I'm Jessica, the founder and teacher behind Lafunkie. I first fell in love with art when I painted my bedroom walls as a high school kid. Later I studied Photography at the University of North Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree and for the past 5 years, my focus has been on art education. I am a certified K-12 Art Teacher in the state of Florida and I have over 15 years of experience working with children of all ages in all sorts of different roles including everything from a summer camp counselor, camp director, after school director, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Children's Photographer, Middle/High School Art Teacher... I am passionate about igniting creativity in young minds, especially through art and design and I bring a wealth of knowledge and a whole lot of fun to the table! 

More than just an art teacher, I believe art is a powerful tool for self-expression, exploration, and building confidence. Lafunkie's classes are designed to be engaging and inspiring, fostering a love of learning in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Whether your child is a budding artist or simply eager to explore their creative side, Lafunkie offers a variety of after-school and weekend classes that will spark their imagination and help develop their artistic talents and creative energy. 

The idea for Lafunkie was built originally as an Etsy shop offering fun and funky designs for clothing and other fun products like puzzles, and bags. In the Etsy bio, you'll find a statement that also encapsulates my approach to art education:

"As a mom and an art teacher with a passion for creativity, I pour my heart into every design. We're passionate about creating unique and fun clothing that sparks creativity and a love for learning in kids. Designs are inspired by everything from art movements to the wonders of the natural world..."

This philosophy extends far beyond clothing and drives everything we do at Lafunkie. My classes are a vibrant space for exploration, where students of all ages can experiment with various art materials, discover their artistic voice, and create something special.

Ready to become a part of our Lafunkie crew? Let's get creative together!