Artist, Heidi Jeub, created a new way to bring arts education and arts experiences to new communities and neighborhoods. In the summer of 2019, she was awarded a grant through the McKnight Foundation to build her vision for a traveling art studio, which she has named the Tiny School of Art & Design. This 14’ long by 8.5’ wide trailer, looking more like a tiny house on wheels, carries art materials and studio furniture to communities that do not have access to arts activities.

The purpose of the Tiny School of Art & Design is to build community through the foundations of art. Jeub tackles misconceptions of art by building the vocabulary in art making. Her programs tap into the simple concepts of Art & Design, such as line, color, shape, and form (elements of art) or harmony, balance, emphasis, and movement (principles of design). With over a decade teaching art in schools and communities through the state of Minnesota, she has learned that the folks apprehensive about art and art making, set ridiculously high expectations of their abilities, without even trying.

Mother and Daughter dive into their paintings exploring color and composition at the Franciscans of Little Falls Annual Green Fair, August 2019.

“I often hear from people, mostly adults, that they can’t even draw a straight line,” she says, “so I say, ‘I didn’t ask you to draw straight line.’ The reason I say this, even if it is a little snarky, is that it is a way to open up the conversation about art appreciation, visual information, and being open to the vocabulary around art. It’s not about making the art at all. It’s about understanding the visual world around us.”

Jeub was raised in communities removed from any visual arts training as a child. Not until her college years, did she experience what art making could be, and therefore the true impact of arts education for a young mind. As she designed the Tiny School of Art and Design, she envisioned her audience to be kids and families in her childhood communities, who just want to learn and play with an artist, even for an hour.

“Art in higher education is so expensive, and the competition to get into an art school is extremely high. Rural youth without previous experience may not be able to compete with those who have museums, thriving art programs in their schools, or opportunities to engage with local artists throughout their lives,” she says. Jeub believes that by simply opening the door to these simple art concepts, and also giving parents tips on how to raise a creative child, would offer a child to consider that their art making could improve their lives, regardless of the profession they choose or the places they live.

The Tiny School of Art and Design has another component that could be of interest to communities and organizations serving specific constituencies. Jeub, with many years and a masters degree in arts nonprofit management, wants to partner with host organizations and businesses to create experiences in communities throughout the state. By Building Community through the Foundations of Art, the tag line for the portable studio, Jeub will work with the host organization to customize activities that specific connect to the mission and vision of the organization, but also is accessible to the people they serve. The art making is not just “make and take,” but a vehicle (literally) for engaging community.

Creator of the Tiny School of Art & Design, Heidi Jeub, Photo by Crystal Berg

The Tiny School of Art and Design is one of four “Ala cARTes” created through the Sprout Mobile Market Initiative, funded by the McKnight Foundation, Otto Bremer Trust, Lakewood Health System, and Mardag Foundation. The project is coordinated by Sprout MN, Region Five Development Commission, and Five Wings Arts Council. For more information go to www.heidijeub.com/tiny-school-of-art-design.

Press Release: Tiny School of Art & Design