I love our recent projects at Social Art Studio when we partner with local businesses! We had a team building workshop at Samsung, a charitable exhibit at Zoes Kitchen, and now… a live painting session at Pastasios Pizza in Addison, TX.

Check out my delicious artwork of a New-York style pizza served at Pastazios!

What’s next?  Making tortillas faces and vegetable collages? Why not? Stay tuned for my next funky art project!

Twenty kids from ages four to thirteen joined me at Social Art Studio to create juicy summer paintings for Zoёs Kitchen Summer Art Program. We completed our first session on Mother’s Day and conducted a follow-up session one week later. The studio was filled with shiny mood and radiant smiles. Kids at Social Art Studio were so happy to express their creative vision to help children from Big Thought program!

Children’s paintings are now displayed at Zoёs Kitchen on 6025 Royal Lane, Ste. 104 in Dallas and are available for sale. Each painting cost $20. All proceeds will benefit Big Thought, one of the nation’s leading nonprofits focused on building partnerships that allow all children access to quality learning opportunities. To learn more about Big Thought, please, check www.bigthought.org

I find Mike Ruiz, a New-York-based fashion photographer very inspirational. Mike is originally from Canada. He was born and raised in Repentigny, a suburb in Montreal in a very humble environment. In one of his interviews Mike recalls, “My parents were very blue-color. They never brought me to the museums, we never traveled, but I knew I had this wonder lost in me.  I remember when I was six years old, and looking at my environment and thinking ‘Oh my God, when can I get the hell out of here?’  I always knew from very early age that something bigger was waiting for me.”  

Can you believe that Mike was a chubby little kid who was bullied in school? Look at him now! He is in incredible shape!

When he was almost 30 years old, he received a photo camera as a Christmas gift and became obsessed with photography. Mike was comfortable being in front of the camera – he worked as a male model since he was 17, but that Christmas gift turned everything around. Now Mike is behind the camera, capturing the hottest Hollywood celebrities, directing video clips and judging TV shows.     

I find Mike especially inspirational because he envisioned his future life, visualized it and created his own unique success story. He used to have a dream of being a part of an entertainment business and being friends with celebrities. He says that his life became a manifestation of his fantasies.

Last Sunday was a special day at Social Art Studio! We had a unique workshop with adults AND kids! With adults, we painted 'Jamie's Flowers,' while kids were given more freedom in their creative expression. Anyway, it was a great family event and we had a blast! Check out the pictures and the video!