July Newsletter

The Creative Corner with Mrs. Diaz

Hello Creative Corner families!

Before jumping into July art news, I wanted to open with a little piece of my summer.

As soon as the school doors officially closed for us teachers, my husband and I celebrated our 12th anniversary. We are saving our pennies, but one thing we love to do is stay at our favorite Airbnb in Lawrence. Lawrence reminds us of cities we once lived in as full-time pedestrians — places where we could walk, wander, enjoy outdoor cafés, and simply take in the rhythm of a creative little city.

While in Lawrence, we visited Simply Grand Kitchen & Creamery,  located in Grandview, Missouri, a small woman-owned business that serves locally made ice cream. It was such a sweet reminder of how meaningful small businesses are — places created with heart, personality, and community in mind.

This summer also brought a visit from my longtime friend Aimee, who came in from New Jersey. We first met in South Korea when we both worked at Helen Doron. Aimee taught pre-k, and I taught kindergarten. We have been friends ever since. My husband is from Philly, so we love meeting up in the Northeast when we can, and Aimee always enjoys a good visit back to the Midwest as she travels state to state as a full-time animal sitter.

I have also been using this summer to focus on healing, movement, and rebuilding strength. I have been working on healing my back, improving my body, and adding more movement into my daily life. One of the most exciting parts of this has been beginning martial arts through Moore’s Martial Arts Academy. It has been a wonderful place for both adults and children, and I am already looking forward to inviting Master Moore to a fall event I will be coordinating.

Of course, new movements can sometimes wake up old weaknesses. Now, I have been dealing with runner’s knee (40s is fun ), but I am choosing to see this as part of my body realigning and learning how to support me in a new way. I am listening to my body, moving carefully, and continuing to follow this dream of learning martial arts.

This summer has reminded me that creativity is not just about making art. It is also about healing, reconnecting, trying again, supporting small businesses, moving through discomfort, and making space for the life we are building.

A Note About Summer Classes

I want to share a note about the week-long summer art classes that were canceled.

The phone calls, emails, and interest did not go unnoticed. I am truly grateful for every family who reached out, asked questions, and considered joining The Creative Corner this summer.

Communication is valuable to me-- this summer I took a break from my laptop and screens. 

After a full school year, I realized I needed to pause and make space for rest, healing, family time, and resetting. I look forward to a revised 2026-2027 schedule at my school to support my role with balance. I also learned an important lesson as an independent workshop operator: summer classes need to be posted, promoted, and registered early in order for me to plan well. I posted the classes in late May for the last week of June and mid July weeks. When there is not enough early registration, it becomes difficult to confidently move forward with a week-long class. I want every Creative Corner workshop to feel thoughtful, organized, and fully prepared — not rushed or uncertain.

This does not mean The Creative Corner is going away. It means I am learning how to build this small creative space in a way that is healthy, sustainable, and prepared with care.

Thank you for understanding, reaching out, sharing, registering early, and continuing to support meaningful art experiences for young artists.

July Kids Art Workshop

The July Kids Art Workshop is for ages 6–10 and will take place:

July 20–24
Monday–Friday
1:00–3:00 PM

Our July Saturday classes will feature two bright, animal-themed projects:

Watercolor Manatee
Young artists will create a peaceful underwater manatee scene while practicing watercolor techniques, texture, and ocean-inspired details.

Complementary Color Lemur

Students will create a bold, colorful lemur while learning how complementary colors can make artwork feel bright, playful, and expressive.

Each class includes guided instruction, creative choices, and time for students to build confidence with drawing, painting, and design.

Junior High Art Workshop

The Junior High Art Classes are still growing, and I am optimistic about how this program will continue to develop over time.

These workshops are for ages 11–15 and meet on Thursdays from 5:00–6:30 PM at the NOTO Art Center. July Dates: Thursday, July 9, 16, and 23

One benefit of a smaller class right now is that students receive more one-on-one guidance, support, and feedback as they create. This gives older students space to ask questions, build skills, explore their own ideas, and work with more independence in a calm, encouraging environment.

My hope is for this class to continue growing into a creative space where junior high artists feel comfortable developing their voice, trying new techniques, and gaining confidence in their work.

Thank you to the families who have already shown interest and helped spread the word. Every share, question, and registration helps this program grow. 

Community, Creativity, and Support

Thank you to everyone who continues to support The Creative Corner. Whether you register for a workshop, share a post, tell another family, or simply cheer this little art space on, it truly means so much.

Small creative spaces grow because of community support, and I am grateful for every family who helps make this possible.

Thank you for supporting creativity, confidence, and meaningful art experiences for kids.

With gratitude,
Mrs. Diaz
The Creative Corner with Mrs. Diaz