March 2nd, 2022Art therapy specialist for kids in Kyneton

A NEW Kyneton-based art therapy specialist is opening her doors to kids in an effort to help them cope with everything from ADHD, to anxiety, autism, and much more.
Founder Jeanine Kolasa has launched Arteeze, a creative arts and disability support service for children in Kyneton and surrounding suburbs, after completing the federal government’s New Business Assistance with NEIS program, delivered by Asuria.
A disability support worker for almost 30 years, and a talented artist in her personal life, Jeanine initially explored the NEIS program years ago for a business idea related to her artwork; however, it wasn’t the right time for her to go it alone.

After four years of sitting on a business plan, Jeanine called Asuria for a second time in October last year, except this time, she was ready.
“Well, we had Covid, and people lost work, and I wasn’t working much at all. So I thought, why don’t I become a sole independent?” Jeanine says.
Joining the Bendigo NEIS class in December 2021, Asuria NEIS expert Genevieve Ware worked closely with Jeanine to help her fine-tune her business idea.
Jeanine continues: “I was a little all over the place because I do so many things like artwork, making jewellery and working in disability, and she really helped me focus, and she suggested I could make it a service and combine a few things.”
It was then that Jeanine made the final decision to open an art therapy business. Underway with two clients initially, Jeanine has opened Arteeze to teenagers, children and small groups with disabilities, including ADHD, anxiety and autism. She’s also available to provide services to neurotypical children and adolescents.
“Art therapy helps foster self-esteem, and it helps them in mastering new skills and enjoying creativity.”
For Jeanine, a typical workday involves meeting at her clients’ homes, catching up, and then laying out materials for them to choose from, including paint, clay, paper, pens, and markers.
“I’d say with ADHD symptoms, they can focus for a longer amount of time by doing an artwork, because they’re getting into the flow of creating something, and because it’s non-verbal, there are opportunities to have a quietness of the mind.”
Other businesses in the Bendigo region that have commenced following Asuria’s NEIS program includes an educational services business, an online planning business and a photography and videography service.
Words & image: Contributed