Deana Neibert, a native Oklahoman, spent the first 18 years of her adult life teaching theatre. In Oklahoma, she was the drama and stagecraft teacher at Edmond Memorial High School where she was a member of the International Thespian Society. While at EMHS, Deana directed over 30 plays and musicals. In 2010, her husband, Lee was offered a job as a theatre professor at USC Upstate. Deana then moved to South Carolina where she was the managing director of the Spartanburg Youth Theatre. Although Deana spent many hours designing and painting sets, making props, and sewing costumes, she decided to trade the stage for a paintbrush. In 2016, Deana decided that she was ready to study art full time and attended USC Upstate in order to become certified to teach art. Deana currently teaches art to children at the YMCA, in local schools as an Artist in Residence, and teaches privately. Deana also teaches art to special needs adults at USC Upstate. Deana’s latest artworks have been in shows at USC Upstate, The Chapman Cultural Center and The Kentucky Derby Museum. Deana is thrilled to join Whizkidme family and cannot wait for you to visit her classes.
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Week | Session Topic/Theme | Key Takeaways | Materials needed |
June 4 | Popsicle Stick Window Wonders Join our exciting art class where kids will unleash their creativity by making colorful windows out of popsicle sticks! They’ll design, build, and decorate their own unique window frames, bringing their imaginations to life. It’s a fun-filled adventure in crafting that will have them beaming with pride! | 1. Learn how to construct a sturdy window frame using popsicle sticks. 2. Develop artistic skills by decorating their popsicle stick windows with paint and other materials. 3. Encourage creativity and self-expression through hands-on crafting activities. | Supplies: Popsicle sticks White runny glue Markers Pencil and eraser |
June 11 | Abstract Construction Paper Cities Dive into a world of imagination in our Abstract Construction Paper Cities class! Kids will cut, shape, and layer colorful construction paper to create their own vibrant cityscapes. It’s a playful and artistic journey where their creativity knows no bounds! | 1. Learn how to cut and arrange construction paper to form abstract cityscapes. 2. Enhance fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and layering paper. 3. Foster creativity and self-expression by designing unique city scenes. | Supplies: Colored paper Glue Scissors Pencils Black Marker |
June 18 | Butterfly Bracelet Bash Flutter into fun with our Butterfly Bracelet Bash class! Kids will create beautiful butterfly-themed bracelets using beads, string, and colorful charms. It’s a delightful crafting experience that combines creativity and fashion in the most magical way! | 1. Learn how to string beads and charms to create a butterfly-themed bracelet. 2. Develop fine motor skills through bead threading and knot tying. 3. Encourage artistic expression and personal style by designing unique bracelets. | White paper Color Makers of your choice Scissors Glue stick |
June 25 | Summer Frog Fun Leap into creativity with our Summer Frog Fun class!. It’s a ribbiting adventure where imagination and fun come together in a splash of summer joy! 1. Learn how to draw a frog. 2. Develop fine motor skills. 3.Explore artistic creation and design | GWhite paper Pencil and eraser Color Makers of your choice | |
July 9 | Marker Foil Monoprints Magic Dive into the colorful world of Marker Foil Monoprints Magic! Kids will explore the exciting technique of creating vibrant monoprints using markers and foil, resulting in unique and stunning artworks. It’s a fun-filled class where creativity and color blend beautifully! | 1. Learn the monoprinting technique using markers and foil. 2. Develop artistic skills through experimentation with color and texture. 3. Encourage creativity and self-expression by designing unique monoprints. | White paper Waterbased markers (Crayola) Spray bottle with water Aluminum foil |
July 16 | Cute Paper Mouse Creations Scamper into creativity with our Cute Paper Mouse Creations class! Kids will craft adorable paper mice using colorful paper, and a touch of imagination. It’s a delightful crafting adventure where tiny paper mice come to life in the most charming way! | 1. Learn how to cut and assemble paper to create cute mouse crafts. 2. Develop fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and decorating. 3. Encourage creativity and artistic expression by designing unique paper mice. | Supplies: Colored paper Glue Scissors Markers, colored pencils or crayons |
July 23 | Van Gogh Cherry Blossom Trees Step into the world of Van Gogh with our Cherry Blossom Trees class! Kids will create beautiful cherry blossom tree artworks using watercolors, construction paper, and oil pastels, inspired by Van Gogh’s vibrant style. | 1. Learn to use watercolors, construction paper, and oil pastels to create cherry blossom tree artworks. 2. Develop artistic skills by exploring color blending, layering, and texture. 3. Encourage creativity and self-expression through the creation of unique, Van Gogh-inspired pieces. | White paper Pencil and eraser Brown construction paper Watercolors Paintbrush Cup of water Paper towels |
July 30 | Whimsical Watercolor Dragonflies Embark on a colorful adventure with our Whimsical Watercolor Dragonflies class! Kids will dip their brushes into a world of imagination as they create vibrant dragonfly artworks using watercolors and their boundless creativity. It’s a fluttery, fantastical journey where every stroke brings these magical creatures to life! | 1. Learn basic watercolor techniques such as blending and layering. 2. Develop fine motor skills through painting and detailing the dragonfly wings. 3. Encourage creativity and imaginative thinking by designing unique and colorful dragonfly artworks. | White paper Pencil and eraser Watercolors Paintbrush Cup of water Paper towels |
August 5 | Raindrop Umbrella Delights Splash into creativity with our Raindrop Umbrella Delights class! Kids will explore the magic of watercolor as they paint whimsical umbrellas adorned with shimmering raindrops. It’s a drizzle of fun and color, where every brushstroke brings their umbrella designs to life! | 1. Learn basic watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry. 2. Develop fine motor skills through painting delicate raindrop details on their umbrellas. 3. Encourage creative expression by designing unique umbrella designs inspired by the rainy weather. | White paper Pencil and eraser Watercolors Paintbrush Cup of water Paper towels |
August 12 | Jolly Jellyfish Creations Dive into an underwater world of creativity with our Jolly Jellyfish Creations class! Kids will use their favorite color makers to craft vibrant and whimsical jellyfish artworks. It’s a mesmerizing journey where imagination meets the ocean depths, creating jellyfish masterpieces that shimmer and sway with the tide! | 1. Explore marker techniques such as blending and layering to create colorful jellyfish bodies. 2. Experiment with different textures and patterns for the jellyfish tentacles using markers. 3. Encourage imaginative thinking and artistic expression by designing unique and vibrant jellyfish artworks using their chosen color palette. | White paper Pencil and eraser Color makers (colored pencils, crayons, etc.) Scissors Glue |
August 19 | Whimsical Mushroom Magic Step into a forest of creativity with our Whimsical Mushroom Magic class! Kids will explore the enchanting world of mushrooms as they create adorable mushroom artworks using their favorite art supplies. It’s a delightful adventure where imagination flourishes, and each little mushroom becomes a tiny masterpiece! | 1. Learn basic art techniques such as drawing and shading to create cute mushroom designs. 2. Develop fine motor skills through detailing and decorating their mushroom artworks. 3. Encourage creativity and self-expression by designing unique and charming mushroom scenes using a variety of colors and textures. | Supplies White paper Scissors Color Makers of your choice (crayons, colored pencils, etc) Pencil and Eraser |
August 26 | Enchanted Castle Dreams Enter a realm of wonder and imagination with our Enchanted Castle Dreams class! Kids will embark on a majestic journey as they create breathtaking castle artworks using their favorite art supplies. It’s a magical adventure where every turret, tower, and gate brings their fairy tale dreams to life! | 1. Learn basic drawing techniques to sketch out the structure and details of a castle. 2. Develop fine motor skills through careful outlining and coloring of their castle artworks. 3. Encourage imaginative thinking and artistic expression by designing unique and magnificent castle scenes filled with enchantment and splendor. | Supplies White paper Scissors Color Makers of your choice (crayons, colored pencils, etc) Pencil and Eraser |
Week | Session Topic/Theme | Course Structure Students will do & learn: | Materials needed |
June 5 & 12 | Splashy Watercolors Basics Dive into the colorful world of watercolors with our Splashy Watercolors Basics class! Students will learn the basics of watercolor painting, from blending and layering to creating vibrant washes. It’s a fun-filled journey where every brushstroke brings their imagination to life on the canvas! |
1. Learn fundamental watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry. 2. Explore color mixing and blending to create a variety of hues and shades. 3. Develop confidence and creativity through hands-on experimentation with watercolor painting. | White paper (watercolor paper is best) Watercolors Watercup Paint brushes Paper towels Salt Plastic wrap or bag |
June 19 & 26 | Shark Watercolor Adventure Embark on an oceanic journey with our Shark Watercolor Adventures! Students will explore the depths of their creativity as they paint majestic sharks using vibrant watercolors. It’s an exciting experience where every brushstroke captures the power and beauty of these fascinating creatures! | 1. Learn basic watercolor techniques such as washes, glazing, and wet-on-wet. 2. Explore color mixing to create realistic shark hues and ocean backgrounds. 3. Develop artistic skills and attention to detail by capturing the unique features and movements of sharks in their paintings. | White paper (watercolor paper is best) Watercolors Watercup Paint brushes Paper towels Salt Plastic wrap or bag |
July 10 & 17 | Oceanic Octopus Watercolors Dive into an aquatic adventure with our Oceanic Octopus Watercolors class! Students will immerse themselves in the vibrant world of watercolors as they paint whimsical octopuses swirling amidst the ocean waves. It’s a creative journey where each brushstroke brings these intelligent creatures to life in stunning hues! | 1. Learn basic watercolor techniques such as washes, blending, and wet-on-wet. 2. Explore color mixing to create captivating octopus patterns and underwater backgrounds. 3. Develop artistic skills and attention to detail by capturing the fluid movements and intricate features of octopuses in their paintings. | White paper (watercolor paper is best) Watercolors Watercup Paint brushes Paper towels Salt Plastic wrap or bag |
Cardboard pieces | |||
July 24 & 31 | Whirling Paper Spirals Papercraft Step into a world of colorful creativity with our Whirling Paper Spirals Papercraft class! Students will embark on a whirlwind adventure as they craft vibrant paper spirals using an array of bright colors and patterns. It’s a mesmerizing experience where simple strips of paper transform into captivating works of art! | 1. Learn the basic technique of creating paper spirals using strips of colorful paper. 2. Explore color combinations and patterns to design unique and eye-catching paper spirals. 3. Develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness through the precise folding and shaping of paper to create intricate spiral designs. | Colorful paper Scissors Glue Ruler |
August 6 & 13 | Acrylic Butterfly Bliss Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant beauty with our Acrylic Butterfly Bliss class! Students will spread their artistic wings as they paint stunning butterflies using acrylics, exploring a rainbow of colors and textures. It’s a magical journey where each brushstroke transforms the canvas into a symphony of fluttering wings! | 1. Learn acrylic painting techniques such as layering, blending, and dry brushing to create butterfly wings with depth and dimension. 2. Explore color theory and composition to design visually striking butterfly artworks. 3. Develop fine motor skills and brush control to capture the delicate details and graceful movements of butterflies in their paintings. | White or black paper Acrylic paints Paintbrushes Watercup Cotton Swabs Scissors Paint palette |
August 20 & 27 | Toilet Paper Roll Artistry Get ready to roll with creativity in our Toilet Paper Roll Artistry class! Students will transform ordinary toilet paper rolls into extraordinary works of art using acrylic paint and their imagination. It’s a unique and eco-friendly approach to crafting that turns recycling into an exciting artistic adventure! | 1. Learn innovative techniques for repurposing toilet paper rolls as art tools. 2. Explore acrylic painting methods such as stamping, stenciling, and texture painting with toilet paper rolls. 3. Develop creativity and resourcefulness by experimenting with different painting techniques to create dynamic and textured artworks. | Cardboard 2-3 toilet paper rolls Scissors White runny glue (Elmers) Pencil Ruler Acrylic paints Paintbrushes Paper towels Watercup |
Please Note: Both Age Groups (if applicable) will follow the same class plan structure and content. The content delivery will be tailored to the age group.