One of the values we have at the studio is creating a place for kids and adults to have a heartwarming experience to help create and grow each individuals God given artistic and musical ability.
A Safe Place for Kids and Adults
When you come into the studio one of the first things you will notice is the warm friendly environment that we have created for children and families.
All of our classes and lessons are friendly for all ages so there will be no need to worry about your child's experiences while in the studio.
You Are Creative
"In the beginning God created…so God created mankind in his own image, in the image of god he created them." Genesis 1:1; 27
Here at The Petite Palette, we believe that everyone is innately creative because God…THE Creator made each of us in his own Creative image. You are Creative.
A Dream & Vision
"With a love and passion to see children and adults learn and become their own amazing person, we decided to create a safe and fun environment where they can explore their artistic side. A place where their artistic abilities are not simply an add on, but the focus."
Michelle Curtin
(Owner of The Petite Palette)
Meet the Team
Meet The Team
Mrs. Michelle
Owner and Creator (10yrs ago) of the Petite Palette Inc. There are few things she enjoys more than watching her students and staff grow and smile. She studied Interior Design and Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago before teaching K-12 at a local school and then God planted a dream in her heart to open an Art, Music, and Theater School for all ages to learn, grow and be loved. You will often find her out on a run, hike, bike ride, or rollerblading with her husband and their Border Collie Emma; being silly with her baby nephew; in conversation with close friends; or enjoying a great book.
She teaches just about everything…including Harry Potter Art Club.
Mrs. Tori
Tori was born and raised in Sandwich, IL. After studying art and traveling for a bit, she returned to her hometown with her husband to raise their little girl (you may even meet her in a class). Her passion for art developed at 7 years old as she began drawing her favorite anime characters and since then she has learned so much more that she wishes to share with all of you! She holds a K-12 Art teaching license and has taught a variety of high school classes for over 5 years before finding herself at the Petite Palette has been here ever since.
She teaches some of our Group Classes, Private Lessons and Anime Art Club
Mrs. Ashley
Ashley has been apart of the Petite Palette Family since its first location! Her favorite part of teaching is seeing the spark and excitement in a student when they learn something new. She believes that knowledge is limitless and so is kindness! A homeschooling mom of her two children and tutor, she has helped multiple children learn to read in her local co-op. When she’s not at the studio or dropping her kids off for classes, there is nothing she’s rather do than be at home with her husband, cats, and a good cup of coffee.
She teaches our Early Learner classes and lessons.
Mrs. Jodi
We call her our Fiber’s Wizard because she can create just about anything with the right materials! With years of sewing, crochet, knitting, macrame, and weaving experience, as well as classroom time, she is the perfect instructor of all of our fiber’s classes. In her free time, you will find her gardening, kickboxing, wood burning or in the great outdoors with her hubby, kids and grand babies.
Ms. Deena
She has been a musician and entertainer almost her entire life. Studying music and theater in college she went on to perform professionally, producing and directing plays and musicals. For the past 13 years she has taught music and theater to K-12 in private schools in addition to teaching private lessons.
The passion for performing arts is one she strives to pass on to her students and believes each student has a God-given talent and loves encouraging them to find it, grow it, and share it! When she is not teaching, she performs as a professional DJ for weddings and kids events.
She loves spending time with her husband and daughter, who are also musicians and is a passionate Christ follower who enjoys serving as a worship leader and kids ministry teacher at her church.
She teaches our Piano, Guitar, Voice, Percussion, Ukulele, and Theater Classes and Private Lessons
Chad Anderson aka “Mr. A”
Chad holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He has an extensive background in teaching music that spans over four decades. Mr. A. plays piano and guitar, and utilizes his vocal emphasis while playing piano with Double Treble, and Ebony & Ivory Dueling Pianos, as well as solo piano shows, and to entertain at Senior Living Centers.
Mr. A. has been a Sandwich resident for nearly 17 years. He is married to his beautiful wife of 25 years. He most definitely outkicked his coverage with her!
Mr. A. has three amazing children. Hunter is 22 studying art at NIU. He aspires to be a children's book illustrator in the future. Parker is a Sophomore majoring in Sports Management and is an All-American Collegiate Powerlifter. Grace is following in her dad's footsteps and attending Southern illinois University in Carbondale as a Musical Theater Major!
He teaches our piano classes.
Mr. Carl
He’s been playing guitar for nearly 30 years, and teaching it for a large part of that time. Over the years, He’s worked with hundreds of students—total beginners to more advanced players—helping them get comfortable, improve, and actually enjoy the process of learning.
He studied music in college and spent time playing in jazz combos around Chicago, which really shaped his understanding of improvisation and feel. These days, when he’s not playing or teaching, he works as a web developer—but guitar has always been a huge part of his life.
His lessons are laid-back and built around what the student wants to get out of them, whether that’s learning songs, building a solid foundation, or just having fun with the instrument.
He teaches our Acoustic, Electric, and Bass Guitar Classes/Private Lessons
Ms. Katie
Katie has been teaching violin for over 20 years. What started as tutoring a friend, turned into a lifelong passion. Influenced by the methods of Shinichi Suzuki and Mary Cohen, Katie utilizes both ear training and focuses on foundational technique so that her students go on to use the violin however they desire whether classical or fiddle. With both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts, Katie also has an active performing schedule as an orchestral player and chamber musician.
She teaches our Violin Lessons
The Studio
