When Cristina Hartley’s daughter first discovered Young Rembrandts as a kindergartner through an after-school program, neither could have predicted how profoundly it would shape both their futures. 

Since 2019, Cristina has built a thriving art education business that serves over 1,000 students weekly during peak seasons. Even more remarkable, her daughter Sophia—once a Young Rembrandts student herself—has recently come full circle to join the teaching team.

“What makes our program truly special is seeing the transformation in children who never thought they could draw,” says Cristina. “We believe that artistic abilities aren’t determined by age, but by individual development and personal progress. Our program is designed to be inclusive and supportive of students at various skill levels.”

Young Rembrandts of Chester County was named the Main Line Parent 2025 LOVE Award Winner – Best Art Classes, thanks to nominations from local parents in our Community who love and trust them:

A Different Approach to Children’s Art Education

Young Rembrandts stands apart from typical craft-based children’s programs by focusing exclusively on teaching drawing—the foundation of all visual arts. Their curriculum uses a unique step-by-step method to build fundamental skills that develop both artistic ability and confidence.

“The drawings kids bring home are 100% their work, from the first pencil line to the coloring part,” Cristina explains. “All lessons are designed to be age and artistic-level appropriate. The goal is to see improvement in a child’s work throughout the multi-week session and help them grow their self-confidence in their artistic abilities.”

The secret to Young Rembrandt’s success? A carefully planned curriculum developed over 35 years that never repeats itself. With a three-year program for Junior Artists (ages 3-5) and a comprehensive six-year program for elementary students, children can attend weekly classes for years without ever repeating a lesson. Each new drawing builds upon previously learned skills, creating visible artistic growth that amazes parents and children alike.

Art Programs That Come to You

“Parents appreciate that we bring our programs to familiar environments,” Cristina notes. “Their children are already comfortable in these spaces, which helps them focus on learning. Plus, our 100% mess-free approach using only colored pencils, markers, and crayons means we’re welcomed everywhere—we always leave spaces cleaner than we found them!”

Building Skills Beyond the Art Room

While the artistic development is immediately evident in students’ work, parents often report benefits extending well beyond drawing skills.

Young Rembrandts’ structured approach helps children develop focus, attention to detail, and the ability to follow step-by-step instructions—skills that translate directly to academic success. For preschoolers especially, the program strengthens fine motor control and hand-eye coordination essential for writing readiness.

“We’re not just teaching drawing techniques,” Cristina emphasizes. “We’re building confidence, patience, and problem-solving skills. Children leave our classes proud of what they’ve accomplished and eager to try new challenges.”

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A Full Circle Success Story: From Student to Teacher

Perhaps no testament to the program’s impact is more powerful than Sophia Hartley’s journey. First introduced to Young Rembrandts as a kindergartner, Sophia will celebrate her 19th birthday this fall as one of the program’s most beloved instructors.

“I still remember the excitement I felt as a five-year-old, seeing my drawing come together step by step,” Sophia shares. “That moment when you realize ‘I can actually do this!’ is so powerful. Now as a teacher, I get to witness that same spark of confidence in my students’ eyes. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help children discover abilities they didn’t know they had, and watch them grow as artists during our multi-week sessions. Since I’ve started teaching, I’ve had students whose artwork has improved immensely in even a few weeks, and it’s really cool to watch those transformations happen.”

The mother-daughter teaching dynamic brings a special energy to the Young Rembrandts classrooms. “Seeing my daughter share her passion for art with our youngest students is incredibly rewarding,” Cristina beams. “She remembers what it was like to be that child discovering drawing for the first time, and she brings that enthusiasm and empathy to every class she teaches.”

Bring Young Rembrandts to Your School or Center

Young Rembrandts offers flexible partnership models to accommodate the needs of various educational settings for ages 3+ through middle school, and:

• Weekly Programs: Traditional after-school or enrichment period classes
• Bi-Weekly Options: Classes every other week for varied scheduling
• Monthly Specials: Single-session workshops for special enrichment days
• Summer Camps: Half-day and full-day options with flexible enrollment
• In-School Curriculum Support: Supplementing existing art programs, or being the art curriculum provider

“We strive to be accommodating partners,” says Cristina. “Whether it’s a preschool looking for a weekly special class or an elementary school needing after-school enrichment, we customize our programs to fit their specific needs.” 

To register or learn more about bringing Young Rembrandts to your school, preschool, or community center, visit youngrembrandts.com/chestercounty or contact Cristina Hartley directly at cristina.hartley@youngrembrandts.com or 610-864-0018.

Photos courtesy of Young Rembrandts Chester County.
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