Q&A With Kathy Leader of The Art Process
In the vibrant world of mixed media art, Kathy Leader stands out as a creative force, blending her rich cultural background and diverse experiences into captivating works. Born in South Africa and now based in Santa Barbara, Kathy's artistic journey has been shaped by her deep appreciation for both art and education. With a passion for guiding others on their creative paths, she founded The Art Process, where she offers workshops and retreats that inspire artistic expression.
Lucky for us parents, Kathy also leads art classes for children that nurture creativity while ensuring a safe and engaging environment. Founded with a love for art and education, Kathy’s camps and classes have been a creative haven for children, focusing on self-expression and exploration. She offers year-round as well as summer programs that are tailored to meet the developmental needs of each child, fostering a lifelong appreciation for art.
Join us for a fun and informative Q&A that touches upon Kathy’s unique approach to art, her inspiring teaching philosophy, and how she continues to impact the art community.
What types of activities and programs do you offer, and how are they designed to benefit the campers?
We offer art classes and camps appropriate to your child’s developmental stage. These classes encourage self exploration and love of the art process while developing a relationship to various art movements, artists, cultures and media. Painting, drawing, printing, collage and construction are all introduced. We meet your child where they are! Our mission is to encourage a new form of self expression in a nurturing environment.
Can you describe a typical day at your camp?
Arrival: Circle name and game (a game associated with art, ie: your favorite color memory game)
Introduction to Art: Read a book/show images about our subject matter eg if we are working with natural materials, talk about artists who use nature as inspiration
Studio work (in groups if they wish)
Lunch break
Afternoon: Continue with project. Open art table available with materials if they are complete
Closing circle: recap what was learnt
How do you accommodate children with special needs or dietary restrictions?
Dietary: Children bring their own lunch. Snacks are based on any allergies reported during intake.
Special Needs: Depends on level of needs. We do not accommodate for 100% 1-1 needs. However, partial needs are met with a counselor’s assistance.
Upon recently learning that summer and day camps in California are exempt from licensure according to Title 22 of California Department of Social Services Child Care Regulations it would be helpful for parents to know what safety measures and protocols are in place to ensure the well-being of the campers, the staff to camper ratio, and what kind of training your staff undergoes.
We have the appropriate safety measures in place and work in a fenced in area, our staff to camper ratio is 5:1.
How do you foster a sense of community and inclusiveness among the campers?
Circle discussion always brings their voices into the room as well as games alternating partners.
Low counselor ratio to kids enables this to happen. We constantly are reminding them of the language used when they interact with each other.
How do you incorporate environmental sustainability into your camp operations?
Many of our programs include outdoor education. Wherever possible we talk about the importance of respecting nature even while seeing nature as our inspiration. We encourage the use of recycled materials and upcycling used objects.
What are the enrollment procedures, and are there any prerequisites for campers?
Minimum age 6. Forms to be filled out by parents.
Can you discuss the cost of attending the camp and any available financial aid or scholarships?
$425/week (10-2:30)
How do you communicate with parents throughout the camp session?
Emails have been found to be the most efficient mode of communication with parents
Can you share any success stories or memorable moments from previous camp seasons?
Many previous campers have gone on to study art in high school and college. My goal is to encourage art especially with those who show signs of deep interest.
What do you personally enjoy most about working at this camp?
Children teach me so much about how to live in the moment and to let go of product and focus on process.
How do you believe your camp stands out from other summer camps?
We have a more holistic approach to art education that includes encouraging experimentation, exposure to various artists, cultures and movements. All subject matter is age appropriate. We do not teach really young children to draw realistically. This sets them up for self criticism later on and the shutting down of their natural creative energy.
If you could invite any celebrity to spend a day at your camp, who would it be & why?
My celebrities are artists! I’d invite Andy Goldsworthy because he uses the natural environment as his palette as well as a deep reverence for the natural world.
Kathy’s camps are more than just an art program; it is a community where children learn to embrace creativity, respect nature, and express themselves.
The Summer “Art In Nature” Camp is open for registration and runs from August 12-16 (an often ignored week in our summer plans!) from 10am-2:30pm.
Get more info and sign up here!
