Little Pallets!

With new students, Little Pallets likes to know about a students experience with art.

Lessons typically begin with introductory techniques and expand from there.  Little Pallets has a high return rate of students because they love the variety of art mediums techniques, and styles of learning.

Miss Crystal has a degree in  Illustration and a Visual Arts Minor from Boise State University. She has been an art teacher for 12+ years.  Miss Crystal is passionate about learning and believes all people carry a creative spark.

Little Pallets sessions range from $100-$120 depending on the lesson and location.  Sessions are 4 week long with each class lasting one hour.

Little Pallets loves to teach groups and individuals. 

Miss Crystal has always loved art. This love was further sparked when her small high school began art classes. Crystal’s art teacher encouraged her to go into the arts as she looked towards college.  While in College Crystal perused her degree in Illustration while taking basic education classes as well as art education classes. Her teaching experience began with teaching 3-6 year olds art basics at a local preschool.  Then opperatunities opened to teach at a local elementary school as well as after school programs.  From there Crystal began working with at-risk teens teaching basic pottery skills. In 2011, Crystal with her best friend Mandee began Little Pallets, an education company that helps to bridge art and education to students throughout the Treasure Valley.  With their passion for art, history, science, culinary, cultures  and people they bring a unique educational experience to their students.  Most recently Crystal and Mandee have used their skills to venture into the world of literature with the creation of their childrens book: Journey the Brave. 

As Little Pallets we have had the pleasure to teach students 2 1/2 years old through age 90.

Recently one of my student discovered the joy of Batik. Batik is a process of using melted wax on fabric and then painting with fabric dye. The wax will resist the color of the dye and create a unique white outline on the fabric. In the process of this project one of my students used an image of a squirrel taken from their back yard.  This squirrel, who has been named Peanut, comes every day to their glass door and knocks.  Peanut talks to the family dogs and begs for food. Peanut is a member of the family.

During the creation of the batik this young man was more focused on his work than usual.  He loved drawing Peanut, rolling the cooled wax in his fingers and creating this art that is near and dear to him.  Even his painting with the fabric dyes was done with more detail than I had seen before.  

When his mom came to pick him up she said that his Doctor suggested he be put in occupational therapy.  Her response was, “I put him in art”. I have seen great growth in this young man and it is an honor to see him grow!

When finding a teacher, I would look at the style of teaching that works best for you.  For example, if you are the type of person that is very structured then perhaps finding a teacher with the same outlook would be a good environment for you. For instance if you are a person that likes to express their own flair then finding a teacher who inspires that will be a better fit for you than a more structured paint by number type of teacher.

What I suggest to potential students is to first evaluate what you want to learn. Look at the types of experiences you have already had and see if there is one that stands out to you.

Share your story: A persons story is a powerful method of communication.  Share your interest, and likes.  Where do you want to go with your art?

If you have not had a lot of experience with the arts then be open to learning.  There are a lot of different styles of teaching out there from following step by step instructions to more expressive and self directing. None of these are right or wrong, but one may fit better for your personality and style.