Since 2000, Creativity Greenhouse has been providing children in the Guelph area with a creative education and experience.
Owner of Creativity Greenhouse, Kate Reilly, was raised in Toronto by artistic parents who provided her with an artful upbringing. She had the privilege of experiencing a childhood brimming with creative exposure. Reilly’s parents were both graduates of the prestigious Ontario College of Art. From a young age Reilly was engaged in artistic pursuits and extracurriculars, from collecting odds and ends, to attending a school rich in creative opportunities.
“They ensured I always had time and space for creativity,” said Reilly, of her parents, who planted and sowed the seeds of creativity in Reilly.
Reilly went on pursue her education, earning a Diploma in Drawing and Painting at The Ontario College of Art and Design, like her parents. At the time OCAD was a college, not a university, and Reilly decided to further her education by completing a Degree at the University of Guelph in Fine Art.
As a student Reilly started a job at a local art supply store, Wyndham Art Supplies.
“This opportunity was an education in art supplies, that I had not been afforded while studying,” shared Reilly.
From there Reilly began to grow as an artist and an instructor, teaching at the Guelph School of Art and various public and private schools around the area.
“I received requests for private lessons, which I began conducting at my kitchen table at home,” said Reilly.
From there the business bloomed, and Reilly established a studio for her personal art and private lessons. By 2000, she had registered her arts school as a business, and the Creativity Greenhouse was born.
Reilly’s passion is to nurture the creative side of children from an early age, having personally experienced the benefits artistic exposure as a child. Reilly recently went back to school to earn a Diploma in Early Childhood Education at Conestoga College.
Through the study and practice of art students are able to build their self-confidence as they discover who they are, both creatively and literally, said Reilly.
She is disappointed when she sees public schools not teaching the arts as thoroughly as they once were.
“Art can appear to be a negotiable subject at times,” she lamented.
Reilly believes that art touches every subject, from history, science, math, and geometry.
“Art helps children build their inner resources,” she said, while sharing that current research shows that artistic experiences and expression aid in children’s cognitive abilities.
Creativity Greenhouse offers a variety of programs for students of all ages. The studio prides itself on small class sizes, which allows students to experience one-on-one attention and are able to create in an environment that feels comfortable and personal.
“The object of what we offer is to enhance individual creativity, and a joy of making art,” Reilly shared.
Creativity Greenhouse offers specialized six-week classes, including The Art of Drawing, The Art of Painting, and the Art of Sculpture. Ten-week classes are also offered on Saturdays, and encompass a broader range of mediums and techniques.
Themed camps run during the summer, March Break, and PD Days. Themes have included bookmaking, sock monkey making, and fashion camps.
Creativity Greenhouse is considered a gem in Guelph. Reilly shared that she does not advertise her business, and word has spread simply by word of mouth referrals.
“Many of my early students are adults now,” Reilly said.
Reilly has enjoyed watching families and students develop their talents and pursue their artistic endeavours beyond her studio.
She has even had the joy of having a second-generation student come into her studio; a truly memorable and joyful moment.
Visit the Creativity Greenhouse website here, or find them on Facebook here. Creativity Greenhouse is located at 195 Arthur Street North.
