Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Rendell.
Hi Diana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a dream to help cultivate artists and bring artists together in the community. As an artist, something I have wanted for a long time is a community of artists to work alongside of. I have a BFA in painting and have worked as an artist for many years. I recently got my Master’s of Arts in Teaching, and Allen received his Master’s in Business Administration. We decided that before I took the plunge to a K-12 Art position, we should take a shot at opening Art School. We began with online courses during the pandemic and slowly started giving art classes at businesses. We set down some temporary roots in the meeting space above The Very Violet Boutique and are planning to settle long-term in a ground-level space in November.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When we began planning things, lockdowns were beginning to go into place. We didn’t know how or if we would ever have a permanent location. Teaching online was challenging, but we designed some supply boxes and worked with downtown businesses that had “drop locations” for our students to drop off and pick up items. The downtown community has been such a blessing to us. They have been very welcoming and helpful. Stepping into a new business feels intimidating, but having such strong and supportive business owners and operators cheering you on and rooting for your success gives you the confidence to believe in what you are doing and to put back into the community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been working as an artist for many years. I am both a painter and sculptor. All of my work is introspective and I see visual arts as a method of communication; a language in itself. My sculptures tend to speak of my interactions and interpretations of social events or pressures. My art speaks of how I see the world or interpret the many idioms and stereotypes of our time. My paintings are indicative of my processing through life events and trying to capture life-altering moments and how those shape our present state of mind and our future choices. (you can view my work at www.daianrendell.com)
Allen and I have always had a heart for the community. We have worked in communities of need for over ten years. We believe strongly that when people come together to help one another in real ways, the community is stronger overall. Our mission statement: “Cultivating artistic language through community engagement”, really defines the heart of what our community center aims to do. We believe that through creative, visual, kinesthetic problem-solving, we can find more confidence in ourselves and through that help inspire confidence in others. We also are seeking to partner with different visual-based businesses and studios throughout the area to help artists find a place in the visual art world. Art is so multifaceted. Each time we endeavor to create, we learn, we grow, we gain ways to teach others.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Allen is an engineering manager and holds degrees in philosophy, engineering, and business. He is also an accomplished musician and artist. Diana holds a BFA in painting and an MAT in art k-12. We have been happily married for 18 years and have three wonderful children.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.artschoolkc.org
- Instagram: @artschoolkc
- Facebook: @artschoolkc
- Twitter: @artschoolkc
