ABOUT US
Dedicated to nurturing the creative spirit in every individual
Hand-Drawn Hearts began with a simple yet profound observation regarding the state of modern education and childhood: in an increasingly digital and automated world, the tactile, meditative, and physically engaging process of hand-drawing offers a unique developmental advantage that cannot be replicated by screens. Our organization serves as a beacon of artistic excellence, providing a structured yet fluid space where individuals of all ages can explore their internal landscapes through the classic mediums of charcoal, pencil, and ink. We are more than just an art center; we are a community-driven NGO focused on the holistic development of the whole person. By integrating traditional artistic disciplines with modern educational psychology and mindfulness practices, we create a program that nurtures the intellect while providing a soothing balm for the spirit. Our commitment is to provide a high-quality, accessible platform for creative expression that honors the individuality and inherent dignity of every participant who walks through our doors. We believe that the act of drawing is a fundamental human right and a necessary tool for navigating the complexities of the 21st century. As we witness the rise of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation, the value of the “hand-drawn” becomes even more significant, representing a commitment to authenticity, effort, and the beauty of human imperfection. At Hand-Drawn Hearts, we celebrate the shaky line, the smudge of charcoal, and the evolution of a sketch as markers of real human growth. Our facility on El Mar Lane is designed to be a haven from the noise of the outside world, a place where the focus is entirely on the slow, deliberate work of creation. Through our advocacy and our educational outreach, we aim to remind the world that the most sophisticated technology we possess is the connection between the human heart and the human hand.
OUR STORY
A journey of passion, precision, and community connection
The story of Hand-Drawn Hearts started in a small, sun-drenched home studio in Seabrook, where a small group of local artists and concerned educators realized that the community was yearning for more meaningful, personal, and tactile creative outlets. We saw that children were spending more time on passive screens and less time engaging in the fine motor and cognitive challenges of manual creation and physical expression. With a modest collection of supplies, a few borrowed tables, and a massive amount of collective heart, we began hosting small weekend workshops that focused on the simple beauty of hand-drawn illustrations. The response from the local community was immediate and overwhelming; families were not just looking for an art class to fill an afternoon, they were looking for a sanctuary where their children could be seen, heard, and encouraged to express their deepest emotions through the tip of a pencil. Those early days were defined by a sense of shared discovery and grassroots enthusiasm. We saw parents sitting in on sessions, mesmerized by the quiet focus of their children, and we realized that we had tapped into a deep-seated need for slow, intentional activity. The “Hand-Drawn” part of our name became our mission statement—a rebellion against the fast, the fake, and the fleeting. We wanted to build something that required patience and offered a tangible reward for effort. As the workshops grew, so did our vision. We began to see that art wasn’t just a hobby for these children; it was a lifeline for some and a gateway to hidden talents for others. This realization transformed our small group of artists into a mission-driven organization, committed to bringing this transformative power to as many people as possible.
WHAT WE DO
Comprehensive art programs designed for development and expression
Our daily operations at Hand-Drawn Hearts are centered around a diverse and carefully curated array of programs that cater to varying skill levels, developmental stages, and personal interests. We offer a comprehensive suite of classes that range from foundational drawing for young children to advanced, professional-level illustration techniques for teens and adults. Each program is carefully crafted to ensure that participants are challenged to grow both technically and emotionally, pushing the boundaries of their comfort zones in a safe environment. We provide all the professional-grade materials needed for our students to succeed—from high-density graphite to archival-quality paper—ensuring that every participant has access to the tools that will help them bring their visions to life with clarity and longevity. Our approach is hands-on and immersive, ensuring that the time spent in our studio is the highlight of every student’s day. Beyond the technical instruction, our programs are designed to be “living curricula,” adapting to the interests and needs of the current cohort. If a group of students shows a particular interest in botanical illustration or character design, our instructors pivot to incorporate those themes into the foundational lessons. This responsiveness keeps the learning fresh and relevant, ensuring that students feel a sense of ownership over their education. We also integrate guest speakers and professional artists from various fields to give our students a glimpse into the many ways art can be a lifelong pursuit. This holistic approach ensures that “What We Do” is not just about producing drawings, but about producing thinkers and creators who understand the value of their own work in a broader cultural context.
OUR MISSION
Transforming lives through the power of hand-drawn art
The mission of Hand-Drawn Hearts is to provide a nurturing, professional space where every stroke tells a story of love, care, and creativity. We are committed to creating unique artwork that speaks to the heart, whether through custom illustrations for our clients or developmental art education for our students. Our primary goal is to infuse every single creation with love and attention to detail, ensuring that art becomes a powerful vehicle for capturing emotions, preserving memories, and fostering human connection. We strive to empower individuals of all backgrounds to discover their own unique creative potential and to use that potential to make a positive, lasting impact on the world around them. We believe that a world that draws together is a world that understands itself better, and we are dedicated to being the catalyst for that understanding. This mission is not just a statement on a wall; it is the yardstick by which we measure every success. It informs the way we answer the phone, the way we select our supplies, and the way we design our outreach programs. We are on a mission to prove that art is not a luxury, but a necessity for a healthy, vibrant society. This means advocating for the arts in all spaces and ensuring that no child in Seabrook grows up without the opportunity to hold a pencil and be told that their vision matters. We are mission-driven to provide a counter-narrative to the disposable culture of our time, creating art and artists that are built to last and designed to inspire. Our mission is to transform the “starving artist” trope into the “thriving creator,” showing our community that art is a viable, vital, and valuable path for anyone to follow.
Our Vision for the Future
We envision a future world where every person, regardless of their age, socio-economic status, or background, has the opportunity to experience the therapeutic and developmental benefits of the creative process. Our future goals include significantly expanding our reach to serve even more diverse and underserved populations, including low-income families, individuals with special needs, and the elderly, ensuring that art education is viewed as a fundamental right rather than a privilege. We plan to establish a permanent, public gallery space in Seabrook where our students can professionally showcase their work, further validating their artistic voices and contributions to the local culture. By continuing to innovate in our curriculum and community outreach, we aim to become a national model for art-based NGO work, proving that the human touch remains the most powerful and necessary element in education and community building. In this vision, Hand-Drawn Hearts becomes a hub for creative innovation, where traditional techniques meet new ideas in a vibrant, ongoing dialogue. We see ourselves launching satellite programs in neighboring towns and developing online resources that can reach students who cannot physically come to our studio. We envision a future where our “Alumni Network” is a powerful force for good, with former students leading creative initiatives all over the country. We are also looking toward environmental sustainability, aiming to make our studio a model for eco-friendly art practices. This forward-looking vision is what keeps our team motivated and our programs evolving, ensuring that we are always one step ahead in providing the best possible support for our community’s creative heart.
Our Core Values
Our organization is built upon the unbreakable values of integrity, empathy, and uncompromising artistic excellence. We believe that honesty in one’s work and one’s interactions is the foundation of a healthy, trust-based community. Empathy allows us to truly see the world through the eyes of our students and to tailor our instruction to their specific emotional and developmental needs, meeting them exactly where they are. We are also deeply committed to excellence, ensuring that the quality of our instruction, the materials we provide, and the environment we maintain are of the highest professional standard. These values guide every single decision we make, from the hiring of our staff to the selection of our community partners, ensuring that Hand-Drawn Hearts remains a place of profound trust and high-quality creative growth for all. Integrity also means being good stewards of the resources we are given. As an NGO, we are transparent with our finances and our operations, ensuring that every dollar donated goes toward supporting our mission. Empathy extends to our staff, as we create a workplace that values the human being behind the employee. Excellence means we never stop learning; our instructors are constantly refining their own skills and staying up-to-date with the latest research in art and education. These values aren’t just for the adults; we teach them to our students as well, showing them how to be ethical, empathetic, and excellent artists. We believe that by modeling these values, we are helping our students build a character that will serve them well in all their future endeavors, far beyond the art studio.
Our Community Impact
The true impact of our work is best measured in the genuine smiles of our students and the visibly strengthened bonds of our local community. We contribute to the local economy by providing meaningful jobs for artists and educators and by attracting visitors to our town for specialized workshops and public exhibitions. More importantly, we contribute to the social and psychological well-being of Seabrook by providing a safe, productive, and inspiring outlet for our youth and our elderly alike. Our collaborative murals and public art projects serve as a source of local pride, reminding everyone who sees them of the incredible beauty that can be created when we work together with passion and precision. We are proud to be a pillar of support for our families, offering a space where memories are carefully made and complex emotions are finally given form. Our impact is also seen in the reduced stress levels of the families we serve. In a world of high-stakes testing and social media pressure, our studio offers a rare “pressure-free zone” where the only goal is growth and expression. We have seen how this translates into improved academic performance, better social skills, and a more positive outlook on life for our students. We also provide a vital service to the elderly, helping to combat isolation and cognitive decline through engaging creative work. The ripple effect of our presence is felt in the local schools, where our students often become leaders in their own art departments. We are dedicated to continuing this legacy of impact, ensuring that Hand-Drawn Hearts remains a vital organ in the body of our community for generations to come.
OUR TEAM
Meet the passionate hearts behind our organization
Sarah Jenkins
Founder and Executive Director
Sarah Jenkins founded Hand-Drawn Hearts with a clear, ambitious vision of creating a community space that celebrates the intersection of fine art and emotional development. With over fifteen years of experience as a professional illustrator and a double degree in Fine Arts and Child Development, Sarah brings a unique, dual-focused blend of technical mastery and pedagogical expertise to the organization. She is deeply committed to the idea that every child is an artist by nature and that her role is simply to provide the tools, the space, and the encouragement for that artist to emerge with confidence. Sarah oversees everything from curriculum development to community outreach, ensuring that every single program aligns with our core mission of care and creativity. Her warm, approachable, and deeply empathetic nature makes her a favorite among students and parents alike, as she treats every family that enters our studio as an extension of her own.Before founding Hand-Drawn Hearts, Sarah traveled the world as a freelance illustrator, working with NGOs in multiple countries to bring art education to marginalized communities. These experiences taught her the universal power of a pencil and paper to heal and empower. When she returned to Seabrook, she knew she wanted to build something permanent that combined her love for her hometown with her passion for the arts. Sarah is also a published author of several children’s books that focus on creativity and self-acceptance. She continues to maintain her own artistic practice, often sharing her latest sketches with her students to show them that learning never ends. Her leadership style is one of collaboration and inspiration, constantly pushing her team to find new ways to reach and support our community.
Michael Chen
Lead Art Educator
Michael Chen is a true master of the pencil and a deeply dedicated mentor to our teen and adult students. He holds a prestigious Master’s degree in Traditional Drawing and has spent the last decade teaching at various high-level art academies before finding his true home at Hand-Drawn Hearts. Michael’s teaching style is characterized by a rare balance of rigorous, old-world technical training and a gentle, modern, and encouraging spirit. He believes that anyone, regardless of their starting point, can learn to draw beautifully if they are given the right guidance and the permission to be patient and kind with themselves. His extensive portfolios are a testament to his precision and passion, and he takes immense pride in watching his students gain the confidence to tackle complex artistic and life challenges. Michael is also responsible for our specialized workshops in portraiture and anatomical drawing, where he helps students master the complexities of the human form. Michael’s philosophy is that “drawing is a way of thinking,” and he often challenges his students to look at the world with the eyes of an explorer. He is particularly adept at helping students overcome the “plateau” that often happens in intermediate artistic development, providing the technical breakthroughs they need to reach the next level. Outside of the studio, Michael is an avid plein air artist, often found sketching the Seabrook coastline at dawn. He brings this love of nature into the classroom, encouraging students to find inspiration in the world around them. His dedication to his craft is contagious, and he has a unique ability to make even the most difficult technical concepts accessible and exciting for his students. Michael is not just a teacher; he is a lifelong student of the line.
Elena Rodriguez
Early Childhood Creative Specialist
Elena Rodriguez brings a vibrant, infectious energy and a wealth of experience in early childhood education to our younger classes. She specializes in creating sensory-rich, multi-dimensional art experiences that help toddlers and young children develop their fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and emotional vocabulary simultaneously. Elena believes that art is the first and most authentic language of a child, and she works tirelessly to ensure that our “Little Hearts” program is filled with joy, exploration, and genuine discovery. Her background in therapeutic art allows her to expertly support children who may be struggling with social or emotional challenges, using drawing as a safe and effective tool for communication and healing. Elena’s classroom is always a place of laughter, wonder, and profound growth, where every messy, experimental stroke is celebrated as a significant milestone in a child’s development. Elena is also a specialist in “process art,” where the focus is entirely on the experience of creating rather than the final result. This approach is vital for young children, as it builds their confidence and encourages them to follow their curiosity. She often incorporates storytelling and music into her sessions, creating a holistic environment that stimulates all the senses. Elena is also a strong advocate for parent-child art sessions, believing that creative play is one of the best ways to build a strong bond. Her expertise has made her a sought-after speaker at early childhood education conferences, but her heart remains in the studio with her “Little Hearts.” Elena’s ability to see the world through the eyes of a child makes her an invaluable asset to our team and a hero to our youngest students.
David Thompson
Community Outreach Coordinator
David Thompson is the essential bridge between our studio and the wider Seabrook community and beyond. With a background in nonprofit management, public relations, and a lifelong, deep-seated passion for community service, David ensures that our programs are both accessible and impactful. He coordinates our vital partnerships with local schools and organizations, manages our robust volunteer program, and organizes our large-scale public art events. David is a firm believer in the power of art to transform neighborhoods, revitalize public spaces, and bring people together across cultural, social, and economic divides. His organized, proactive, and visionary approach ensures that our community projects run smoothly and that our mission of “art for all” is realized every single day. David’s enthusiasm for our mission is contagious, and he is always looking for new, innovative ways to share the story of Hand-Drawn Hearts with the world. David’s work often involves securing grants and sponsorships that allow us to offer scholarships to students in need. He is a master of logistics, ensuring that our “Arts in the Park” festival is a success year after year. But more than just an administrator, David is a connector who genuinely cares about people. He spends much of his time listening to the needs of the community and finding ways for Hand-Drawn Hearts to meet those needs. Whether it’s organizing a mural for a local shelter or setting up a pop-up gallery at the library, David is always on the move. He believes that every community deserves a “heart center,” and he is dedicated to making sure Hand-Drawn Hearts is exactly that for Seabrook. His work ensures that our impact is felt far and wide, making art a central part of our town’s identity.
OUR WORK
Integrating art into every aspect of life and learning
At Hand-Drawn Hearts, we view art not as a luxury or a pastime, but as an essential and non-negotiable component of a truly well-rounded education. Our drawing programs are meticulously designed to enhance cognitive development by significantly improving focus, spatial reasoning, and complex problem-solving skills. When a student learns to break down a complex physical object into simple geometric shapes or to understand the subtle play of light and shadow on a surface, they are engaging in a form of visual mathematics and science that is both rigorous and rewarding. This disciplined approach to learning helps students excel in their academic pursuits while providing a much-needed, high-quality outlet for creative expression. We provide a structured curriculum that moves from basic line work to complex, multi-layered compositions, ensuring that students have a clear, visible path of progression and a profound sense of accomplishment at every single stage of their journey. This educational focus also includes teaching students about the history of the materials they use. We believe that understanding where graphite comes from or how paper is made gives students a greater appreciation for the tools of their trade. This builds a sense of craftsmanship and respect for the creative process. We also integrate literacy into our programs, encouraging students to write about their art and to tell stories that accompany their drawings. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that our students are developing a wide range of skills that will serve them well in the future. We are not just teaching children how to draw a house; we are teaching them how to observe the world, how to plan a project, and how to execute a vision with excellence and pride.
Play & Exploration
Fostering curiosity through tactile art experiences
For our younger participants, art is a vital and sophisticated form of play that is essential for healthy psychological and physical development. We encourage our “Little Hearts” to explore a wide variety of different materials and techniques without the stifling pressure of producing a “perfect” or “correct” final product. This emphasis on process over result allows children to develop their natural curiosity and to learn the value of trial and error in a safe, supportive environment. Our studio is equipped with a vast variety of textures, papers, and tools that stimulate the senses and encourage children to constantly ask “what if?” This spirit of fearless exploration helps to build a lifelong love of learning and a resilient, positive attitude toward new and unexpected challenges. By making art a playful, joyful, and deeply personal experience, we ensure that children remain engaged and excited about their own creative potential, laying the strong groundwork for more advanced studies in the future. This phase of our work is also about developing “sensory intelligence.” In a world where so much is experienced through a flat screen, the feeling of a wax crayon on textured paper or the smudge of a soft pencil is a vital sensory experience. We allow students to explore the “gravity” of their materials, seeing how different pressures create different effects. This physical feedback is essential for brain development and for building a sense of connection to the physical world. We also use play to teach social skills, as children share supplies and work together on large sheets of paper. This collaborative play builds early lessons in empathy and cooperation, showing children that working together can lead to even greater creative results. At Hand-Drawn Hearts, play is serious business, and we treat it with the respect it deserves.
Social & Emotional Development
Using art as a tool for connection and self-regulation
One of the most profound and lasting aspects of our work is the vital role art plays in social and emotional development. Drawing offers a quiet, meditative space for reflection and self-regulation, helping students of all ages to manage stress, process complex emotions, and find a sense of inner peace. Our group projects and community critiques foster a strong sense of social connection and mutual respect, as students learn to appreciate different perspectives and to offer genuine support and encouragement to their peers. We create an intentional environment where it is safe to express vulnerability and where every student’s unique emotional journey is honored and validated. By giving physical form to their inner worlds, participants gain a greater sense of self-awareness and empathy for others, skills that are absolutely essential for building healthy relationships and a strong, compassionate, and resilient community. We have seen how art can be a powerful tool for conflict resolution and for building self-esteem in children who struggle in traditional social settings. In the studio, everyone is an equal, and everyone’s contribution is valued. This sense of belonging is a powerful antidote to the isolation that many young people feel today. We also use art to teach mindfulness, helping students to focus on the present moment and to find joy in the act of creation. This ability to “get into the flow” is a vital skill for mental health, providing a healthy way to cope with the ups and downs of life. By focusing on social and emotional development, we are ensuring that our students are not just better artists, but better-equipped human beings who are ready to face the world with a sense of balance and compassion.
Programs and Services
Tailored creative paths for every age and stage
Hand-Drawn Hearts is incredibly proud to offer programs that span the entire human lifespan, recognizing that the need for creativity is universal and never truly goes away. Our “Little Hearts” program is specifically designed for children ages 3 to 6, focusing on sensory exploration, basic motor skill development, and the joy of early creative discovery. For our school-aged children (7 to 12), we offer our “Junior Illustrators” series, which introduces more formal techniques, foundational anatomy, and complex storytelling through art. Our “Teen Studio” (13 to 18) provides a more rigorous, pre-professional environment for those looking to build a professional portfolio or simply to dive deeper into their unique artistic identity during a formative time in their lives. We also offer adult workshops and senior sessions, recognizing that the need for creative expression, cognitive stimulation, and community connection is a lifelong pursuit. Each age group is taught by specialists who deeply understand the unique developmental needs, interests, and challenges of that particular stage of life, ensuring that every student receives the most effective and supportive instruction possible. Our senior programs are particularly close to our hearts, as we have seen how the act of drawing can revitalize the spirit and keep the mind sharp in later years. These sessions are designed to be social and relaxing, providing a vital point of connection for our elderly neighbors. For adults, our workshops offer a “digital detox” and a chance to reconnect with a part of themselves that may have been neglected during busy career years. We also offer intergenerational workshops, where different age groups work together on shared projects, fostering a sense of community that transcends generational boundaries. This comprehensive range of services ensures that Hand-Drawn Hearts is a place where families can grow together, with each member finding a program that speaks to their specific stage of life and creative goals.
Community & Engagement
Building a stronger Seabrook through collaborative creativity
We believe that families are the absolute heart and soul of our organization, and we strive to involve parents, siblings, and caregivers in every possible aspect of our programs. We host regular, highly anticipated “Family Draw Nights” where parents and children can work together on large-scale collaborative projects, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment and significantly strengthening their emotional bonds through shared effort. We also provide a wealth of resources, prompts, and tips for parents to encourage creativity in the home environment, ensuring that the lessons and spirit of our center continue to resonate in their daily lives. Our open-door policy and regular, transparent communication ensure that parents are always fully informed about their child’s progress and feel like an integral, valued part of our creative community. By involving the whole family, we create a more holistic, comprehensive support system for our students and a more vibrant, connected, and resilient organization for everyone. Family involvement also means supporting parents who may feel they “can’t draw.” We show them that art is about more than just talent; it’s about connection and communication. Many parents find that drawing with their child is a wonderful way to talk about their day and to bond in a way that doesn’t involve a screen. We also offer “Parent Education” workshops where we discuss the benefits of art for child development, helping parents understand the “why” behind what their children are learning. This builds a community of advocates for the arts who understand the value of what we do. Our “Family Art Shows” are some of our most popular events, as they celebrate the creative output of the entire family unit. We believe that when families create together, they build a shared language of love and understanding that can weather any storm.
TESTIMONIALS
Real stories of transformation and joy from our families
Our experience at Hand-Drawn Hearts has been nothing short of completely transformative for our seven-year-old son, Leo. Before joining the Junior Illustrators program, he was an incredibly shy child who struggled to express himself verbally and often felt overwhelmed in social settings. Since he started drawing with Miss Elena and the rest of the team, we have seen a remarkable, visible change in his self-confidence and his ability to communicate his complex feelings through his work. The instructors here are so patient, professional, and they truly, deeply care about each child’s individual progress and emotional well-being. It is so much more than just an art class; it is a warm, inclusive community where he finally feels safe to be himself and to explore his creativity without fear of judgment. We are so profoundly grateful to have found such a nurturing, high-quality organization right here in Seabrook. — Sarah Thompson, Mother of Leo (Age 7)
As a parent of a teenager, finding activities that keep them engaged, positive, and away from their screens can be an immense challenge in today’s world. Hand-Drawn Hearts has been an absolute godsend for our daughter, Chloe, who is now a dedicated student in the Teen Studio program. The technical, professional skills she has learned from Michael are truly incredible and have far exceeded our expectations. But even more important than the art is the sense of belonging and identity she has found among her peers in the studio. She comes home every week inspired, focused, and excited to work on her professional portfolio, and we have seen her new-found discipline and focus improve her performance in her other schoolwork as well. The environment at Hand-Drawn Hearts is so supportive, professional, and challenging in the best way possible. — Robert Miller, Father of Chloe (Age 15)
We started our daughter, Mia, in the Little Hearts program when she was just four years old, and it has undeniably been the highlight of her week ever since. The way Elena seamlessly integrates play, sensory exploration, and storytelling into the drawing lessons is truly brilliant and so effective. Our daughter has developed such incredible fine motor skills for her age, and she is always so bursting with pride to show us the ‘stories’ and characters she has drawn during her sessions. The staff is so welcoming, warm, and they make every single child feel like a true, valued artist from day one. We love the focus on the hand-drawn, tactile arts in this digital age—it feels so much more personal, meaningful, and grounded. We cannot recommend Hand-Drawn Hearts enough to any family looking for a truly nurturing and professional creative environment for their children. — Amanda Chen, Mother of Mia (Age 4)
Hand-Drawn Hearts is a truly special, one-of-a-kind place that has made a massive, positive difference in our entire family’s life. Our son, Sam, has some significant sensory processing challenges, and the staff here has been so incredibly accommodating, understanding, and skillful in their approach. They have worked patiently with him to find drawing techniques and tools that are both soothing and engaging for him, and he has found a real, lasting sense of peace and accomplishment in the studio. The community here is so kind, inclusive, and they have a way of making everyone feel like they belong. It is wonderful to see him so proud of his work and so genuinely happy to be part of such a creative, caring, and professional group of people. We feel so lucky to have this organization in our community. — Jessica Williams, Mother of Sam (Age 9)
OUR VOLUNTEER
Join us in making a difference through art
Volunteering at Hand-Drawn Hearts is a unique opportunity to directly and positively impact the lives of children, seniors, and families in our vibrant community. By giving your time, your talent, and your heart, you are helping to create a vital space where creativity can flourish and where every person, regardless of their circumstances, feels valued, heard, and inspired. Our volunteers are an absolutely essential part of our team, providing the extra layer of support and encouragement that makes our programs so successful and our environment so welcoming. Whether you are a professional artist yourself or simply someone who believes in the power of community and the importance of the arts, you will find that volunteering with us is a deeply rewarding, fulfilling, and transformative experience. You will have the chance to see firsthand the pure joy and skyrocketing confidence that art can bring to a child’s life, and you will become an integral part of a passionate, caring network of people dedicated to making the world a more beautiful and empathetic place for everyone. Furthermore, volunteering with us offers personal growth and the chance to learn new skills. You’ll gain experience in a nonprofit setting, learn about art education, and build your own creative confidence. Our volunteers often tell us that they get just as much out of the sessions as the students do. The studio environment is peaceful and inspiring, providing a great way to de-stress while giving back. You’ll also be part of our internal community, invited to special volunteer-only workshops and social events. It’s a way to meet like-minded people who share your values and your passion for making a difference. We believe that volunteering is one of the highest forms of community engagement, and we are dedicated to making sure our volunteers feel as supported and inspired as our students.
Ways to Help
Finding the perfect role for your skills and interests
We offer a wide and diverse variety of volunteer opportunities that cater to many different skills, interests, and schedules. If you have a background in the arts or education, you might choose to assist our lead instructors directly in the classroom, providing essential one-on-one guidance to students or helping to prepare specialized materials for our daily lessons. For those who prefer a more behind-the-scenes, organizational role, we always have a need for help with administrative tasks, marketing, event planning, and community outreach. We also welcome volunteers to help with our high-impact public art projects and community mural paintings, providing a chance to work on a large scale and to contribute directly to the beautification and identity of our neighborhood. No matter what your specific skills or interests may be, we will work closely with you to find a volunteer role that is both personally meaningful to you and deeply beneficial to our overarching mission. We also have specialized roles for those with skills in photography, social media, or woodworking (for frame making and studio maintenance). Perhaps you’re a retired professional who can offer mentorship to our teen students, or a college student looking for experience in the nonprofit sector. We even have “Remote Volunteer” opportunities for those who can help with research, writing, or graphic design from home. Our goal is to make volunteering as accessible as possible, so we offer flexible shifts that can fit into any lifestyle. During your initial orientation, we’ll talk about what you enjoy doing and how those passions can best support the kids at Hand-Drawn Hearts. We want your volunteer experience to be the highlight of your week, so we’re committed to finding the perfect “fit” for you.
Impact of Volunteering
How your time changes the lives of our students
The impact of our volunteers is felt in every single corner of our organization and in the heart of every student we serve. Your presence in the classroom allows for more personalized, high-quality attention for our students, helping them to master new technical skills and to feel fully supported and seen in their creative journey. Your help at our public events ensures that they run smoothly, professionally, and that our message of care and creativity reaches as many people as possible. By volunteering your time, you are also helping us to keep our programs accessible and affordable for all families, as your vital contributions help to significantly reduce our operational costs. More importantly, your dedication serves as a powerful inspiration to our students, showing them that their wider community cares about their growth, their voices, and their creative potential. Every hour you give is a testament to the power of kindness and the fundamental importance of supporting the arts in a healthy society. Your impact also extends to the atmosphere of the studio. Volunteers bring a fresh perspective and an extra layer of warmth that makes Hand-Drawn Hearts feel like a true family. For some of our students, a volunteer might be the only adult who takes the time to sit and talk with them about their ideas. This kind of mentorship is invaluable for building self-esteem. Your work also allows our lead instructors to focus more on the quality of the curriculum, knowing that the logistical details are in good hands. The ripple effect of your service is seen when our students start volunteering themselves, carrying on the tradition of giving back. You are not just helping us run classes; you are helping us build a culture of generosity and mutual support that will benefit Seabrook for years to come.
Our Volunteer Commitment
Our promise to those who give their time
At Hand-Drawn Hearts, we value our volunteers as essential, equal partners in our mission, and we take our commitment to you very seriously. We are dedicated to providing you with a consistently positive, supportive, and well-organized volunteer experience, including clear, professional training, regular and transparent communication, and ample opportunities for personal growth and community recognition. We believe that your time is a precious, irreplaceable gift, and we strive to ensure that your volunteer work is both highly productive and personally enjoyable. We provide a thorough initial orientation to help you get started with confidence and ongoing support from our staff to ensure you always feel equipped for your role. We also host regular, festive volunteer appreciation events to celebrate your incredible contributions and to further strengthen the bonds of our creative family. When you volunteer with us, you are not just helping an organization; you are becoming a vital, honored part of the Hand-Drawn Hearts family. Our commitment also means we are always open to your feedback. We want to know how we can make your experience better and how we can better utilize your unique skills. We provide letters of recommendation for our student volunteers and certificates of service for all our participants. We also offer “Volunteer Perks,” such as discounts on our workshops and early access to our gallery shows. We believe that a well-supported volunteer is a happy volunteer, and we go the extra mile to make sure you feel like the valuable asset you are. Your safety and comfort are also paramount, and we maintain a workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and professional. We are honored that you chose to spend your time with us, and we promise to honor that choice by making your time at Hand-Drawn Hearts meaningful and memorable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions about Hand-Drawn Hearts answered
How do I enroll my child in one of your programs?
Enrolling your child in our programs is a simple, transparent, and straightforward process designed to be as stress-free as possible for busy families. You can begin by visiting our user-friendly website to view our current class schedule, detailed course descriptions, and age-appropriate programs. Once you have selected the right class for your child, you can easily fill out our online enrollment form or visit our welcoming studio in person to complete the registration. We also strongly encourage families to schedule a personal visit to our facility before enrolling, so you can meet our staff, see our creative environment, and ask any questions you may have. We offer rolling enrollment for many of our classes throughout the year, so your child can join our community whenever you are ready, provided there is space available. Our dedicated staff is always available to guide you through the process and to help you find the perfect artistic fit for your child’s unique needs and interests.
What safety measures do you have in place for the students?
The safety, security, and emotional well-being of our students are our absolute highest priorities at Hand-Drawn Hearts. We maintain a professional, secure facility with strictly controlled access, ensuring that only authorized individuals and staff are present during our class times. All of our staff members and volunteers undergo rigorous, comprehensive background checks and are trained in basic first aid, CPR, and emergency procedures. We also maintain a high teacher-to-student ratio (typically 1:8 or better) to ensure that every child is closely supervised, supported, and mentored throughout their time with us. Our studio is intentionally designed to be a safe, child-friendly environment, utilizing only professional-grade, non-toxic art supplies and ergonomic furniture. We also have clear, strict protocols for student drop-off and pick-up to ensure that every child leaves our care safely and only with their designated, authorized guardian.
What kind of curriculum do you follow for the different age groups?
Our curriculum is a proprietary, expert-developed blend of traditional artistic instruction and modern developmental psychology, specifically tailored to the unique needs and interests of each age group. For our “Little Hearts” (ages 3-6), the focus is primarily on sensory exploration, the development of fine motor skills, and fostering the pure joy of discovery through art. As students progress into our “Junior Illustrators” (ages 7-12), we introduce more formal, foundational techniques, including line weight, perspective, and shading, while always prioritizing personal expression and creative storytelling. Our “Teen Studio” (ages 13-18) and adult programs offer more advanced technical training, portfolio development, and specialized workshops for those interested in pursuing art at a professional level. Each lesson is designed to be engaging, challenging, and supportive, ensuring that every student makes visible, steady progress and builds a strong, lasting foundation in the art of hand-drawing.
Do you provide meals or snacks during the classes?
While we do not provide full meals, we do offer small, healthy, nut-free snacks and fresh water for our students during their scheduled break times. We recognize that deep creative work requires significant mental and physical energy and that a quick, nourishing break can help students stay focused, engaged, and happy. We are extremely mindful of food allergies and specific dietary restrictions, and we ask all parents to provide this information during the enrollment process so we can ensure that our snack options are safe and appropriate for everyone. Families are also more than welcome to send a small, personal, nut-free snack with their child if they prefer. Our break times are also a valuable opportunity for social interaction and community building, as students can relax, share ideas, and chat with their peers and instructors in a more informal, friendly setting.
What is a typical daily schedule like for a student?
A student’s typical day at Hand-Drawn Hearts is carefully structured to provide a perfect balance of focused, expert instruction and creative, personal freedom. Each session typically begins with a warm, personal greeting and a brief, informal “check-in” where students can share any new ideas, inspirations, or sketches they have had since their last class. This is followed by a short, engaging warm-up exercise—such as blind contour drawing or value scales—to get the creative juices flowing. The core of the class is dedicated to working on specific, curriculum-based projects, with our instructors providing constant, personalized feedback and one-on-one demonstrations. We always include a mid-session break for healthy snacks and social time to recharge. The class usually concludes with a “mini-critique” or a quiet reflection period, where students can share their progress, celebrate their wins, and set personal goals for their next session. This predictable yet flexible schedule helps students feel secure, motivated, and excited to learn.
How can parents be involved in the organization?
We believe that active parent involvement is absolutely essential for the success of our students and our organization as a whole, and we offer many meaningful ways for families to stay connected and engaged. We host regular, popular “Family Draw Nights” and seasonal art shows where parents can see their child’s work in a professional setting and even participate in the creative process themselves. We also have an active parent volunteer committee that helps with vital tasks like event planning, fundraising, and community outreach. We maintain open, transparent lines of communication through regular email newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, and a dedicated online portal where parents can view their child’s progress and stay updated on upcoming events. We also deeply welcome and value parent feedback and suggestions, as we are always looking for ways to improve our programs and to better serve our families. By working together as a true community, we can ensure that every child at Hand-Drawn Hearts has the comprehensive support and encouragement they need to thrive.
Contact Us
Get in touch with the Hand-Drawn Hearts family
We would love to hear from you and to answer any questions you may have about our programs, our services, or our various volunteer opportunities. Whether you are a parent looking to enroll a child, an individual interested in a custom illustration for a special occasion, or someone who simply wants to learn more about our mission and how to support us, our professional and friendly team is here to help. We believe in the power of personal connection and clear communication, and we look forward to welcoming you into our creative community and helping you find the perfect way to engage with the arts. For your added convenience, we also have a comprehensive online connection form on our website where you can submit your questions, feedback, or specific requests at any time of day or night. This is an excellent way to provide us with specific details about your interests, and it allows our team to prepare a more personalized and helpful response for you. We also strongly encourage you to follow us on our various social media platforms to stay updated on our latest news, upcoming events, and to see beautiful highlights of our latest student artwork. No matter how you choose to connect with us, we look forward to starting a meaningful conversation with you and your family.
Organization Name: Hand-Drawn Hearts
Address: 1719 El Mar Lane, Seabrook, TX 77586
Email: info@hdhearts.site
Join Us / Work With Us
Build your career in a culture of creativity and care
At Hand-Drawn Hearts, we are always on the lookout for passionate, talented, and mission-driven individuals to join our professional team and to help us fulfill our vital mission in the community. We believe that our staff is our most valuable asset, and we are deeply committed to providing a supportive, inspiring, and collaborative work environment where you can grow both professionally and personally. If you are a skilled artist, a dedicated educator, or a nonprofit professional with a genuine heart for community service and the arts, we invite you to explore the diverse career opportunities available at our organization. We offer a competitive compensation package, flexible scheduling to support work-life balance, and the rare, fulfilling chance to be part of a team that is truly making a visible, lasting difference in the lives of children and families every day. Our internal team culture is intentionally built upon the same core values that guide our work with our students and families: love, care, integrity, and creative excellence. We foster a truly collaborative and inclusive environment where every voice is heard, every perspective is respected, and every contribution is valued as essential to our success. We believe strongly in the importance of ongoing professional development and provide regular, funded opportunities for our staff to learn new skills, attend workshops, and stay inspired in their own personal artistic practice. We also place a very high priority on work-life balance, mental health, and overall emotional well-being, recognizing that a happy, healthy, and supported team is essential for providing the best possible care and instruction to our students. When you work with us, you are not just a staff member; you are a vital, respected part of a creative family that is dedicated to empathy and excellence in everything we do.