Meet Megan Monks | Provider of Meaningful Experiences in the Visual Arts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Monks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?

Around the time I got serious about Artopiatogo, I wrote myself a note that I still have, which says, “If you want to do something you’re proud of, you have to be willing to look like a fool for it. Refuse to listen to the voice of discouragement! Dedicate your mind to moving forward, learning along the way.” 

These words help me stay connected to the “what” and “why” while building and growing Artopiatogo. My “what” is providing exceptional, engaging, and empowering experiences in the visual arts to children. My “why” is the importance of giving children access to creative experiences designed to bolster their socioemotional and cognitive development.  

Keeping the “what” and “why” central has sustained me through the uncertainties that come with growth and continues to guide my decision-making and strategic thinking for Artopiatogo. In the two and a half years since I started Artopiatogo, having a clear “what” and “why” has kept my ego in the backseat in service of the greater purpose of the business.  

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I like to think of myself as the creativity midwife for the ideas in my students’ heads. I offer a variety of services through Artopiatogo onsite at my studio in the Heights such as custom planned art birthday parties (Arty Parties), special workshops, private individual and small group lessons, and summer camps. I am also excited to offer offsite enrichment programming at several area schools during the school day and after school.  

I relish the process of distilling a medium to its most essential components and figuring out how to share with students. I create optimal conditions through careful planning and clear presentations of a medium, breaking it down to its very essence so as to anchor a student in their own understanding of how the medium works. This approach is designed to increase a student’s self-efficacy, the belief in whether they can do the task or not.  

Giving clear, factual explanations and exercises in a medium reduces the potential for shame-based narratives when things go awry (“I am just not good at art”) and replaces such thinking with a problem-solving, growth mindset (“I know the process, so where did I go wrong? I can ask for help.”). Empowered by their growing understanding of a medium and encouraged by the supportive environment, children can learn to become more comfortable with creative risks and are celebrated for it. 

In this way, the Artopiatogo approach situates the locus of control within the child rather than the teacher and normalizes making mistakes as a part of the learning and growth process. Giving children the freedom and resources to make creative decisions is very empowering and supports a healthy sense of self. It is a tremendous support to their personal development when children have opportunities to practice independent decision-making and learn to reflect on their choices.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I love visiting the Menil, a world-class art museum in the heart of Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. Admission is free and it is truly a gem of a collection. While you are in the area, you can do some thrifting at the Guild Shop and Cottage Shop. If you like pastry, you simply must stop by La Sicilia in the early morning (to beat the line!) for the very best treats of your life. Another great place for creative inspiration is Texas Art Asylum, a shop with all kinds of gently used art materials and anything you can imagine.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

First shoutout has to go to my wonderful and supportive husband who has supported Artopiatogo from day one. Tom, thanks for tolerating the paint stains and learning curve. I am also grateful for the constant support of my family and friends, who continue to find ways to share and celebrate the mission of Artopiatogo.

I want to give a shoutout to the people running the Business Plan Competition at HCC’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Participating in this program three years ago gave me the tools and push to realize the dream of Artopiatogo. Specifically, I want to thank my advisors from the competition, Ruth and Ron, who gave their time and wisdom to help me hone my ideas in this early stage of development. Their careful attention and feedback were absolutely essential in getting my business off the ground.

Website: www.artopiatogo.com

Instagram: @artopiatogo

Other: email megan@artopiatogo.com