About
Neo Art means NEW Art. This represents both the amazing young artists who come through our classroom/studio and the fresh new perspective and art their youthful minds bring into the world, and our method and approach as well! We are ALWAYS striving and committed to pushing our creativity to the max to develop NEW and exciting projects for our students to enjoy. We are experts at finding that sweet spot of not only what projects can be done by ages 6 and up, but which ones also allow for personal expression, growth and development of their creativity, and also amazing works of art that can be cherished for a life time!
We offer School Year and Summer Art Camps which are either single day, or week long camps respectively. During these camps students create amazing works of Fine Art and learn MANY different techniques from painting and drawing, to paper mache and diorama building and more! We treat each child's project like the masterpieces they are, and focus on making sure that there is individual attention available and paid to each student as much as possible. We also offer AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES, during which students can engage in more focused studies of either Pottery, Painting, Drawing, Advanced Applied Art or just continue making works of Fine Art in one of our Fine Arts Programs. We employ methods that have been developed over the past 40 years in the North West and love bringing new students into the Neo Family!
Neo Art School itself was established in 1982 by Linda Demirel Barnes to encourage students to use art as a means of self-discovery, problem solving and enjoyment while seeking the intrinsic value of the art process and product. She became the Art Teacher to the school that was stationed above her, The Meridian School, and along side her ex-husband Chevy Demirel they created the first and BEST Art Camps in the Seattle area! We've loved being a part of the Seattle Community, Culture and History for almost 4 decades now! Art from our camp has been featured in a Major Motion Picture, "The Little Buddah" Starring Keanu Reeves in which they wanted an Art Piece made by a child in Seattle, and naturally the production came to us! Our award winning artwork has also been featured on television and in print! We've worked with MANY other artists in the area and hope to into the future!
Our curriculum includes technique development and creative exploration combined with environmental awareness -- to recycle, reuse, rethink and recreate with more than just traditional art materials. Maintaining high quality artwork in hand with student comfort and safety has always been paramount to our success! Thank you for your support! We have won both multiple Golden Booty Awards from Seattles Child and Best Childrens Art in 2008 Seattle from Seattle Metropolitan Magazine amongst other local awards and accolades!
We are OFFICIALLY in our SECOND GENERATION! Linda's children, born and bred to teach art, have taken the reigns and are excited to continue the legacy of bringing engaging, fun and education art experiences to kids in the North West!
About Linda Demirel Barnes
Linda Demirel Barnes is the head teacher and the reason that former students choose to return to classes at NeoArtSchool. She provides a down-to-earth, nurturing environment in which students can relax and find their creative muse.
Linda was born in England, where her family's humble economic status inspired creative resourcefulness. She decided to become an art teacher when she was 7 years old due to her love of learning and affinity for the school environment.
Linda studied art at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from the University of Washington in 1981. She is the mother of three grown children and a grandmother of two.
Linda's art philosophy and teaching style have been featured in many local venues including Pacific Magazine and television shows. She has led participatory art demonstrations at Folklife, Bumbershoot and other festivals. She has also provided children's artwork for movies.
Testimonial
"Ivan has hugely enjoyed Neo Art this past week, as he did in the summer; the work he's brought home is fabulous - he feels justly proud of it, and it's a pleasure for us to display. So - thanks!"
About Magic Demirel
Magic Demirel earned her Masters in Teaching at the University of Washington in 2012, following earning her Bachelors in History at UW in 2009. Magic has been a Neo Artist since she was born; her mother is Linda Demirel Barnes! Magic has spent her summers at Neo Art camp as a student, assistant, and now as a teacher. She loves engaging the children and helping them expand their imaginations. Growing up at NeoArtSchool has taught her how important art is in a child’s life and she knows first hand what a vital role it plays in a child’s education.
Events & Workshops
After School Classes
Children's classes vary by season and include an array of art experiences such as: drawing, painting, clay, wood sculpture, paper mache, batik, fabric arts, bookbinding and using recycled materials to make whimsical creations. All supplies are included in the class fee.
-Eva, parent
