At Flourish Community Art Schools all teaching employees have either a state credential or a portfolio of educational and professional accomplishments that reveal they are fully qualified to perform the duties assigned to them in the school/center.

Staff

Stephanie Lindquist
CEO

Ms. Lindquist is the founder and CEO Flourish Community Art School. Ms. Lindquist holds an MBA from the University of Denver and a BA from the University of Missouri. An entrepreneur at heart, she has always dreamed of starting a business that gives back to the community and makes a difference among both children and adults. This desire, coupled with her passion for art and art education, led Ms. Lindquist to open Flourish Community Art School in 2005 and subsequently to found the Flourish Community Art Foundation in 2007.

In the past, Ms. Lindquist has served on the Board of Directors for the Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities and Medicine Horse, a therapy program that transforms the mental health and life skills of adolescents, adults and families in Boulder, CO.

Ms. Lindquist is also the President of the Board of Directors for the Flourish Community Art Foundation.

Ms. Lindquist feels that students should feel comfortable in an art class to explore their own creativity and imaginations while receiving instruction about technique, materials, and principles that will help refine their skills. Flourish Community Art School classes provide an environment where students can explore and create and the Flourish Community Art Foundation’s mission is to help serve kids and families with limited resources by offering scholarships and open access to art education.

Stephanie's thoughts on education:

“Our students should feel the freedom to create and explore with are, limited only by their imaginations.  When I was in school as a girl I was told I could not draw lollipop trees because that is NOT what trees looked like.  That weekend I was driving with my mother, and low and behold, I spotted LOLLIPOP trees at a nursery. Looking back on that as an adult,  I have vowed to always embrace the imagination and creativity of adults and children alike. Oh, and I still draw lollipop trees. Our students are taking Flourish classes to expand their horizons, explore new materials, and experience a creative outlet.  Who are we to tell them what a tree, or a car, or a cow looks like?”

Chelsey Bilka
Lead Art Instructor
Chelsey Bilka has worked with children in the non-profit arena for over seven years, focusing on art and peace education. Chelsey lived in Costa Rica for three years where she worked with the Ministry of Child Welfare to implement community arts-based projects, specifically self-expression and self-exploration workshops, as well as large-scale art festivals to raise awareness about child abuse and domestic violence. Chelsey is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Contemplative Education at Naropa University, which is a holistic approach to education that honors all ways of knowing and understanding the world. Her thesis work is focused on art and identity in education. Chelsey is passionate about helping youth find their personal paths, learn to express themselves, and find their authentic voices. She hopes to create a classroom where children can strengthen their sense of self and embrace their unique imaginations through creativity and spontaneity.

Alina Moeller
Art Instructor
Program Coordinator

Alina Moeller grew up in San Diego, California, where she studied studio art, focusing on sculpture and installation.  She also studied teacher's education, and plans to pursue teaching credentials here in Denver.  In the summers, Alina volunteers as a camp counselor with the American Cancer Society, working with children of all ages, facilitating team building, and invaluable, lasting relationships between the campers.  For the past two years, she worked in a Special Day Class/Learning Center in a north county San Diego elementary school. She is currently getting to know Denver, and here at Flourish, has found a perfect combination of her two passions of working with children and art.

 

 

Bethany Newton
Art Instructor

Bethany Newton is a fine artist who works in Denver. Uuntil the recent formation of her company Doxa Art, LLC, Bethany worked for Young Life, an outreach organization for teenagers. Through Doxa Art, she would like to combine her love for art with her love for children and international aid relief. More information is available at www.Doxaart.com

 

 

 

Ivy Bishop-McClure
Office Manager

Ivy McClure lives in Denver, Colorado with her patient husband, hilarious daughter, and two dogs of uneven temperament.  Ivy has an extensive background in project management, customer service, administration, and auditing.  Ivy is excited and exhilarated to be around artistic and creative people who are dedicated to enriching those qualities in children and adults.  When away from the office, she is working on building her own custom jewelry business.