Artist, Parrot, Teach Children

By Stephanie Tipple

Lake Ridge, Va. — Though art education has, in a sense, fallen to the wayside in recent years, a local artist wants to change that.

Ruth Johnsen, an English-born artist with a family legacy, has lived in Virginia for 25 years and has spent this time teaching students the important lessons and skills to become artists. In 2010 Johnsen took a big leap of faith and started the Edgemoor Art Studio in her home. With the support of parents and a great deal of hard work, Johnsen upgraded and moved the Edgemoor to its current location at 12616 Lake Ridge Drive in Lake Ridge in January.

And why did Johnsen decide to take a business risk and open her own art studio? Because the kids need art, and art has the capacity to help children learn and grow, said Johnsen. But this isn’t just an hour or two of arts and crafts lessons – this is a place where children can grow their artistic capabilities and their technical artistry skills, while having fun in a creative and family oriented atmosphere with other community children.

“There’s no limit to what you can impart to someone else. I particularly believe, in all areas of education, that kids will rise to the expectations of the teacher, and the biggest thing is nurturing their creative spirit,” Johnsen said. “Everyone can come here, and grow and learn from the point that they’re at.”

To reinforce the child-friendly nurturing atmosphere, Edgemoor Art Studio has recently added a new mascot, Picasso, an eight-month-old Sun Conure Parrot, that the children absolutely love.

Johnsen frequently holds fun themed workshops, like the popular chocolate artwork workshop, also offering fun workshops and activities for small groups and parties. She is currently registering students for a winter session which runs from January to April.