Abrakadoodle Art Education to Open in Panama

June 28, 2012 - PRLog -- Abrakadoodle Remarkable Art Education is expanding its international program with the addition of the Republic of Panama, which marks the company’s growth into Central America. Development is underway for Panama’s first Abrakadoodle Art Studio for Kids, which is located at Calle 64 Casa numero 55, Panama City, Panama. The studio is scheduled to open in late August or early September. Abrakadoodle-Panama will also offer mobile outreach programs at schools and community sites that serve children.

“We are delighted to welcome our new Master Licensors Connie Motta Endara (photo, right) and Cristina Benitez (photo, left) of Panama City to our award-winning Abrakadoodle franchise system,” said Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE, President and Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle, Inc. “Connie and Cristina bring a great combination of business and educational expertise, which we are confident will help ensure their tremendous success in a world region that embraces creativity and innovation.”

“Panamanians appreciate the importance of arts in education,” said Connie Motta Endara. Cristina Benitez commented, “We came to Abrakadoodle at a perfect time, because we can combine education, art and business to make a difference in the lives of children in Panama.”

Connie Motta Endara is Panamanian and completed her education in the United States at the University of Miami, where she studied education. She has taught English at two schools in Panama and has also worked in a nursery school and a family foundation. Connie is mother to three children: two girls ages eight and ten and a boy, age three.

Cristina Benitez was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Miami, Florida in the U.S. Her family is Cuban. Cristina attended Boston University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education from the University of Miami. She has lived and taught school in Thailand, Venezuela and Panama. Benitez has two children, a 10 year old girl and a 9 year old boy. Cristina has lived the past 10 years in Panama and is excited about bringing her strong education background to help build a strong Abrakadoodle presence in Panama.

Abrakadoodle was the first American franchise company to bring a comprehensive, standards-based art education programs to children in the U.S. More than just a drawing program, Abrakadoodle embraces art in its broadest scope – from public art to all types of painting, sculpture, animation, paper and fabric art, digital photography and more.

Abrakadoodle students develop a fine arts vocabulary as they learn about the styles and techniques of such artists as Michelangelo, Monet, Picasso, Ansel Adams, and so many more. Abrakadoodle also connects its students to contemporary artists through its Artist of Distinction program. Abrakadoodle students use an abundance of creative materials (bamboo brushes, sculpting materials, fabric, watercolor, acrylics, and so much more) to explore such art forms as painting, sculpting, drawing, mosaics, collage, foil embossing, stamping, fabric and paper art, and much more! Students often take home framed, labeled original creations that extend the learning at home, as well as boosting self-confidence. Abrakadoodle classes employ a “process art” methodology and exceed U.S. National Standards for Visual Arts Education. These classes not only inspire a child’s imagination, but they also build motor, language and cognitive skills. Abrakadoodle students develop an appreciation for art and a sense of craftsmanship. Research suggests that getting an early start in the arts can make a real difference in the lives of children, not only in terms of increased academic achievement but also greater problem solving, leadership capabilities, and boosted confidence.

About Abrakadoodle  
Abrakadoodle was co-founded in 2002 by award-winning educator/franchise developer Mary Rogers, CFE, MA.Ed, and children’s services franchising expert Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE. Abrakadoodle is the most comprehensive creativity and art education company of its kind, offering extensive visual arts classes, camps and parties for children ages 20 months to 12 years old. Abrakadoodle has received seven First Place Awards from Nickelodeon’s Parent Picks Awards for “Best Art Program to inspire your child’s inner Picasso.”  Recently Abrakadoodle also received seven additional nominations for “Best Kids Party Entertainer” and “Best Kids Party Place.” Abrakadoodle publishes an informative blog, “Art for Creative Kids,” which is dedicated to children’s creativity.