Betsy K. Schulz started working with young children to create art when her son and daughter started preschool at Hanna Fenichel Center for Child Development. Schulz was intrigued by the Reggio Emilia Approach, an educational philosophy based on principles of respect, responsibility, and community, fostered through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment. Her experience of working with the students, parents, and teachers at the Center was so inspiring and positive that she continues to engage students and others in her public art projects. In many private landscape and art projects, she involves the families in creating their own space and art. She is convinced that sharing and teaching as an artist helps everyone understand the artistic process and take ownership of the art or environment they have created.

(Many of the volunteers who have come through Schulz’s studio are in treatment for cancer. Others are going through divorce, missing their children who have gone away to school, or restructuring their days after retirement. Many of Schulz’s projects include the work of moms or whole families.)