Sawyer partners with hundreds of educators who are stars in their communities. From inspiring class content to engaging teaching styles, these educators are known for their enriching activities that empower both children and parents alike.

We got the opportunity to chat with Laurie Evans, Studio Programs Manager of ArtReach, which provides art classes and camps to children in San Diego. Their programs ignite creative expression and foster community connection through transformative visual arts education, collaborative murals, and workshops. We learned about inspiring moments in and out of the classroom, the importance of out-of-school education, and how Sawyer helps them grow.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! I’d love to hear a bit more about you and why you started your business.

I have been working with ArtReach for almost 5 years now however our non profit organization has been around since 2007. We began offering our studio programs about a year and half ago when we moved into our new office in Hillcrest, San Diego. We now have the studio space for all of our offerings for kids ages 5-12 such as our seasonal camps, family workshops, after school art classes, and our Drop In Play sensory exploration for early childhood development.

Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator?  

An inspiring moment for me is watching the studio transform into a true creative community over time. There are days when I step back and see children exchanging ideas, encouraging one another, and confidently explaining their creative choices without any adult prompting. When kids begin to see themselves not just as artists, but as collaborators and mentors to one another, it reinforces the power of a shared studio space. Those moments remind me that art education isn’t just about what children make,  it’s about how they learn to listen, express themselves, and belong.

What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children?  

The most rewarding part of teaching children is witnessing their growth beyond the artwork itself. Through art, they learn problem-solving, communication, patience, and how to trust their instincts. Watching children build confidence, collaborate with others, and express emotions they may not yet have words for is incredibly meaningful.

What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day? 

One time, a child arrived at one of our camps feeling very shut down. They didn’t want to engage with the materials, the other students, or the art project at all, and spent the morning quietly observing from the sidelines. When we transitioned into a new project using clay later in the day, something completely shifted. That simple change in medium sparked their curiosity and sense of play. Suddenly, their personality came to life,  they began experimenting, asking questions, and confidently creating. By the end of the day, they were fully immersed, making incredible work and connecting with others. It was a powerful reminder of how the right material at the right moment can unlock imagination and confidence.

On a similar note, what’s the funniest thing a child has done in your class? 

During a Drop In Play session, a child very seriously announced that their abstract painting was “a map to my house, but only dogs can read it.” The confidence and logic behind it had the entire room laughing! It perfectly captured the imaginative freedom we try to protect in our studio.

Why is after school/extracurricular enrichment and camp so important for children?  

After school and camp programs give children the time and space to explore who they are outside of academic expectations. These environments allow kids to slow down, create with their hands, and engage in open ended play and problem solving. Especially today, when schedules are busy and screen time is high, creative enrichment helps support emotional regulation, confidence, and social connection.

How do you think children can discover their passions when they’re not in school or your programs? 

Children discover their passions through freedom, curiosity, and exposure. When they’re given unstructured time, access to materials, and encouragement to explore without pressure, they naturally gravitate toward what excites them. We encourage families to support this by valuing process over product and allowing children to follow their interests even when it looks messy or unconventional.

What is your favorite Sawyer feature? 

One of my favorite Sawyer features is how streamlined it makes registration and communication for families. It allows us to focus more energy on the children and the studio experience, while still providing parents with clarity, flexibility, and ease when signing up for programs.

What's one trick you learned from another educator that you still practice? 

One of the most valuable practices I’ve learned is to ask open-ended questions instead of offering solutions. Phrases like, “What do you think would happen if…?” or “How does that feel to you?” empower children to trust their ideas and problem solve independently. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference in building confidence.

Have you discovered new customers on the Sawyer Marketplace?  

Yes, the Sawyer Marketplace has helped introduce ArtReach to families who may not have otherwise found us. It’s been a great way to connect with parents who are actively seeking meaningful, creative enrichment opportunities for their children here in the San Diego community.

How do you balance your time between running your business (from an operational perspective) and teaching/connecting with parents and students? 

Balancing operations with hands-on teaching requires intention and flexibility. Having strong systems in place allows me to stay organized behind the scenes while still prioritizing time in the studio and meaningful connections with families. Staying present with the kids is always the guiding force behind how we structure our days.

How has Sawyer helped your business? 

Sawyer has helped streamline our scheduling, enrollment, and communication, which has been essential as our studio programs continue to grow. By reducing administrative stress, we’re able to focus more fully on creating thoughtful, high-quality experiences for children and families in our community.