Buy Local; Inspire Global: Abrakadoodle Commissions Original Works from Emerging Artist

Dec. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Like an elf in her new studio, newlywed Robin Anne Cooper of Walhalla, South Carolina has been busy at work creating 52 original 12x16 art pieces thanks to a holiday gift commission by international creative art education company Abrakadoodle. Robin Anne’s work caught the attention of Abrakadoodle staffer Kathy Armstrong and Abrakadoodle franchise owner Lisa Hoffmann during a visit to a gallery in Maryland, where they appreciated her fresh, distinctive style. Cooper uses a unique style of canvas collage, which she paints, cuts up and then produces a new piece featuring such whimsical subjects as cats and dogs. Abrakadoodle’s mascot happens to be an arty dog named Splat. When Rogers first approached Cooper, she inquired about acquiring one original that could be replicated. Cooper, a big believer in the importance of creating original, affordable art, convinced Ms. Rogers that every gift needed to be unique.

Robin has been working as a professional artist for eight years, having recreated herself after a layoff in the IT industry. She experimented with techniques that would satisfy her need for collage material that was both thick, stiff and would give her control of the color. “Kids so often associate art with well known artists of the past like Picasso and Rembrandt,” Rogers said, adding, “Abrakadoodle features these classic artists, as well as some of today’s working artists like Robin Anne Cooper, who create amazing artwork that inspires kids to be creative and see how real people incorporate art into their lives and their work.” Cooper said, “I knew I was onto something when I did an art demo at a local school, and a second grader recognized my art at a subsequent event and brought his parents to see my creations.” Rogers remarked, “I am delighted to help support Robin and thereby her local economy, while buying customized art made in the US.” The original artwork is being shipped as holiday gifts to Abrakadoodle franchise directors across the United States, as well as its international franchise locations.

Robin Anne Cooper’s artwork will also be featured in Abrakadoodle’s springtime Kids on Canvas instructional art series for children, which will reach tens of thousands of children in the U.S. and at Abrakadoodle’s international locations. According to Rogers, “We feel it’s so important for kids to learn about artists who are actually working today, creating fresh wonderful art and are in fact making a living do so.” Robin expressed great excitement that children will learn her unique collage style of art. “I think it’s great for kids to learn about art, different techniques and make choices about design that reflect their own sensibilities. I was really happy when Abrakadoodle called,” commented Robin. “Abrakadoodle stands behind artists and creativity.”

Facts
   Abrakadoodle is a mobile art program offered at schools and community sites throughout the U.S., as well as via art studios in several international locations
   Abrakadoodle programs feature hundreds of classic and contemporary artists representing unique styles from all over the world
   Children benefit from comprehensive, multi-arts programs
   Abrakadoodle has been the recipient of numerous Nickelodeon Parents’ Picks Awards

About
Abrakadoodle was co-founded in 2002 by award-winning educator/franchise developer Mary Rogers, CFE, MA.Ed, and children’s services franchising expert Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE. Abrakadoodle is the most comprehensive creativity and art education company of its kind, offering extensive visual arts classes, camps, parties and programs for children ages 20 months to 12 years old.

http://www.facebook.com/abrakadoodle
http://www.endoftheroadstudios.com

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Abrakadoodle is an internationally recognized company that provides a wide array of creative art classes, camps, birthday parties, face painting and more for children ages 20 months to 12 years old at schools and community sites.