuality and being inclusive are essential. Christian has been completing his Master of Education (Primary) which has helped him develop his students’ potential. He encourages students at artKids to find their own artistic style and learn at their own pace.
Wita Puspita
A recent addition to the artKids Team, Wita has a background in not only graphic design but baking! Seizing an opportunity during Covid, Wita started her own baking-from-home business to supplement her gorgeous graphics. She loves the Kawaii style of drawing, creating planners and stickers to help everyone stay organised in style. More recently, she has returned to her first love, Manga, and teaches our very popular Saturday Anime/Cartooning classes. As a mother too, Wita enjoys pursuing her love of all things art with her son – and is learning more about Pokemon than she ever thought she would!