Smartypants Art Studio
tel: (209) 604-5780
about the studio
The original Smartypants started back in 2010 in a tiny home studio when its founder, Dawn Bankson, had an idea of creating a unique place where children could learn about the visual arts. With her background in Early Childhood Education and love for the arts, she was able to create lessons that not only taught art but encouraged the social, intellectual, and emotional growth of her students.
In January of 2019, Dawn decided to move the studio to Downtown Merced. The new studio was a brightly lit and safe space where children learn to explore art, create, and express themselves. Each child is given the opportunity to take part in socialization through fun activities where they make friends and lasting memories.
In March of 2020, with the onset of the Covid 19 virus, Dawn made the difficult decision to close the physical studio in Downtown Merced. It is with great excitement that we announce the return of Smartypants Art Classes for children Ages 5-15. The classes will be limited to 6 children per class to give each child the maximum one on one time with Dawn. They will be held in Dawn's home art studio that is conveniently located in central Merced.
about the owner and instructor
Dawn Bankson has been teaching art for over 20 years. She has taught in private and public schools and has been running her own Children's Art studio for 12 years.
Dawn is passionate about the arts and being able to share that with kids of all ages.
As well as running the studio, Dawn is a mother to 2 adult children. In her spare time Dawn loves to travel with her husband, spend time in her garden, and loves cooking for family and friends.
about our guest art teacher
Madison Ewing has a passion for teaching and has worked with kids her entire working career. She attended Stan State to pursue her passion for art and gain a BFA in Studio Arts.
After graduating Madison worked at an art school in Modesto as an Art Teacher and Art School Coordinator. While working there Madison developed a portfolio full of fun ceramics projects for kids and adults alike!
Madison believes that working creatively is important for so many reasons: as an emotional outlet, developing confidence and problem solving skills and so much more.
about the photographer & website designer
Sara Theodozio is from Atwater, California and has recently relocated to Salem, Oregon, where she works as a middle school librarian. Her passion for photography began in the beginning of her college career, where she would take fun photos of her friends, family, and her college town of San Luis Obispo.
Sara loves photography and designing websites. If you ever need a redesigned website or photos, she's the one to call!
Feel free to view more of her work or contact her here:
