A Message from the Founder
When I first started this venture, my inspiration came from a deep concern for children and the world they’re growing up in today. From the pressures of modern life to the ever-increasing presence of technology, it’s clear our kids are navigating more than we ever imagined. Even toddlers know how to scroll! The question that kept coming up for me was: How do we help children find balance? How do we guide them to use their time creatively, meaningfully, and with joy?
My own love for the arts began when I was a child. I grew up going to Broadway shows, listening to my dad’s Broadway albums, and taking dance lessons from an early age. That spark stayed with me.
Years later, my mother — who had taken every kind of art class with her friends, from oil painting to scratch art — bought a small frame shop. It eventually evolved into a full-fledged art gallery. I left a corporate career to grow that gallery with her, and we were proud to become one of the Top 100 Galleries in the U.S., offering everything from original works and serigraphs to sculpture, jewelry, and curated art for designers and collectors.
My love for art runs deep. And I’ve seen firsthand how it transforms people — especially children. That’s what inspired Canvas for Kids.
Our Mission
To create a positive environment through community art events that empower and engage our creative selves.
At Canvas for Kids, we believe art can be a powerful tool for empowerment, healing, and community building. Our values guide everything we do:
- Empowerment – We believe in empowering children through the transformative power of art, helping them express themselves, build confidence, and feel a sense of accomplishment.
- Community Collaboration – We partner with businesses, organizations, and individuals to create inclusive and engaging art experiences that bring people together.
- Inclusivity – We are committed to ensuring all children, regardless of background or ability, have access to the arts.
- Creativity – We encourage imagination and personal expression, giving children the freedom to explore and develop their artistic voices.
- Support & Nurturing – We foster a supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow.
- Well-being – We recognize the importance of emotional and physical well-being and aim to support children affected by illness through the therapeutic benefits of art.
- Sustainability – We are committed to building a sustainable future for our programs through responsible stewardship and diverse funding.
- Impact – We strive to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of children and their communities — measured in smiles, confidence, and connection.
We teach children to paint like the masters — not just to copy, but to understand the process and then create their own interpretation. It’s a beautiful balance between learning and freedom.
In our inaugural season, partnering with the St. Louis County Library allowed us to reach over 100 children through free painting workshops. This fall, we’re excited to collaborate with the St. Louis Art Fair as part of their Creative Castle initiative.
We believe that by introducing both children and adults to the joy of painting — and to the lives and stories of artists who came before us — we can inspire a new generation of creators.
How the Events Work
At each event, children are guided step-by-step through a fun and approachable painting session. We introduce them to an inspiring artist or art style, explore color and technique, and let them create their own masterpiece — all while building confidence and community.
How to Get Involved
We believe art should be accessible to everyone. If you’d like to volunteer, donate supplies, or help us bring Canvas for Kids to more communities, we’d love to hear from you.
Testimomial!
“My daughter came home beaming with pride — she couldn’t stop talking about the artist she learned about and the painting she made!” – Parent from our St. Louis County Library workshop
Explore upcoming events and learn more about how you can get involved at canvasforkids.org.
Canvas for kids is a free program sponsored by donations. Please feel free to donate at canvasforkids.org
Any amount is appreciated!
Thank you for being a part of this journey. We’re just getting started.
– Faith Berger
Founder, Canvas for Kids