Joanne Kozuchowski and her business Little Studio on the Mesa have been awarded the Phyllis Kennedy Community Advocacy Award for Art Education by the New Mexico Art Education Association. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
New Mexico Art Education Association President Phyllis Roybal, left, presents Joanne Kozuchowsk, owner of Little Studio on the Mesa in White Rock, with her award. Courtesy photo
BY RENEE MITSUNAGA
Phyllis Kennedy was truly an advocate for arts education. Her dedication and work in support of arts has helped to perpetuate and advance programs throughout the state for many years.
Joanne Kozuchowski was awarded the Phyllis Kennedy Community Advocacy Award for Art Education by the New Mexico Art Education Association. Joanne fulfilled her dream of owning and running a family-centered art activity studio by creating the “Little Studio on the Mesa” in
White Rock, New Mexico. This creative space is frequented by many children, teens, and adults who want to take part in painting pottery, fused glass, stain-glass, hand-building clay activities and many more. Joanne strives to teach everyone to explore many new art mediums and to make art a part of their everyday lives.
After purchasing a building in town, she worked tirelessly to renovate the space and convert the empty room into a thriving gathering place. Recently, Little Studio on the Mesa was voted the Family Friendly Business by the community and Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce.
Joanne integrates art-making while helping to promote the HumaneSociety’s Adopt-a-Pet campaign. Also connects with science by inviting the Santa Fe Reptile and Bug Museum along with some live specimens.Educators from “Mathamuseum” came to inspire artists through exploring math as it relates to art and design. Joanne has also served as parent representative on the Fine Arts Education Act – Fine Arts Advisory Council for Los Alamos Public Schools for two years. Her input and insight into our arts program was valuable and well respected by the council members. Joanne’s support of the arts is reflected through her children who continue to excel at Los Alamos High School in marching band, Santa Fe Youth Symphony, and the Jazz Project for her older daughter and ballet, dance, and flag team for the other.