Have you heard of Hummingbird Hill Art Studio in Travelers Rest? KAG’s Kristina Hernandez visited this local art studio. She found out all about the summer camp and classes this unique studio offers. Check it out!
Nestled on over 70 acres in Travelers Rest, with hiking trails, lakes, bunnies, goats and a playground, lies the Hummingbird Hill Art Studio. What does it feel like walking into the studio, currently a completely redone garage with all kinds of art supplies, paintings, pillows, and canvases? It feels like being welcomed home by a friend you’ve known forever, whose very presence emits peace and happiness.
Maybe Anne Meyer, the owner in residence, just can’t help it. She is so incredibly sweet and caring that both kids and adults really can’t do anything but be present and enjoy learning, all while being immersed in nature. In fact, it’s those things that are combined so thoroughly at Hummingbird Hill Art Studio that they are nearly indistinguishable.
About Anne and Hummingbird Hill
Anne has three kids and an amazingly talented husband who is building her an entire art building on the property. Her son built her the garden and beautiful trellis and gate. And Anne, she’s a treasure. Her personality is so welcoming. She’s one of those people that listens to you like you’re the only person in the world and whatever you are saying is incredibly important. Those kinds of people are a rare find.
She has been teaching art for 30 years and started her career in the public schools in Chicago. She has the patience of a saint and the knowledge of a guru. She won over my two young daughters as soon as they laid eyes on her.
She gave all of us a tour of her garden, which consists of tomatoes and lettuce and other vegetables. There are some fairly fluffy bunnies that live there as well, which she let my youngest hold and cuddle. I’m frankly surprised we left bunny-less.
There are also goats on the property that are quite the inspiration for kids during art classes. I saw at least one of them painted on canvas in the art studio – painted quite well I may add.
The art studio got its name from the hummingbirds that frequent her garden in the front of her house, overlooking one of the lakes. It’s beautiful and peaceful and I never wanted to leave.
Summer Camps and Classes
Anne has several art camps over the summer that she hosts for kids starting at age four and going through age 11. Kids get time outside on the playground, playing with the bunnies and goats (if parents give the OK), walking the trails, fishing at the lakes, and using all those activities for inspiration in the art studio.
There isn’t one type of medium that Anne prefers. She teaches uses acrylics, oils, watercolors. She works with clay and pottery. She’s got an affinity for – and I imagine a preferred status at any art store given the amount of things she purchases – art supplies. My kids wanted to try everything during our visit. Anne patiently pulled out markers and paper, paint brushes and paint, crayons and more paper.
As my kids painted their little hearts out, Anne switched between helping them and talking to me about her love of nature, how her and her husband restored an old home in Greenville and then moved to their current place, how she teaches kids to use their minds and imaginations when it comes to art, how they lease horses that her students sometimes ride, and how she works with parents on drop off and pickup times, especially if they need some leeway due to work obligations.
The whole place is just peaceful. My energetic kids loved just hanging out and drawing and creating art. They didn’t want to leave. There is something special about getting outside and away from our daily distractions that helps to open up those creative juices while calming the mind from the constant buzz and noise of busy lives.
Registering for Classes
Summer camp sessions are three hours a day and run for a week each. They are $200 per child and include all art supplies and instruction. Camps are 9 am – Noon but Anne has an extended option all camp days from 9 am – 2 pm for $275. Camps start at age four. She also offers retreats, workshops, field trips, and private instruction.
Classes will be available during the school year as well.
The future for Hummingbird Hill Art Studio is bright. Anne’s passion for connecting kids with nature shines through in not only her art but in the entire setup of the studio and in her plans for what’s to come. It’s a special place and one that, if given the chance, your kids could really enjoy and be inspired in their own ways to gain confidence and a love of art and nature.
Hummingbird Hill Art Studio
1997 Roe Ford Road, Greenville (if you’re wondering if you are at the right place, the driveway is really long and curves through the property up to the house)
Visit their Facebook page.
864.363.4470
Would your kids love a visit to Hummingbird Hill Art Studio?
Awesome article Kristen! I was just there yesterday and my jaw dropped when I turned in and drove up the winding drive, past the ponds, horses and goats and then arrived at the charming house. I can’t wait to go again for the adult classes too!
You had me at “cuddling bunnies”!