Trying to avoid the 9 to 5 job, The Art Shack is owned by local Lyons resident Stephanie Busby.

While trying to discipline myself to create my own artwork, I find a perfect niche in providing art experiences for kids.    So with enthusiasm and excitement, I find it most rewarding to see the elation and excitement coming from my art students.  There is nothing else like it!

My qualifications are not of scholarly loftiness, but high in life experience.  A degree in art education from Colorado State University was the beginnings of sharing my love of art with minds less exposed than mine.  But many travels around the world also peaked my interest in the purpose and history of art and artists.  I also come from a family of artists, another source of appreciation.  I have also earned a Certificate in Botanic Illustration through the Denver Botanic Gardens.  This is concentrated work in water color, pen & ink, graphite, colored pencil with the study of Botany.  This experience lended to my love for nature and gardening!

Among many occupational wanderings, my strengths always seemed to go back to kids, art and culture.  So with The Art Shack my wandering has settled home.  In this wonderful town of Lyons, where the arts are so supported, I hope to share my intrinsic knack for art with every soul that walks through my doors!

Five years teaching in the public schools taught me that I SHOULD be organized and prepared.  Positions at a museum and art facilities taught me that kids are more capable than we think!  And running my own art studio has proven to me that this is where I belong and this is what I am supposed to do on this earth!

My other interests revolve around the great outdoors.  I love to mountain bike, hike, ski and go tubing down the mighty St. Vrain with our two daughters Alexa and Claire.  Raising our 10 & 13 year olds has been my priority and I'm excited to supplement that with teaching art.  Both girls play softball and keep me busy with their activities.  You might say I am missing out not having sons.  That is where my husband, Jim, fits in!  He coaches and plays softball, loves to fly fish and camp with his 3 girls.  He is a General Contractor, an expert in all phases of building.

In addition to my art education I was fortunate to study in Spain for a semester in college.  In addition to learning the language, traveling and living the culture I did an independent study in black and white photography.  This enabled me to see Spain and it's people behind the lens, paying close attention to lighting, backgrounds, expressions, movement and come home with my own visual diary.  This experience has never left me!  I hope to add Spanish classes to The Art Shack!  Send me your interest level through the Register for Class page and we'll see where it goes!

Please use my e-mail page through the Register for Class tab to send me any feedback!