Bar Rucci is passionate about two things: children and art. She is a professional graphic designer, art teacher, blogger, and mom to three creative thinkers. Bar graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in art and a minor in early childhood development. After college she spent a decade on artistic entrepreneurial pursuits. She painted murals, designed textiles, created a children’s clothing line, and finally taught herself graphic design. It was this last venture that became her calling, allowing her to stay home and raise her children. In 2012, she began her blog, Art Bar, a place where she explores her love of child-led art experiences and handmade things. Soon thereafter she began teaching art in her home. For more inspiration, visit Bar’s blog and follow her on social media:

• Website: www.artbarblog.com
• Instagram: @artbarblog
• Facebook: facebook.com/artbarblog
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/barrucci
• Twitter: @artbarblog

Betsy McKenna is a firm believer in the brilliance of the young child and their natural born creative process. A Reggio inspired teacher and administrator; she is passionate about creating high quality educational opportunities for all children. She currently resides in New York City as an educational consultant and leadership coach, and has three grown children who remain her greatest source of inspiration.