OUR VISION
The Hearts Behind Your Best Life
We are dedicated creators on a mission to empower children and families with the heart and tools needed for soulful self-discovery and lasting emotional growth. Our passion lies in nurturing resilience and sparking joy in every young heart.
Qualifications & Credentials
Professional Background
Decades of global experience in color theory and design education, bringing professional artistic standards to early childhood development.
Childhood Expertise
Specialized training in social-emotional learning, utilizing creative art to help children navigate complex emotions and build resilience.
Visual Storytelling
Award-winning design expertise focused on creating expressive characters that foster deep emotional connections with young readers.
The Heart Behind the Book
After a global career instructing educators in the principles of color and design across North America and abroad, Vicki Rhodes-Merryweather transitioned her focus toward the transformative power of children’s ART & CREATIVITY. She believes the vital nature of the creative process is frequently undervalued. During her time teaching in Japan, she observed that students initially struggled with individual expression due to a cultural emphasis on group cohesion. However, through dedicated mentorship, she witnessed a shift as creativity became a central pillar of their work. To her, creative thinking is the ultimate vehicle for breaking boundaries and mastering the art of PROBLEM SOLVING.
Artistic expression has been a cornerstone of Vicki’s life, leading to high-profile roles as a CREATIVE CONSULTANT where she produced visuals and promotional content for major corporations. One notable career highlight was a product launch featured on Good Morning America, followed by a prestigious media event at Madame Tussauds in New York City. Throughout her journey, she has also shared her expertise as an author of several books and a contributor to numerous international publications.
Driven by a desire to pay forward the joy art has provided her, she established the ART GARAGE. This studio serves as a dedicated sanctuary for children who may not resonate with traditional sports or dance, offering them a unique space to explore their potential. Catering to students aged 6 to 18, the ART GARAGE is a safe haven where art foundations are taught alongside vital life lessons in self-love, compassion, and radical acceptance.
Having mentored many students for over a decade, Vicki has had the privilege of watching their imaginations flourish. She sees their technical skills, confidence, and self-worth expand, positively impacting every aspect of their personal growth. For Vicki, guiding these young minds is the ultimate reward, as they learn to embrace their own brilliance and realize that with a creative spirit, their potential is truly limitless.
