Writing this was a way for me to keep sane while in isolation. The book is called Drawing Workshops for kids published by Quarry books. I find such joy in developing art projects for kids. That’s how I spent my time when the studio was closed during the Covid pandemic. I consider art-making a sophisticated endeavor that furthers self-confidence, problem-solving skills and creative thinking through exploration. We introduce children to drawing techniques, ceramics, printmaking, collage making and sculpture using recycled materials and sometimes sculptures with what we can find walking the neighborhood. We provide East Los Angeles with one-of-a-kind art classes, workshops and camps with the aim to induce wonder and spark enthusiasm for the world around them. Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Purple Twig? Being thoughtful and confident in teaching art is not so easy to learn. Honestly, I am naïve when it comes to business but those things are easy to learn with time and a good accountant if you can ask questions. When moving through life in a non-conventional way, one can question oneself and feel naïve.

Guiding children to explore all kinds of materials and techniques, furthering self-confidence and supporting my teachers to be the best they can be and finding their own way. Monetary value is not the first thing that comes to mind. I spend a lot of time thinking about how success is measured for me compared to our society. It forces me to be clear about what is important to me in fostering this art studio. Being aware of the roots of Capitalism is critical. I am a bit of an anti-Capitalist which one might think makes owning one’s own business complicated. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect? I had been teaching art in other institutions around LA for about 8 years and wanted to grow my ideas of teaching art to children in a creative environment of my making and develop my teaching philosophy centered around the process of art making rather than the product of art making.Ĭan you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. I get to explore and learn every day with these kids. I come to teaching art as a maker of objects, a lover of materials and with a desire to learn new techniques. I have a BFA from School of art Institute of Chicago and a MFA from USC. I opened the doors hoping people would find what I have to offer as worthwhile and drop off their kids and to my delight, they did. 12 years ago, I rented this storefront, putting in little tables and chairs and loading the shelves with art supplies. The studio is located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. I am lucky enough to own an art studio for kids and families called Purple Twig.

Hi Samara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

Now I am always bringing materials home from the studio when we have a big project in mind like making something for a class at school or for the holidays but not on an everyday spontaneous level.Today we’d like to introduce you to Samara Caughey. Okay so you may know this but I teach art to children ages 2-11 and since I have opened the Purple Twig studio here in LA I have not given my children much support in creating art at home. This is such a thoughtful and invigorating way to think of the importance of children having the freedom to make art at home. Open- ended creativity in the art room empowers our children to mess about, take risks and discover that they have good original ideas. The colorful and inviting materials feed their imagination and the dedicated space gives them the freedom to explore their ideas. In the art room, Children work with their hands and innovate. There are a lot of things I like about this book, but what I was first taken by ( besides the luscious images) was how articulate this book is on supporting the making of art at home with your kids and creating an easily accessible space for your children to do so.

Purple twig