ABOUT OUR ART STUDIO

ABOUT OUR ART STUDIO

Experience the joy in creating with your hands. Explore, discover and connect through infinite possibilities!

Founded in 2021 by Joann McDaniel and Tim Kitts, Hands Create offers dynamic and engaging art classes to the South Charlotte community. Located in The Arboretum Shopping Center, across from Michael’s, off Providence Rd and Hwy 51, Hands Create was born from a shared passion for celebrating the intrinsic joy of creating with one’s hands. With over 50 years of combined fine arts experience, Joann and Tim have turned their lifelong dream into a vibrant reality. Come and see why we have so many returning students of all ages come to explore their creative passion at Hands Create.

Joanne McDaniel
Tim Kitts

Joann McDaniel

Owner, Program Coordinator, Art Education Trainer, Main Art Instructor
[email protected]

Tim Kitts

General Manager, Marketing Manager, CFO, Assistant Art Instructor
[email protected]

Joann McDaniel received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education (3-D design emphasis) from Valdosta State University and a Master of Science in Art Education (art technology emphasis) from Illinois State University. Joann is a local and national award-winning artist focusing primarily on watercolor, acrylic painting and collage on various substrates including yupo and wood panels.

Joann has taught art in North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, and Italy to students ranging from ages 3 to over 60, for a total of more than 28 years of art education experience, including university courses. Most recently, she has taught art to elementary students for 18 years at a prestigious private school in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Joann was just nominated from over 280 applicants into the ‘Class of 2024’ ArtPop Street Gallery. You will be seeing billboards all around NC, SC and beyond of her winning artwork. The illustration below shows the 20 winners of the Class of 2024, Joann’s is the top left! The illustration below that is an example of the billboards you will be seeing! Be on the lookout!!!!

Tim has over 25 years as an Architectural Designer and Sr. CAD Technician for Architectural firms in the Charlotte area and over 20 years of graphic design experience. Tim has always had an entrepreneur spirit for business, having owned his own graphic design business for over 15 years. His past graphics background includes T-shirt design for the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), Technical Illustrator and Exhibit Design. Tim is also a practicing artist and CAD designer, with emphasis on technical pen and ink illustration and Architectural Revit software.

Joanne McDaniel

Joann McDaniel

Owner, Program Coordinator, Art Education Trainer, Main Art Instructor
[email protected]

Joann McDaniel received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education (3-D design emphasis) from Valdosta State University and a Master of Science in Art Education (art technology emphasis) from Illinois State University. Joann is a local and national award-winning artist focusing primarily on watercolor, acrylic painting and collage on various substrates including yupo and wood panels.

Joann has taught art in North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, and Italy to students ranging from ages 3 to over 60, for a total of more than 28 years of art education experience, including university courses. Most recently, she has taught art to elementary students for 18 years at a prestigious private school in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Tim Kitts

Tim Kitts

General Manager, Marketing Manager, CFO, Assistant Art Instructor
[email protected]

Tim has over 20 years as an Architectural Designer and Sr. CAD Technician for Architectural firms in the Charlotte area and over 15 years of graphic design experience. Tim has always had an entrepreneur spirit for business, having owned his own design business for over 10 years. His graphics background includes T-shirt design for the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), Technical Illustrator and Exhibit Design. Tim is also a practicing artist and CAD designer, with emphasis on technical pen and ink illustration and Architectural Revit software.

What People Say About Us

Art inspired by your creative mind adorns our walls. Ms. McDaniel, here is a sincere THANK YOU for all your years of originality and genius.

Sarah W., Parent

The student examples are very striking. I love the use of subtle color and experimental, layered techniques. Even more than that, I love how generous you are with your time and expertise!

Kandise H., Art Educator

I’ve been meaning to tell you for years, but we have been so impressed with the caliber of art that our kids bring home! Really, it’s amazing to see an “average” art student produce such amazing work.

Gigi E., Parent

Our boys (9 & 7) had a blast at the summer arts’ camp. There’s some activities that that do that they enjoy, but by the time they leave they’re ready to be done. But they came home from the arts’ camp and were inspired to do more and went off doing their own arts and craft projects. Thanks for inspiring them!

Duncan B., Parent

My 9 year old daughter had a great experience at Hands Create summer camp. Her projects were varied, age appropriate and allowed her creativity to shine. The owners/teachers were professional and organized and the space is beautiful! I highly recommend Hands Create!

Annie L.,, Parent

I want to thank you for making a positive impact on my second grader. I was on the internet and he saw a picture of an artist. He blurted out, “I know that artist! That’s Gustav Klimt”. I am amazed.

Marla W., Parent

My wife and I just want to thank you for the great instruction you provide our daughter Lily. For a family who appreciates art, to see their child develop under your tutelage is just a joy.

Bill & Viviane Bechtler-Smith, Parents

Joann’s joyful creativity in teaching pulls you into her heart.
She will make you want to dance!

Kathy Bruen, Artist, Greenbelt, MD

Joann’s classroom and lessons are fun and engaging. She is patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and always professional. The work Joann elicits from her students is nothing short of magical.

Kelly Willis, Parent, teacher & administrator

As an art teacher, Joann pays attention to how the creative spirit can emerge in all of us! As a mentor, she continues to inspire my journey.

Fran Kohlmeier, Artist/Art Educator, New Bern, NC

Ms. McDaniel, some of your words made it home tonight. We were thrilled to hear what Charlie had to say about Kandinsky and non-figurative art! Thank you for sparking his interest!

Kimbrel & Trip M., Parent, 1st grade artist

Joann is a masterful art teacher who uncovered a love of art in my son.  She has inspired a passion and honed a talent that we never knew existed all while having a great time.

Shirley C., Parent

Ms. McDaniel helped make my son’s first year of school the very best. He has shown an interest in art that he never has before. It is so fun to see him come home so eager to create!

Jordan W., Parent

Thank you for taking your time and not only teaching me art but teaching all of us the history of art. I love that you tell us the little details that make our art projects really cool! You are an amazing artist!

Sam F., Art Student

Our daughter attended a week of summer camp in this bright and sunny art studio. She loved the intricate projects and keepsake worthy art made with her own hands. Highly recommend and I’m sure we’ll be back for more.

Jenny and Paul M.,, Parent

My 9 year old daughter had a great experience at Hands Create summer camp. Her projects were varied, age appropriate and allowed her creativity to shine. The owners/teachers were professional and organized and the space is beautiful! I highly recommend Hands Create!

Anna L, Parent
We love Hands Create! My daughter had an amazing time at the art camps here this summer. We have also participated in adult ‘Arty Parties’ as a way for the unique social gathering. Our youngest will be participating in the fall classes and is so excited! Joann and Tim have created a special place and we are grateful to be a part of it!
Linsey H., Art Student and Parent

Thank you for not only helping the girls create their beautiful treescapes, but for how warm and loving you are when you share your art talents with them. They are still talking about their time with you.

Leslie W., Parent

Airy, open space at a very convenient Arboretum location. Joann really loves what she does and it shows. Because she was trained as a teacher, she knows how to engage her students. I really appreciate the mini art history lesson behind each project.

Rachel Y., , Parent

We had our socks knocked off this a.m. when James looked at one of our paintings (of water lilies) and asked if Claude Monet was the artist. It is amazing that you are exposing them to such an early age.

Jennifer & Jamie D., Parents

I was so impressed with the student art. You have really done a wonderful job in teaching the students about works of art as well as teaching them the specific skills to create beautiful pieces of art.

Cheri E., Teacher, Cape Fear, NC

Joann and Tim at Hands Create are amazing owners, artists, and teachers. I attended the Winter & Spring Workshop and had an absolute blast! I learned about different artists and their art and was taught various techniques using a variety of materials to make my own art. Joanne was very patient and answered any questions I had. Not only did I leave having learned so much, but I gained great friendships as well. I will definitely be attending more art workshops here in the future! I highly recommend Hands Create!

Ellen K., Student

I am amazed by the quality of art work and the variety of artistic techniques the students learn in your art class. It is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated, talented and passionate colleague.

Russell B., Teacher, Bali International School, Indonesia