Interview by Liv Williams
What started as a single classroom dreamt up by founder Janine Boyd has grown into four welcoming studios, a dedicated team of educators, and a lasting legacy of building confidence, creativity, and self-expression through art.
With a major exhibition just around the corner and new programs on the horizon, we caught up with Janine to reflect on two decades of creativity, community, and the joy of making art.
Little Picassos is turning 20 this year – huge congrats! How does it feel to hit this milestone as a South Australian original concept?
It’s really exciting to be celebrating 20 years. When I first started Little Picassos, I dreamed of creating a
small, beautiful purpose built children’s art studio, to have continued to grow and expand from our original little space, to now four beautiful locations, is really satisfying and brings me joy every time I walk into one of the studios and see the children creating.
Looking back, what inspired you to start Little Picassos all those years ago?
I was a trained Visual art teacher with a B.Ed in visual arts, but back then, art was mostly only taught in high school. I was creating, teaching and developing art curriculums for early childhood centres and primary schools, and I saw a need in the market for classes for young children outside of the school setting. I could see the importance of providing visual art experiences for young children, and knew I had a winning formula. I started our first class with 12 children in 2005.
You’ve nurtured thousands of little artists – how do you think art education supports children beyond the canvas?
Through the art process, children learn to think independently, they build self confidence, not only in their ability, but in themselves and who they are, what they have to bring. Art lets children know what they see, think, feel is true, right for them, and who they are.
Art helps children see there are no right or wrong ways in art, just differences, and every contribution or idea is right for its creator. Little Picasso’s studios are a safe and supportive space for children to try out their ideas, process their feelings and build self-belief and confidence. Skills learnt during art experiences extend much further, enriching other areas of children’s lives in so many ways.
You’re hosting a major exhibition in the city these Spring school holidays – can you tell us a bit about what to expect?
In late September, Little Picassos will open our 20-year celebration exhibition, with 600 artworks by the current students of Little Picasso studios.
Children aged 2 years to 18 years will have their work on display, created in drawing, painting, printmaking and collage artworks on canvas and wood. The exhibition will be displayed throughout Adelaide Arcade, mostly suspended from the upper levels in such an iconic and beautiful south Australian building. The artworks are a celebration of spring, the colours, patterns and what Spring brings to the children of Adelaide.
What’s next for Little Picassos – any new classes, programs, or dreams on the horizon?
We have exciting plans ahead, including fun workshops during the exhibition at Adelaide Arcade where kids can view the art and create their own pieces. Our popular new Artful Afternoons offer flexible creative sessions for kids and families on selected weekends. Summer Art Camps return with visiting SA artists to inspire and engage. And of course, never say never to a possible new studio space or two on the horizon….
Little Picassos Studios
Glenelg Studio
1/686 Anzac Hwy, Glenelg SA 5045
Hyde Park Studio
Rear, 330 Unley Rd, Hyde Park SA 5061 (Shop 8)
Woodcroft Studio
Room 6, Woodcroft Morphett Vale
Neighbourhood Centre
175-183 Bains Rd, Morphett Vale, SA 5162
(Next to Library)
Magill Studio
463 The Parade, Magill SA 5072 (Shop 2)
For bookings and enquiries: Janine Boyd | 0408 769 667
studios@littlepicassos.com.au
littlepicassos.com.au
@littlepicassosadelaide
