July 06, 2004

By: Loretta Dawson
Website: http://www.1st-in-kids.com

Nation's Largest Drugstore Chain Features Kid's Artwork

Oklahoma gift bag designer, Jeanmarie Creations, working in partnership with Kids-Did-It! Properties, a San Diego, CA business that collects, represents and publishes student artwork, have published a unique series of eight gift bags under the Kids-Did-It! Designs retail brand.

The gift bags feature surprisingly beautiful, fresh and colorful floral illustrations created by young children, ages 7-9, and will be available for purchase for this Mother’s Day holiday in Walgreens drugstores throughout the US. In addition to learning the basics of art and design, each young artist also earns a royalty for the publication of their work.

Jeanmarie Creations, a leading designer and marketer of decorative paper gift bags and tags, was inspired to select illustrations from the Kids-Did-It! Designs collection because of their fresh and colorful images as well as the unique appeal of the Kids-Did-It! concept.

The bright color and fun of these children’s drawings are really appealing. Plus it’s a great surprise when you find out the illustrations were made by young kids! They’re just right for this Mother’s Day program, said Howard Conrad, Product Manager for Jeanmarie Creations.

The bags features artwork created by Cortland Bobczynski (7), Stephen DeVito (7), Roxanne Hanson (7), Christina Miller (9), Bianca Saad (9), Jessica Shutt (9) and Lauren Van Woy (9) – all young students of California artist and art teacher, Michelle Abrams. Throughout the summer young children, ages 5-14, join Michelle for art classes in her San Diego studio. Her encouragement and contagious love for the arts brings out the best from her enthusiastic students.

Michelle often compares the student artwork to those of the classics, describing their artwork as, '…inspirational, quite colorful and strikingly beautiful'. After class, Michelle encourages parents and students to take [their artwork] off the refrigerator, enlarge it, frame it – treat it like fine art and display it proudly throughout the house!

Michelle's husband, Glenn, also a designer, was inspired to create Kids-Did-It! Properties, a design studio that collects, represents and publishes the student artwork.

So, aside from the thrill and satisfaction of being published artists, the young kids also earn a royalty for the licensed reproduction of their work. Students often use the proceeds as extra allowance, or for college savings. Some students have even framed their first royalty check! says Glenn.

About The Author:

Loretta Dawson is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com.  Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.