Anitra Broussard launched a KidzArt franchise serving the Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Fulshear areas in February. The organization is a portable art program that offers drawing-based instruction for children, teens and adults.

Broussard has worked in the corporate world with several Fortune 100 companies for the past 20 years. She said she wanted to find something that would allow her to give back to the community.

"I was looking for a business that had a greater purpose than just financial profit, " she said. "It is really fulfilling to bring art and the creative process to the community because it can offer joy, healing, confidence and even help kids improve in school."

The organization was initially designed as an after-school program for students, but services have continued to expand and are now offered at various camp sessions, recreation centers and other requested locations such as birthday parties.

Programs are offered for all ages and include:

KidzArt

"Squiggles to Giggles" follows a "mommy and me" format for children 2-3 years old

"Discover!" is a class designed for preschoolers

"Connect!" is a class for kindergartners

"Imagine!" is for students in 1st–3rd grade

"Explore!" is for students in 3rd–5th grade

TeenzArt

"Aspire!" is for students in 6th–9th grade

Adults

Palette Up! Art Soirees are adult classes are offered in two-hour sessions and include drawing, acrylics and other techniques.

Seniors

SeniorzArt includes the organization's core curriculum tailored for seniors. Classes are offered at various assisted living and retirement communities.

Courses are currently being offered in the master-planned communities of Aliana and Telfair. Broussard said she is looking to hire additional certified instructors and partner with the local business community to bring KidzArt services to residents.

For more information or to inquire about jobs and services, call 832-707-8995 or visit www.sugarland.kidzart.com.