FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES Yes, the original Artworks is for sale. If you are interested in serving the community, fill out this form or give us a call. Be a part of our growing team, we are a family serving others! COMPANY HISTORY 1986 - New Beginnings. In Summer of 1986, Lisa Mares completed her third college degree and decided to start a catering company. The next summer, 1987, Lisa's neighbors were complaining that they could not find quality child care, so Lisa advertised in the local subdivision newspaper and received 21 phone calls in one day. She billed her program as art enrichment and also tutored children in reading and writing. A former middle school teacher, and one of her degrees in English, Lisa decided art, reading and writing would be a great summer experience. So in 1987, putting catering on the back burner, she provided care for fifteen children (ages 8-12) from 7-5 p.m. daily. When September came, Lisa decided to continue catering on the weekends and she decided to start an art school for children ages 3-5. Lisa provided care for twelve children from 7-5 p.m.daily. She taught every subject and used art to teach math, science, reading, writing and social studies. The parents were amazed, actually Lisa was amazed. Lisa had been studying the Montessori concept for years and decided that self-directed, free-choice learning really did work. Her classroom was set up in centers and children had to work on their projects throughout the week. The children were able to start when they wanted and Lisa saw that this project-based education taught self-discipline and helped children with time management. Lisa sold the catering company and worked fulltime as an art teacher. 1990 - Wonderful News. In the Spring of 1990, Lisa, and her husband Steve, found out they would be having their first child. The children in her care were excited, the parents were excited and it was a great time to be self-employed teaching children of all ages. Megan was born in November 1990. 1992 - An Idea. In the Summer of 1992, Lisa became a nationally accredited family day home and it was through this certification that Lisa learned about the possibilities of starting a commercial location for Artworks. Parents were asking Lisa to do art parties, in the park and at the neighborhood pool. It was such a hit! One of the projects for accreditation was to research a business that could be started in the community that would benefit children and parents. Lisa did not need to dig deep for the project, she decided an art studio for children would be great. She advertised in Our Kids Magazine for mobile art parties and the phone rang enough to show an interest for an art studio for children. 1994 - A Second Blessing. In the Fall of 1994, Marina was born. Steve kept suggesting that an art studio would be great. He went in search for a commercial location. He found the perfect location, but Lisa was reluctant to go. Steve mentioned the location several times in a month and finally Lisa went to look at the location in the fall of 1995. It was perfect. 1996 - Artworks! In the Spring of 1996, Lisa opened Artworks. It happened so fast. It was immediately successful. Artworks is still at this location. Lisa transitioned from art school at home to a commercial location with a broader market. Megan was five and a half and Marina was two and a half. 2006 - Expansion. In the Spring of 2006, Lisa franchises the first location in San Antonio, Texas. Be a part of our growing team, we are a family serving others!