Cumming, Georgia-based Abrakadoodle owners Kelly Gifford and Joan Harbin won Top Producer awards when Abrakadoodle held its 1st Annual Franchise Conference earlier this month at the Crayola Factory near Easton, Pennsylvania. Hailed as “America’s Most Colorful Franchise Extravaganza,” the event was hosted by Binney & Smith, manufacturers of the Crayola brand. Mary Rogers, Founder & CEO, painted the Abrakadoodle picture in her opening address, exclaiming, “It’s about the kids! That’s what Abrakadoodle is all about – bringing new experiences to kids, helping them develop new skills, learn about their own unique creativity, and expanding knowledge about the world around them.”

Mort Solberg, nationally acclaimed wildlife artist and Abrakadoodle’s first “Artist of Distinction,” delivered a keynote address and also taught hands-on sessions on his artistic techniques to Gifford, Harbin and other owners. Abrakadoodle features great contemporary artists, dubbed “Artists of Distinction,” as part of its instructional programs. These artists provide insights about their styles, creative vision and serve as experts. Mort Solberg paints in oil, acrylic, and watercolor and his techniques range from photo-realism to total abstraction. Mort's work is represented in such collections as the Smithsonian Institution, National Gallery of Art, and many private and public collections.

Abrakadoodle takes a different perspective in exposing children to creativity and the world of color, opting for a comprehensive approach with classes in such genres as painting, sculpture, collage, mosaics and more. Classes are under way and new ones forming at a myriad of locations in the Forsyth County area. Among the bright, new initiatives unveiled at the conference were Abrakadoodle Premier Programs, which include such innovative courses as Kids on Canvas, Doodle Drawing, Digital Doodles, and Portfolio Kids. Ron Delong of Binney & Smith announced Abrakadoodle’s participation in the testing of its 2006 Dream-Makers curriculum.

To learn more about Abrakadoodle classes near you, or to get a session started, contact Joan Harbin, Director Atlanta North Metro, at 770-777-0777, or Kelly Gifford, Atlanta Northeast Metro, 770-889-8393.