Mother/daughter duo Kathy and Elyse Barmettler opened art studio Art Amor in December geared at filling a niche in the declining art education field.

"With budget cuts, art is being squeezed out of schools," Kathy said. "We bring art to the people, to children. This is basically what gives us our creativity."

Art Amor, located at 6507 Jester Blvd., Ste. 504B, off of RM 2222 near Capital of Texas Hwy., opened in December and is scheduled to offer classes beginning Jan. 7.

Kathy is a certified teacher who has taught classes ranging from prekindergarten to high school students. She said classes will focus on having younger students work with a variety of mediums such as fingerpaints and bubble wrap, and learning fine motor skills and the foundations of art. Preteens and teenagers will learn about art history and how to develop creativity. Adult classes will involve mostly an open studio and using watercolor, acrylic and oil paints, and pastel and Cont crayons.

Elyse, who said she was her mother's first student, has had her own artwork hang in the underground tunnel system beneath the U.S. Capitol when she was in high school.

"I'd love to continue that tradition and find those chances for our students, as when you're that age, that kind of challenge and opportunity can be so rewarding," she said.

Art Amor's focus will be on teaching children and adults in new ways for the right age level, Elyse said. Classes will be available for children age 3 and older. Prices per class are about $25 or $18–$20 for recurring classes.

For more information, contact Art Amor at 512-983-7022 or www.artamoreaustin.com.