about kudzu studio
Since 2012, Kudzu Studio has been inspiring curiosity and creativity through thought-provoking art experiences, originally in North Vancouver and now in Victoria, British Columbia. The studio offers meaningful programs designed for people of all ages.
Kudzu Studio designs age-appropriate fine art projects that introduce participants to varied art histories, techniques, and ideas. Each project is process-driven, fostering experimentation, creative risk-taking, and viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth. Kudzu Studio delivers art-based experiences that build confidence, nurture expression, and a sense of belonging.
Hello. I'm Jeri Engen, Founder of Kudzu Studio.
I was born in New Orleans and raised in the South, which inspired the name Kudzu Studio—pronounced cǔd-zoo—as a nod to those roots. My commitment to art education and fostering creative development informs all aspects of my work.
I have more than 25 years of experience in art education, including creating art programming for Hollywood Hill Elementary in Woodinville, Washington; the North Vancouver Community Arts Council; Seymour Art Gallery; Vancouver Art Gallery; the Royal B.C. Museum, and currently as the Educator for School and Family Programs at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
My goal is to foster a warm, welcoming space that nurtures creativity and imagination. At Kudzu Studio, I am dedicated to developing creative confidence by providing engaging, supportive opportunities for artistic exploration. I see mistakes as learning opportunities and call this process "making a yowzah into a wowzah." Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of art to express ideas about the world around us, build self-confidence to take risk, inspire curiosity, cultivate empathy, and create a sense of belonging within our community.