Mission

 With pleasure, I am writing this on behalf of Sylvette Frazier. Sylvette worked with the education department at the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam during the summer of 2016. Our goal was to provide higher quality children’s activities during summer and autumn, specifically for the younger audience (4-8 years old). With her experience on education for young children she developed several children’s activity booklets for the Hortus. Sylvette excelled in adopting ideas to suit the garden and its visitors, and together we were able to make several booklets for both English and Dutch visitors. I highly recommend Sylvette for any position regarding children’s education.”.

Freek van Kessel:

  Educational Officer  

It is my honor to endorse Connecting Children to Art in Nature.  It is amazing to see how Ms. Frazier has been able to combine both aspects of Art & Nature in designing activities and lessons to fit her clients’ interests. Ms. Frazier is able to individualize programs for any age level. All schools and/or programs interested in going green should definitely include “Connecting Children to Art in Nature” as part of their curriculum. The activities are exceptionally creative, fun and educational. All activities are hands-on and very much sensory-oriented. It is great to see how children begin to connect to nature through a variety of customized activities which keep them engaged for long periods of time.”

 Dr. Leonor Vazquez: 

Professor

  “The Arboretum was looking for programs to offer on Free Tuesdays, days we have thousands of guests come through the door. Sylvette observed the Arboretum and its existing programming and set out to create activities that would fit in seamlessly with the Arboretum’s mission to cultivate our natural, horticultural and historic resources for learning, enjoyment and inspiration. The final product was fantastic! The activities were fun, creative, and completely in line with the Arboretum’s style of education. I recommend Sylvette to you without reservation” 

Ted Tegart::

 Education Manger.

 Connecting Children to Art in Nature was a refreshing way to teach young children about recycling natural materials to make new and beautiful art works. The lessons were very well organized and mindful of the developmental level of the children in my class. We can’t wait to have Sylvette back in our classroom again.” 

Mrs.  Kadzhikyan :  

Kindergarten / 1st Grade Teacher

 Sylvette designed a special family program specific to young children between the ages of 3 to 8 and their adult family members that focused on creating art in our courtyard gardens that emphasized the elements of arts and ephemeral art practice in an eco-conscious format. I found her workshop curriculum to be exciting and innovative and have received many compliments from participants about her abilities to work with all the children, as well as genuine excitement about her program. I think she is a natural leader, an innovator of ideas and practices, and has a kind spirited personality." 

 Lois Arkin, 

Executive Director 

 Sylvette emphasizes the ephemeral nature of her art lessons with the students. She wants to give them an appreciation for the impermanency of nature and the delicate balance between the environment and human use. Sylvette is eager and willing to link her Art in Nature Program directly to what is being learned in the classroom. She also includes any applicable Archdiocese of Los Angeles standards including Visual Arts, Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science and Social-Emotional standards. Last year I asked my students if they thought Ms. Sylvette should come back for the new TK children or if we should investigate a different program. The answer was a resounding “YES! Ms. Sylvette!” I’m sure your students will enjoy using new materials and experience different projects and teachers will appreciate the integration of art and science.” 

Gabriela Gualano:  

Transitional Kindergarten Teacher

 "Being out in the garden was amazing and creating art from nature even more so. I also walked away with a greater respect for our earth and trying to use biodegradable materials due to Sylvette’ s efforts to be 100% green for the class. My 5-year old learned to be alright with things that are ephemeral, that not every work of art had to be taken home. My daughter also increased her respect for Mother Earth, to think twice using something to create art and being mindful of not creating excess waste. Peace of mind is also something that we gained being out in a garden studying lines and curves of nature. It was so wonderful to see my daughter learn art theory in terms of lines and colors. I also loved that I was able to be there myself with her and partake in the whole experience too.” 

Payal Desai:

Parent & Participant in CCAN Programs  

" CCAN has provided our children with authentic experiences which have helped children to link their natural world to concepts in art and design. I believe our children have a new found appreciation for their environment and how they can use natural materials while at the same time recycling and giving back to nature. Sylvette has created a holistic program rooted in child development and art education! The kids loved it!” 

Jim Goodrich, M.A.:

Assistant Director

  ““We are absolutely thrilled with Connecting Children to Art in Nature! The kids have gained a love for working with natural materials. They greet Ms. Frazier at the door, yelling her name, hugging her and always are excited to see what she has brought for them. The projects are developmentally appropriate, and the children are thoroughly engaged. She incorporates topics of environmental education together with art, and we are very impressed with the projects, the presentations and the results.” 

 Mrs. Bramon- Simonian
Preschool Director 

 “I am very pleased how Ms. Frazier aligns her lessons with my curriculum and standards. Ms. Frazier has been able to create a rapport between herself and the children which is endearing and causes them to look forward even more so then usual to Fridays because “Ms. Sylvette is coming Friday! “. Over the last few years, it has been my pleasure getting to know Ms. Frazier as a teacher and as a colleague. Her instruction comes from the heart and is apparent that each student matters to her. Watching her patience and innovation over the last two years, it is clear to me that the Art in Nature Program has been a beneficial addition to my classroom. I highly recommend Ms. Frazier’s wonderful program!” 

Mrs.  Jill Lautoa :  

Transitional Kindergarten Teacher

  “One challenge in managing a community garden is to find ways to extend the benefits of the open space beyond member gardeners, to include adults and children within the community and beyond. With her innovative program, Sylvette Frazier has put our garden to wonderful use as an educational venue for many local children. The pictures I’ve seen, the stories I’ve heard all tell me that his has been a valuable addition to after school and extra-school activities. We will be delighted to have Sylvette and the children for many seasons to come!”  

 Cynthia Hubach:
Manager 

  “Thanks to Sylvette my students had a wonderful experience and opportunity to create art with nature. The students were engaged during the activities and eager for her to return. Sylvette’s presentation gave my students the opportunity and freedom to be creative and express themselves in a new way.” 

 Mrs. Trivitt: 

Kindergarten/ 1st Grade Teacher