Leadership in Training Program

ASHLEY GREEN (me) is the owner of The Imagination Studio. A child of the arts I fell in love with painting, drawing and creating at an early age. I am endlessly inspired by the imagination and creativity of children and ignite that childhood creativity in adults. I studied Studio Art at the University of Guelph and went on to teach kids of all ages across Canada in various subjects: science, history, art, language arts- and even once upon a time ago Grade 7 + 8 math (which was a far stretch from comfy). After a few years of living the artist life in Toronto I left the art scene there and anchored in what was some of the most meaningful work of my life. I have taught in over twenty-seven Indigenous communities spanning from British Columbia to Nunavut. I came back to The Blue Mountains as young mother after never really thinking I would live here again.

I saw a need for an art space where kids can create, explore and express themselves authentically with a more conscious kind of leadership. I wanted an art space where kids could step out of the small town vibe and learn about contemporary art and issues. A place where we could build our own brand of culture. I’m a hummingbird and love to pollinate good ideas wherever I go. In leadership, beauty is how I both see and express in the world. Teaching art, especially painting isn’t my job, it’s a way of life. I have always been and will always be an artist. I see that in kids. And it lights me up!

I really believe all people big + small truly want to be seen, heard and valued without judgement. I mean connection is so so so important. And I think it’s high time we as adults carve out that space for our kids. So I dreamed up The Imagination Studio and am committed to providing our community with beautiful classes, opportunities for friendships to blossom and grow. I nurture my inviting studio space for imaginations to flourish but more importantly I build relationships with my students that I hope inspires them to be authentic, see the world as a magical place and feel like what they do is important and matters. Agency is everything. I also hold space for kids to be free in nature because that’s also a really essential part of who I am and a gift I love to share.

I have written, illustrated and published three children's books: **Lady Sky, The Emerald Lake and PARKS. **The Imagination Studio first opened in October 2017 which feels like many moons ago but also kind of just like yesterday. Because more than one thing can be true at the same time.