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Art School for Children History and Staff

History of the Art School for Children

The Art School for Children was established in 1977 with an enrollment of 30 students. Dr. Ellin Grossman and Mary Ann Boykin worked together to develop model curricula and teaching methods for diverse ages and learners.

After teaching with the Art School for 10 years, Dr. Ann Waltz served as the program director from 2005-2017. Dr. David Moya took over as director in the spring of 2017 and became a clinical assistant professor for the E-12 art education track in the summer of 2020. Dr. David Moya served as the Art Schools director from 2017-2024. The program has expanded to an annual enrollment of over 1,200 students. Classes are held at UH-Clear Lake, after school at numerous elementary schools in the Clear Creek and Friendswood Independent School Districts, at local private schools, and at home school groups.

The Art School for Children is dedicated to offering art classes that benefit all children, inspire pre service teachers, give additional options for professional teachers, and serve families and the community.

Meet the Team

Classes are taught by our director, university students, certified teachers, and others with strong backgrounds in art and/or art education.

Director - Ariana Estis

Ariana Estis is a mixed media artist from Clear Lake, Texas. After previously serving as the school’s Business Administrator, Ariana now leads the Art School with curiosity, care, and a deep love for creative community. She holds a BA in Philosophy and Theology with minors in Psychology and Ethics, and recently earned her MA in Humanities with a focus on Studio Arts. When she’s not teaching or guiding the school into its next chapter, Ariana can usually be found oil painting, collaging, or playing with clay - currently crafting ceramic cicadas and mixed media designs that explore identity and culture. With over ten years of experience inspiring young artists across the Houston area, she is endlessly excited to see what students imagine, make, and discover next.

Contact Information: Estis@uhcl.edu

EXT: 3344

Admin - Allison Abowd

Allison helps in coordinating marketing efforts, classroom management, and preparing teachers for a successful and colorful semester with their students. Along with assisting in business administration, she often teaches a class or two each semester. Allison recently graduated with her B.A. in History and is passionate about her work in and out of the classroom as a practicing artist who focuses on sculpture!

Teacher - Samantha Pineda

Samantha Pineda is one of our awesome teachers who recently graduated from UHCL's Art Education program. She is currently interning at an elementary school and she has brought such a fun energy to the Art School, we are so thrilled to be a part of her Art Education journey!

Teacher - Sierra Reilly

Sierra Reilly is currently a dedicated cosmetology student and independent mixed media artist, she brings over five years of experience working with K–12 students in daycares and camps. Her creative background spans painting, resin art, and hands-on project facilitation that encourages self-expression and confidence. She is excited to bring her artistic skills and collaborative spirit to our program.

Teacher - Brittany Bryant

Brittany Bryant is a recent graduate from UHCL's BFA program! She is an avid a sculpture maker with quirk and charm, aiding in students creative growth and critical thinking skills.

Student Worker - Sylvia Villanueva

Sylvia is a current student in the BFA program here at UHCL! She has been training in painting and looks forward to passing on her knowledge to the children of our community. She is passionate about creative growth and exploration within the imagination!