Abrakadoodle Welcomes New Owners to Franchise System

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February 21, 2013 // Franchising.com // Reston, VA - Abrakadoodle Remarkable Art Education is expanding its reach as it welcomes two new franchise owners in Minnesota and New York. Children in the Suffolk County area will now benefit from access to creative art programs at Abrakadoodle's newest location in Long Island. New York native Lisa Albert of Kings Park, with a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Secondary Education, as well as a law degree from Hofstra University, will be providing a wide range of art programs to include visual arts classes, camps, workshops, as well as in-school field trips, special events and arty parties in schools and community centers that serve children throughout the Townships of Huntington and Smithtown, as well as Lake Grove and Stony Brook. Abrakadoodle is also pleased to welcome Gertrud Luer and Andres Ableidinger of Plymouth, Minnesota, who have been transitioning as new owners of Abrakadoodle-Minneapolis and will continue providing and expanding upon a wide palette of art programs that serve children in the Western Minneapolis suburbs of Edina, Eden Prairie, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Minnetonka, Plymouth, St. Louis Park and Wayzata. Born and raised in Mexico, Ms. Luer explains that her mother is an artist and her father owned a printing business, where she expanded her knowledge and practical skills in graphic design and business.

"We are delighted to welcome Lisa, Gertrud and Andres to our award-winning Abrakadoodle franchise system," said Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE, President and Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle, Inc. "They bring a winning combination of business, education and visual arts expertise, which I am confident will help ensure success in their respective communities that embrace the benefits of art education with an emphasis on developing creative thinkers."

"I believe that Abrakadoodle can really make a positive difference in the lives of children," stated Lisa Albert, Executive Director of Abrakadoodle-Long Island /Suffolk County. "It is a dynamic, fun program, and it does so much more than entertain." For the past 13 years, Ms. Albert has worked in securities litigation. She applied her research skills in a two year process of finding the ideal business. "Abrakadoodle is the best fit for me," she commented. With a minor in art history, Ms. Albert considers herself a fan of art, noting that her three-year old son Luke can already identify Van Gogh. Lisa also has an 11-year old daughter Mia and a 22-year old daughter Kaitlyn, who is in nursing school.

"I am incredibly happy," commented Gertrud Luer Ableidinger of Plymouth, adding, "I love kids; I love art, and Abrakadoodle was just the opportunity I was looking for to fulfill my dream career." Gertrud and Andres have three children: Phillip, 11; Daniel, 7 and Patrick, 3. The couple lived in Austin, Texas,, where Andres received his MBA from the University of Texas, and then they moved to Minnesota for eight years followed by a year back in Austin before settling back in Minneapolis.. "We were thrilled when we learned about the opportunity to take the reigns of the Minneapolis location, returning to an area we love," Gertrud said. Abrakadoodle met their needs for a business with a solid reputation.

Abrakadoodle was the first American franchise company to bring a comprehensive, standards-based art education program to children in the U.S. More than just a drawing program, Abrakadoodle embraces art in its broadest scope - from public art to all types of painting, sculpture, animation, paper and fabric art, digital photography and more.

Abrakadoodle students develop a fine arts vocabulary as they learn about the styles and techniques of such artists as Michelangelo, Monet, Picasso, Ansel Adams, as well as contemporary artists through its Artist of Distinction program. Abrakadoodle students use an abundance of creative materials (bamboo brushes, sculpting materials, fabric, watercolor, acrylics, and more) to explore the visual arts. Students often take home framed, labeled original creations that extend the learning at home, as well as boost self-confidence. Abrakadoodle classes employ a "process art" methodology.

These classes not only inspire a child's imagination, but they also build motor, language and cognitive skills. Abrakadoodle students develop an appreciation for art and a sense of craftsmanship. Research suggests that getting an early start in the arts can make a real difference in the lives of children, not only in terms of increased academic achievement but also greater problem solving, leadership capabilities and confidence.

About Abrakadoodle

Abrakadoodle was co-founded in 2002 by award-winning educator/franchise developer Mary Rogers, CFE, MA.Ed, and children's services franchising expert Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE. Abrakadoodle is the most comprehensive creativity and art education company of its kind, offering extensive visual arts classes, camps and parties for children ages 20 months to 12 years old. Abrakadoodle has received seven First Place Awards from Nickelodeon's Parent Picks Awards for "Best Art Program to inspire your child's inner Picasso." Recently Abrakadoodle also received seven additional nominations for "Best Kids Party Entertainer" and "Best Kids Party Place." Abrakadoodle publishes an informative blog, "Art for Creative Kids.

SOURCE Abrakadoodle

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