Every Creative Child Deserves a Team

Not every child dreams of scoring the winning goal.

Some dream about paintbrushes, sketchbooks, clay, architecture, animation, fashion design, or creating stories through art. They see the world a little differently. They notice colors, patterns, textures, and beauty that others might miss.

For decades, we've built incredible opportunities for children who love sports. They have teams, coaches, uniforms, seasons, tournaments, and a community that celebrates their dedication.

But what about the kids whose passion is creating?

Too often, they create alone.

At NextGen Art League, we believe artistic children deserve the same opportunities to belong, collaborate, grow, and be celebrated. They deserve coaches who encourage them, teammates who inspire them, challenges that help them improve, and a place where creativity is something to be proud of.

That's why we're building more than an art program.

We're building a league.

We're building a movement.

Why I Created NextGen Art League

My name is Sheila Huyett, and I've spent my entire career helping children discover confidence through creativity.

As an educator, school owner, curriculum designer, technology leader, and professional artist, I've had the privilege of working with thousands of children and families over the past three decades. Many of the techniques taught throughout NextGen Art League come directly from my own experience as a working artist, continually learning, experimenting, and exhibiting my work.

Along the way, I kept seeing the same thing happen.

The athletic kids found their place.

The performers found their stage.

The musicians found their band.

But the artistic kids often worked quietly in the background, creating incredible things without the same sense of community or recognition.

I knew they deserved better.

NextGen Art League was born from the belief that creativity is just as valuable as athletics, and artistic children deserve a place where they can grow together, encourage one another, and proudly say,

"This is my team."

A Lifetime of Building Creative Learners

My journey began in education long before I became a professional artist.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Engineering before following my passion for education and becoming Montessori certified in three age levels:

• Montessori Certified (Ages 3–6)

• Montessori Certified (Ages 6–9)

• Montessori Certified (Ages 9–12)

I went on to own and operate my own Montessori school for ten years, where I blended the child-centered philosophy of Montessori with the creative, project-based approach of Reggio Emilia. It was there that I developed the foundation for the unique curriculum that would eventually become NextGen Art League.

Later, I joined an educational organization where I helped launch seventeen Montessori schools across the United States, supporting schools in Virginia, Maryland, Florida, North Carolina, California, Texas, New Jersey, and Ohio. Working with educators, administrators, teachers, and families on a national level gave me an incredible understanding of how children learn—and how to create educational experiences that inspire them.

Bringing Art to Children

My love for art eventually led me to create B-Artsy, where I spent five years bringing art directly to children through private schools, after-school art clubs, summer programs, private lessons, birthday parties, community events, and workshops.

Watching children light up as they discovered new artists and new techniques confirmed something I had believed all along:

Every child is creative.

Sometimes they just need someone to believe in them first.