At Sawyer we have the privilege of working with hundreds of inspiring educators around the country. Whether they teach virtual classes or in-person activities, the curricula always foster enriching atmospheres for children of all ages to discover their love of learning.

We got the opportunity to chat with Maria Galloway, one of the co-founders of Viridian Art, a studio in LA with the goal of giving their students the skills to become independent artists. In our conversation, we learned more about the benefits of out-of-school activities, inspiring moments in the studio, and so much more.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! I’d love to hear a bit more about you and why you started your business.

As art educators, we recognized the need for a dedicated space where kids, teens, and adults could develop real art skills in a studio environment. Growing up, we were all deeply passionate about art, and it would have been a dream come true to have access to a space like this—one where we could truly nurture our creativity and learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting. Our goal was to create that dream space for today’s young artists—especially for those who crave more than what’s offered in traditional school settings and are serious about developing their craft.

Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator?  

It’s been incredible to watch students start classes with us as young elementary school kids and grow into amazing artists over the years. Seeing them develop their skills, build phenomenal portfolios for college applications, and pursue their creative dreams is truly inspiring. What’s even more special is when those same students go off to college, and then return to work with us as teachers in the studio. It’s a full-circle moment that speaks to the sense of community and mentorship we’ve cultivated.

What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children?  

Teaching children art skills that truly stay with them throughout their lives is incredibly rewarding. It’s especially meaningful when a student starts with us, struggling with fine motor skills or visual perception and, over time, makes remarkable progress. Watching them overcome challenges, grow in confidence, and develop their abilities is one of the most fulfilling parts of what we do—it’s an absolute joy to witness their transformation.

What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day? 

One of our teen students just recently brought us each a full cheesecake to class. That was pretty awesome! And we did have a student who made portraits of all of the teachers. It was really special.

On a similar note, what’s the funniest thing a child has done in your class? 

One of our students lost 2 teeth during class. It was pretty funny. As soon as we had him go rinse out his mouth, and we put his tooth in an envelope, and he got back to his art, then another tooth fell out.

Why is after school/extracurricular enrichment and camp so important for children?  

Over the years, it’s been amazing to watch our students form meaningful friendships with their classmates. They genuinely look forward to seeing each other each week in class or during summer camps, often building connections with peers they might not have crossed paths with otherwise. Providing kids and teens with the opportunity to expand their social circles beyond school is so valuable. Just as important is giving them a space where they can focus on the activities they’re truly passionate about and thrive in an environment that nurtures their creativity and interests.

How do you think children can discover their passions when they’re not in school or your programs? 

Allowing kids time for free play and unstructured exploration—away from screens—is so important. When their schedules are packed with back-to-back activities, they miss the chance to daydream, play, and truly explore their interests. It’s in those unscheduled moments that kids discover what they’re passionate about and develop their creativity.