Why Golden Moon Studios?
The Full Story
It's been a dream of ours to offer more resources to our community, especially young minds interested in art. Our educational approach supports children & youth to imagine, create and collaborate. Our program offers lessons through play-based learning and self expression projects.
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Educational Philosophy
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Our hope is to give children a voice through art-making. Art allows a child to explore, from the point of the unknown to a point of completion, learning art techniques while working through mistakes and problem solving, resulting in higher self-confidence, awareness, and leadership skills.
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We hope to provide growth in children through honoring ideas, executing dream designs, guidance through questions to engage problem-solving, build creative thought processes through mistake-making, and celebrate collaboration.
Our Mission at Golden Moon
We believe arts as a form of language to express feelings and emotions. We achieve this through hands-on experimental arts education for children & youth. Whether your child is curious about art or looking to feed an already blossoming interest, our inspiring space and exceptional staff are here to help grow young minds through our carefully curated program.
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Our Staff - Lena Lee
Lead Art Coordinator and Instructor
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Our Lead Art Coordinator and Instructor has a BFA from Academy of Art University and her background includes writing curriculum and taught at children museums in the Bay Area. She is a water media artist and has shown in exhibitions all over the Bay Area.
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" I believe art is a form of communication. As an artist, I want to say it's a third form of language. This is how we communicate to the world and it is through our artwork."
Our Staff - Christine Kita
Art Instructor
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After receiving a BFA at Kutztown University our art instructor, Christine Kita designed art for publications. Over twenty years ago, when working at a summer camp, she fell in love with teaching. Chris has taught preschoolers, children, teens and adults at Sea Breeze Preschool, Pacific Art Gallery, County of Alameda Public Libraries, Fremont Art Association and Private Art Studio.
Using an array of materials, including pencil, water color, charcoal, and pastel Chris loves to cultivate student's interest in art. She focuses on important principles including color, shapes, light and shadows, compositions and background. Chris likes to educate students by showing and discussing examples with them. She truly has a love for art and a love for teaching and we're so happy to have her!
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Our Staff - Sherry Woodward
Art Instructor for Adult Painting Classes
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Sherry is a self-taught artist, and art teacher living in San Mateo. She enjoys painting daily and never runs out of inspiration. Although she works full time as a commercial insurance broker, she is a prolific painter devoted to her craft. Her work can be described as impressionistic, expressive, and impactful.
Sherry loves to share her process with her students, and encourages them to loosen up by tapping into their “inner child”.
Sherry is currently exhibiting over 20 pieces of her work at Golden Moon Gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1) Why enroll in our art classes (class, workshop, etc)?
Since opening our gallery space in 2016 we've always wanted to offer more resources to our community, especially young minds interested in art. With our new studio space we're now able to make it reality. Our hope is to give children a voice through art-making. Art allows a child to explore, from the point of the unknown to a point of completion, learning art techniques while working through mistakes and problem solving, resulting in higher self-confidence, awareness, and leadership skills.
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In addition, we hope to provide an inspiring space for adults of all experience levels to create.
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2) Will you have adult classes as well?
Yes! All workshops are listed here with more adult classes to come!
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3) What's an average class at after school or camp look like?
A typical day at art camp starts with checking in and introduction to our main art activity, based on that week's theme. Campers are shown a new technique and/or art material. We then will have snack time (usually on our patio) followed by more project work. Some days children will take a walk to Central Park and the Japanese Tea Garden.
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Our painting classes are open to school aged children. Pick your own schedule!
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4) My 13 year old isn't really interested in taking classes with a 6 year old.
We customize each student’s lesson to support them, whether by age or experience. Older kids become leaders for the younger kids and the younger kids offer a playful approach with art materials that older kids “forget” but absolutely love to be reminded of. It really creates a fun dynamic and great atmosphere!
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5) Are snacks and lunch provided for Summer Camp or Painting Class?
Our class and camp days (ex: summer camp, spring camp, fall camp) we don’t provide any food items because kids tend to have a range of different likes and dislikes, as well as allergies and other dietary restrictions, we ask that parents please send their child with non-refrigerated lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Please keep in mind that camp is NUT-FREE environment.
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6) I've heard of Golden Moon Gallery but not Golden Moon Studios. Do you have reviews or credentials?
That makes sense because the studio space is brand new and just opened this year (2022). We are currently building our reputation as an art space that offers classes and camps. Our Lead Art Coordinator and Instructor has a BFA from Academy of Art University and her background includes writing curriculum and teaching at the Children's Creativity Museum as well as the Museum of Children's Art. Please feel free to contact us about touring the space and meeting the staff! Additionally, we ask that you share your experience with us on Yelp. Any feedback helps us grow!
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7) I see that you mention classes will be outside if weather permits, how is this possible?
We have a beautiful and spacious patio that can easily accommodate over a dozen students. It is shaded and protected for privacy. With Covid concerns not really going anywhere paired with the great weather we have in San Mateo, we plan to have the majority of lessons on the patio. Don't forget sunscreen and sun protective gear such as a hat!
