About Free Range Art Classes
ABOUT US
ABOUT TRACY
The Free Range Art Studio is a collective or artists that embrace "process-based art" - which means we create with an attitude of "discovery" and focus heavily on the experience while letting the outcome happen naturally. EVERYBODY can create art! Inspiration is everywhere, and each person "sees" it differently. We hope you unlock your inner artist!
Students of all ages are encouraged to join us at Free Range Art. We offer workshops for kids, teens, and adults. Our unconventional approach to teaching sets us apart, and our end goal is for our participants to feel the spark of excitement while learning something new! We are driven to curate classes with specially designed instruction that matches our students' interests. Mixing materials and processes that might not be conventional is at the core of our concept.
We can also offer exceptional private group paint or jewelry projects, birthday parties, and team-building events. Please email to inquire about these events or visit our tabs, above, for "parties" or "adult events".
Our goal is to introduce students to a variety of art materials, tools, and techniques that encourage curiosity, exploration, and most of all... confidence!
We like to expose our participants to materials, combinations, and concepts that they have never experienced. The name "Free Range Art" comes from a love of letting loose and learning about art and design from the world around us - without boundaries. In Free Range Art classes we strive to teach different and unique ways to make art, as well as guide a person to understand what kind of art they prefer and what kind of artist THEY are.
Tracy Taylor (founder and teacher at Free Range Art Classes) designs opportunities to make art through experimentation, exploration, and hands-on instruction. She emphasizes "process art", so it's all about the creative experience. This releases pressure on the outcome while allowing the students to just settle in and create at their level. Her role is to support them on their creative journey, and that looks different for each person.
In addition, Tracy created a program at Free Range Art that brings "National Art Honor Society" high school art students into the studio to work with our students and to share their artistic passions. Together, Tracy and the small team of art students include unique materials, modern-day artists/inspiration, nature, animals, and recycled materials into the experience at Free Range Art.
(For even more curious minds...)
Tracy holds a bachelor's degree in fashion design and graduated cum laude from Thomas Jefferson University (previously PCT&S and also Philadelphia University). Prior to that, Tracy attended the University of Delaware while studying Fashion Merchandising. Her love of design carried over to a clothing store Tracy built from the ground up called "Endeavor" in Glen Eagle Square of Chadds Ford, PA. Tracy and her store, Endeavor, were featured on the cover of a local magazine (Delaware Today) after winning awards as a local favorite and "Best of Delaware" - all the while specializing in wearable art and selling some of Tracy's own designs. Tracy's love of all things design became apparent in the unique interior, store window displays, props, staging, and merchandise made by artisans from around the world.
While raising her children, Tracy enjoyed working as a scout leader with her husband and was often found taking kids to local parks and doing crafts with groups of kids in her home. In addition, working as a volunteer in the local schools has always been a favorite way to stay connected. Tracy's love of photography and design has more recently forged a business in real estate photography and home staging. Tracy brings her love of art, nature, animals, and exploratory design to her classes at Free Range Art. Surrounding herself with friends who also enjoy teaching and creating art is a dream come true for Tracy. You can find her in the studio with others while they, too, teach workshops to adults in the evenings, and a smile is always on her face.
Tracy holds the background clearances required to work with children and looks forward to helping others become the best creators they can be!
* In addition to Tracy Taylor, there are now numerous teaching artists offering workshops in the Free Range Art Studio. Many of the artists have carried over into other facets of the studio.
Heather Carey teaches amazing homeschool art classes and also the "Crafts & Kindness" After School Art Club with Tracy during the school year. Heather will be the head counselor running the summer camps as well.
Tammy Mears is a talented PARTY organizer and brings her skills to the table for Birthday parties with Tracy. If you haven't seen a party with Tammy and Tracy, you haven't "seen" a party at all!
Sherri from Botanical Bubbles is a talented herbalist and scientist. Sherri teaches our soapmaking, lip balms, lotions, bath bombs, and fire cider workshops. There's nothing that can compare to one of the large batches of Sherri's soaps and how it makes your skin feel!
Farren Maillie is a skilled fiber artist and raises her own sheep! Farren is offering some wonderful needle felting workshops at the Free Range Art Studio!
Stay tuned as we update our artisan list!
