(June 2, 2003 - New Braunfels, Texas) - Remember the good old days of the three "R's"—reading, writing, and ‘rithmatic? As competition for spaces at top colleges—as well as premium private schools—grows fiercer, parents are often left wondering what they can do to give their children that extra edge. Now, studies are showing that a well-rounded education may be just a box of crayons away. "R"—tistic instruction is turning out to be the fourth "R" that students really need.

"Creative thinking is essential for future success," explains Shell Herman, founder of KidzArt®, an art enrichment program aimed at developing creative thinking and self-expression in children. "It's not just enough to teach them that grass ‘should' be green, or how to make an exact copy of what the teacher is doing; you need to give them a structured environment that's also non-judgmental and allows creativity and natural talents to develop."

Ongoing studies by many well-respected bodies, including a 1995 study by the College Entrance Examination Board, have consistently shown a connection between SAT scores and enrollment in visual or performing arts programs. Links have been found between group arts activities in childhood and civic participation later in life. Also, the confidence-building that creative activity brings can help kids resist peer pressure when it comes to harmful activities like drugs and underage drinking.

Still, many school districts are cutting arts and music programs as budgets and classroom spaces shrink. However, options outside the public school system are becoming available. One such program, KidzArt®, provides focused drawing instruction for kids from preschoolers to teens. Over the course of the multi-session program, students quickly master techniques that let them represent the world around them and their own feelings towards it in their own unique way, in a variety of mediums and materials, with results that they can be proud of. Children are given a constructive outlet for creative self-expression that they can share with their families—and learning skills like patience and self-focus that will last them a lifetime.

"We're here to help contribute to the growth of children," explained Herman. "It's not a free-for-all program—we provide structure and materials, and the kids add their own enthusiasm and creativity to the process."

Herman's efforts have not gone unnoticed. CNN-FN's Don DeBolt, president of the International Franchise Association, described KidzArt® as one of its top three "new and unique" franchises, and also noted KidzArt®'s emphasis on "creating confidence through drawing" for kids (from a May 15, 2003 interview). Participants and parents alike are also giving KidzArt® rave reviews, and the franchise continues to grow. Kelly Council, head of the Columbus franchise of KidzArt®, says, "I can't believe all of the compliments we get regarding the high quality of the art that kids are taking home. Everybody comes away happy and proud of what's going on."

Founded in 1993, KidzArt® is designed to let kids and seniors of all ages explore their inner artistic potential in a safe, structured, non-competitive environment. KidzArt® is bringing its nurturing, innovative activities to after-school programs, summer camps, birthday parties, and other venues. Franchising since July 2002, KidzArt® has 15 franchises nationwide and growing. To find out more about the KidzArt® franchise in your area or about starting one in your community, contact Shell Herman at 1-800-379-8302 or 1-830-626-1959 or E-mail: info@kidzart.com.