ITS MORE
THAN ART…

We believe our art classes should be kept small with only 8-10 Little Artists, to better provide a safe community atmosphere to where their individuality can be nurtured, and challenged in a way that builds a strong self-image and cultivates self-esteem through accomplishment and self-recognition. We take time to listen and focus on the inner child and the magic they hold within.  We want the “whole child”; heart, mind, spirit and body to grow and shine bright and be proud of their work and individuality. (Afterschool classes 6- 8 kids camps 12- 15 kids)

Art is really  an outlet for our personal voice.   We want to focus on building a welcoming and supportive environment for our Little Artists and families. Having a safe place to share our individuality makes it easier to learn how to open our hearts and understand one another.  Every child needs their voice heard as well as to learn how to hear the voices of their peers, teachers, community and their environment.   So sometimes that means pausing our daily activities to talk about feelings that arise and problem solve a situation with one another, together.  Through this type of open, and warm classroom the children’s communication skills with one another grow and therefore strengthens their self–worth. With strong self-esteem, kindness for others, and good communication skills a child will enter their life with tools for success!  

NICHOLE FARNUM

Nichole Farnum, FOUNDED Little Tree Art StudioS in 2011, ORIGINALLY IN SAN FRANCISCO. Before opening Little Tree, Nichole TAUGHT in Early Childhood Education for 18 years at many well-known and respectable schools in Minnesota, Park Slope Brooklyn, and San Francisco. SHE has a B.A. in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Art Education from Minnesota State University and A Masters DEGREE in Special Education from Fordham University in NEW YORK. Nichole sits on the board for the Ross Valley School District’s YES Foundation, which FUNDS music, theater and art programs in schools.

Nichole lives in Sleepy Hollow, with her husband ALEX, her daughter, SIBBY AND SAWYER, THE DOG.

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“Little Tree is magical,  

we have enjoyed workshops, classes and birthday parties that our daughter STILL talks about.  Highly recommend!”

— Michelle T.

“The Little Tree art camp was one of the few camps my daughter consistently wanted to attend over summer breaks. She took classes there for several years and the teachers were great about tailoring projects to a child’s specific age and capabilities. I was always impressed with the creativity and variety of class projects, the warmth of the instructors, and by the quality of the final works that my daughter brought home. I would highly recommend this camp! ”

— Tanya N.

“My children’s’ experience at Little Tree was amazing. Nichole and her staff not only gave my children a chance to be artist, my children learned to find their voice via the art, were exposed to the masters (Klimt, Warhol, Klee, etc) and how to give and receive feedback. I treasure and display nearly every piece they made and every lesson they learned. ”

— Anne P.

“Little Tree is great! I always look forward to it after school. Nichole really appreciates our art, and wants us to be the best we can be. She is always really nice and the activities that she comes up with are always super fun and creative. Most of the pieces that I have made are still hanging on my wall!”

— Miel- age 10

“This was the most special class experience I had with my child. Nichole’s mixture of creativity and kindness always made my child feel ready to push the boundaries on her exploration of art. It was a place that brought out her best self”

— Lee

“We LOVE Little Tree Studios and Nichole! Nichole comes up with creative and unique projects that make every child feel like an artist. What we loved most is that Little Tree Studios has options for everyone, and every child feels free to explore and create art. It’s as much about the process as it is about taking a final art piece home. In addition, when art pieces are completed, everyone in the class gets to see them displayed, and they gather around to say what they like about each others art. It’s a huge confidence builder, and makes everyone feel special. We are so sad Little Tree is no longer in SF. We love it so much we may need to start planning monthly trips to San Anselmo!”

— Tara