ART Life Lessons from Co-founder, Emmy Award Winning Ruth Elliott:
While raising my 7 children and working in the animation industry for over 27 years, I was blessed to be able to create art for Hanna Barbera, Warner Brothers, Disney, and others on projects such as Scooby Doo, The Simpsons, The Smurfs, Space Jam, The Tigger Movie and many others. But through it all, my personal dream was to inspire kids everywhere. My mom used to say, “Little Pitchers have Big Ears”, meaning we should be a good example to the little ones around us – because they are always listening – and coming to conclusions about what things mean.
At 11 years old when my parents divorced, I felt like they divorced me. Of course I was mistaken. They had problems of their own. But I was thinking emotionally, not objectively. Thank goodness I had art. Drawing quietly alone at night, my feelings would come out on paper and I could look at them. Having a safe space to spill my guts helped me heal. Not only did I let out the pain, but began to discover wonderful things about myself that helped me overcome the feelings of loss and abandonment.
The arts reveal themes that are common to us all. We see our lives interwoven with the thread of other’s experiences – and suddenly we are no longer alone, but part of a much bigger fellowship.
This is the reason EDU DESIGNS was founded: To bring these benefits to children,
“While there’s still HOPE!” as my mom would say.
CLASSES for individuals on the Spectrum with DANI BOWMAN:
Children with special needs enjoy art and music enrichment
INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP CLASSES:
Ruth inspires children with tips for drawing, writing stories and ways to express themselves through art, encouraging students to work hard and hold on to their dreams.
BOOKS AND VIDEOS:
Experiencing our animated stories, like SOMEBODY NEEDS YOU, THE NIGHT PRINCESS, ALL THE TURNS ARE TAKEN, LITTLE BLOSSOM and more, exposes them to character lessons they may not be getting anywhere else. Our goal is to reach the heart as well as the mind. When we visit schools, appreciative parents and teachers applaud our efforts to provide materials that teach understanding and integrity, along with cognitive skills.
EDU DESIGNS presenting original animated videos containing valuable life lessons about compassion and perseverance. Afterwards, students interact with discussion about what they see.
Christine Barry, the Librarian at Sun View Elementary had this to say about our visit:
“You related to the kids, made it interesting to them, involved them. You seemed genuinely interested and invested in the kids… the “lessons” in these books are something valuable to all of us. You have a real handle on how to “entertain” children through books, yet there is a deeper message that speaks to them. I hope that you keep up your creative process and keep offering up quality books with good messages for our children.”
The Arts can increase math scores by up to 15%!
Ruth Elliott’s Art Textbook, “SEE What You’re LOOKING AT”, was the first to reference the Core Standards and is now in use in many schools all over the United States and the world.
This is the first art textbook to reference core standards.
About the Co-Founder:
Experience is the best teacher!
Ruth Elliott-Hilsdon, the founder of EDU DESIGNS, worked for decades in the Animation Industry, while raising her seven children. In the space of 36,000 diapers, she had become an Emmy Award Winning Artist, author and illustrator. Just think – Live long enough, and in the midst of all the excrement you’re wading through, you can still accomplish good things.
In 2003 Ruth created GoMommyGO®, to give parents tools to manage themselves as well as their children.
In 2007 she Co-founded EDU DESIGNS to give children opportunities to engage their analytical skills, develop their creativity, and motivate them to make a positive impact in the world.
Her enthusiasm is contagious as she shares what she knows with children through the arts and media.
When asked recently, “Are you a teacher?”, Ruth replied:
“Yes. I guess I am. As an animator with over 27 years of experience, I love sharing what I know with younger people – and there’s no degree for that!”
Ruth shares, “When I speak with moms and dads, their eyes light up as I share how to improve their child’s character through the free behavior charts we have online. Over and over again they tell me, “This is just what I’ve been looking for!””
Your donation of physical or financial energy will make the difference for these kids.
Our hope for tomorrow is here TODAY – in children.
I am so grateful for those who are thoughtful of what children today will become tomorrow.
If that’s you, thanks for caring!
And if you can, please donate.
Your receipt is tax deductible, too!
Please give what you can by clicking on the golden seal below.
THANK YOU!
All Volunteer Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors generously volunteers their time and energy to create an organization that inspires children to be constructive members of society. That means 100% of your contribution will go to programs that help children, and not for salaries.
Director, CEO, Dani Bowman, Danimation Entertainment
Director, CFO, Patrick Eidemiller, DanimationEntertainment
Director, Sec’t: Sandra Vielma of Danimation Entertainment
Officer of Process: Ruth Elliott-Hilsdon, co-founder of EDU DESIGNS: VIP member of Worldwide Who’s Who. Emmy Award Winning Artist, author/illustrator, and creator of GoMommyGO®, a Registered Trademark of EDU DESIGNS, with FREE Illustrated Behavior Charts and Tips for Parents.
Director of Digital Learning: Dani Bowman, Owner Instructor, DanimationEntertainment
ADVISORY BOARD:
Elementary Education Advisor: D. R. Elliott-Cullquipuma, co-founder of EDU DESIGNS: BA in Childhood Development, MA in Education, Awarded Best Teacher in 2007 by the LA Board of Supervisors, given the Golden Apple Award in 2010 & 2018; recognized by the William Clinton Foundation in 2011; Contributing writer and Content Creator for EDU DESIGNS.
Art and Science In Life (ASIL) Advisor: Lisa Elliott
Associate Creative Advisor: Annie Elliott
Autism Advocates in Media: Dani Bowman, Patrick Eidemiller and Sandra Vielma of Powerlight Studios
Psychological Advisor: Dr. Raymond Jones, PhD, LMFT, MDiv, CSAT-S, CHt.
The Art of Music: Hans Adamson
Engineering Life Skills: Bob Blick
Integrity in Life: Kathy Butler
Art and Knowledge: Bonnie & Tim Callahan
Musical Inspiration: Liza Carbe & Jean Pierre Durand
Art and Science In Life (ASIL): Lisa Elliott
Music and Creative Support: Richie Furay
Art & Education Research: Carol Goodwin Blick
Middle School Media: Steven Guiles
Bilingual Music for Children: Sara Quintanar
Legal Advisor: Amanda Seward, Esq.
Prior CFO and Co-Founder: David Elliott (In Memoriam):
EDU DESIGNS is a Non Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation. Fed. Tax ID # 261576531
EDU DESIGNS_IRS_Letter of Determination
Edu Designs makes careful use of your support!
We don’t use a single cent of your gifts for salaries.
The Better Business Bureau and Charity Navigator both applaud Program Efficiencies above 66%. EDU DESIGNS is 79%!
Each year we reach thousands of people with our programs and web resources.