JENNIFER KRUEGER: SPARKING CREATIVE ENERGIES THROUGH ART
Jennifer Krueger empowers positive change through art, cultivating creativity, fostering self-expression, and instilling confidence for individuals of all ages.
Listen Now
In This Episode
Emily Rodger and her cohost Dave Veale welcome Jennifer Krueger, Founder and Executive Director of the Estey Art Initiative. Jennifer’s profound connection to art, nurtured by her grandmother, Mary Cornell, has driven her to explore various styles and mediums, continually pushing the boundaries of her artistic abilities.
The episode delves into the remarkable work of the Estey Art Initiative, which brings the transformative power of art to elementary schools across New Brunswick. Jennifer shares the organization’s origin story, highlighting its growth from serving three schools to impacting the entire province. Through a unique approach, Estey ensures that no child is turned away by renting children’s art pieces to businesses. For each rented piece, a child’s tuition is covered, making art education accessible to all.
Jennifer emphasizes the core values of Estey Art Initiative, placing the well-being and empowerment of children above the final art product. The presence of an emotional support person during programming ensures a nurturing environment where children can explore their creativity without pressure. The conversation also addresses the importance of paying artists, recognizing their invaluable contributions to society and fostering a sustainable art ecosystem.
The power of art to inspire, transform, and foster personal growth is a central theme of the episode. Co-host Dave Veale shares his insights from leading leadership workshops, highlighting the profound impact of incorporating creativity into various aspects of life. Emily Rodger suggests embracing the spirit of art in the business world, proposing that Dave adopt a child-produced art piece called ‘Candy Cow’ for his boardroom. There’s something to be said about the potential of art to create positive atmospheres and cultivate innovative thinking.
As the episode concludes, Emily and Dave reflect on their key takeaways. They are inspired by Jennifer Krueger’s commitment to using art as a tool for empowering children and fostering their love for artistic expression. The conversation leaves listeners with a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of art and the importance of incorporating creativity into leadership practices.
Emily and Dave catch up. Jennifer Krueger introduces herself and Estey Art Initiative.
10-20 minutes
Jennifer talk about Estey Art Initiative’s origin story—from 3 schools to province wide. Dave asks Jennifer to explain how Estey is able to sustain a “no child turned away” policy. Jennifer explains the process whereby businesses rent children’s art pieces and for every rented piece, a child’s tuition is covered. Dave and Jennifer share the story of how they met.
20-30 minutes
Jennifer shares a bit more about how Estey operates. She discusses the non-negotiable presence of an emotional support person during programming to help ensure that the end product is not the goal, the well-being and empowerment of the children is. The audience learns about why it’s important to pay artists.
30-40 minutes
The group talks about “the happy pencil” and the power of art. Dave discusses his leadership workshops and how using creativity can be powerful. Emily suggests that Dave should adopt the art child-produced piece called ‘Candy Cow’ for his boardroom.
40+ minutes
Emily and Dave share their takeaways.
Jennifer Krueger
Founder & Executive Director of Estey Art Initiative
One of Jennifer’s notable accomplishments is her first-ever oil painting, titled “Glistening Horizon.” This painting captures her connection to water—a subject that holds a special place in the hearts of many Maritimers.
Alongside her career as a professional artist, Jennifer is dedicated to making a positive impact through her charitable work. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Estey Art Initiative, she leads a team of artists who bring the transformative power of art to over 70 elementary schools across New Brunswick. Through their art education programs, students not only develop artistic skills but also gain self-confidence and a sense of pride in their creations. Jennifer and her team share a common mission: to inspire and nurture the love of art in the children they serve, just as her grandmother did for her.
Jennifer’s commitment to both her personal artistic growth and her charitable endeavors showcases her leadership qualities and dedication to creating meaningful experiences for others.