Margaret Cornwell shares her inspiring message with area leaders in Montgomery, Alabama

Creativity spurs innovation. This is a message Abrakadoodle Montgomery Education Director/Co-Owner Margaret Cornwell delivered to members of Leadership Montgomery at their Arts and Quality of Life Class Day and art show on January 25th. Some traits you see in creative children include the ability to solve problems, explore ideas, appreciate other perspectives, innovate and create something new. For Abrakadoodle, creativity is an essential component for high quality art education. Making sure that all children have access to creativity-boosting programming is also a company goal.

Abrakadoodle of Montgomery, under the capable direction of Susan Parker and Margaret Cornwell, has reached more than 10,000 children with art programs at schools and community sites for more than a decade. In 2014, Margaret Cornwell identified a real need for art and creativity programming at Brantwood, and she established a relationship with the nonprofit children’s home, which has become “a truly rewarding experience,” Ms. Cornwell commented. Her recent speaking appearance came at the invitation of Gerald Jones, Executive Director of The Brantwood Children’s Home, where the event was held. In addition to leading an Art & Creativity Workshop for leaders participating at the event, Margaret also hosted an Art Show featuring work created by the kids at Brantwood that reflected their many art experiences and talents – from creating Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism to Impressionism and so much more. Margaret remarked, “The students I’ve worked with really enjoy the opportunity for self-expression and gain confidence from showcasing their works of art that reflect their ability to problem-solve and use their imaginations while showing appreciation for the work of their peers. These are life-enhancing experiences that I am so happy to provide for these vulnerable young people.”

In September 2017 Abrakadoodle was recognized at the third annual Franchising Gives Back celebration hosted by the International Franchise Association (IFA) to recognize franchise companies’ charitable programs and the impact they have on their communities. Abrakadoodle brought home the Silver in the Innovation and Impact category and named The Brantwood Children’s Home as its charitable partner to receive a $1,000 award to fund ongoing Abrakadoodle art programs. Abrakadoodle Montgomery is a two-time recipient of Abrakadoodle’s Arts for All Scholarship (2014 and 2016) and has been lauded for its outstanding community relationships and for giving back in such a meaningful way. In 2017 Abrakadoodle expanded its Arts for All campaign, involving numerous franchise locations nationwide to ensure that underserved kids have the opportunity to access and experience the wonderful benefits of a high quality creative art education program. “Arts for All is an important part of Abrakadoodle’s mission, and I am also delighted to see our franchise owners take leadership roles in their respective communities to illuminate the amazing ways that sparking creativity through art can have in children’s lives,” remarked Rosemarie Hartnett, President and Co-Founder.