ABOUT OUR ART STUDIO

ABOUT OUR ART STUDIO

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

Founded by Joann McDaniel and Tim Kitts in 2021, Hands Create provides diversified, engaging, art classes and instruction to the south Charlotte area. We are located at The Arboretum Shopping Center, across from Michael’s, off Providence Rd and Hwy 51. Our story begins with the desire to share with others what we love – the intrinsic joy and celebration of creating with one’s hands. With over 28 years of fine arts experience, we are finally turning our dream into reality.

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 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 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

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
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kathy Bruen, Artist, Greenbelt, MD

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

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

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

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

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

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