Masterpiece Education

When Letha Raulerson heard the call the of the arts, she knew it was something she could not ignore.

After working in hospital administration for many years, the former Florida resident decided to let her creative side take control.

“I always tell my children whatever you do, you have to be happy,” she said.

Raulerson taught art and theater for several years in Florida before moving to Birmingham. This past spring, she opened Masterpiece Education off Rocky Ridge Road in Vestavia Hills. She offers children’s camps, adult art classes, birthday parties, theater classes and more. 

Her two-room space, which used to house a consignment shop, includes a stage for theater productions, a piano,  arts and crafts tables and myriad colorful props. Brightly colored walls display artwork by children who have participated in her interactive camps and classes.

No matter what activity she is leading or what age group she is working with, Raulerson has one goal in mind.

“Learning through art is all about fun,” she said. “It absolutely has to be fun.”

Raulerson enjoys helping children express themselves at a young age through an outlet that may not be considered typical.

“Children get exposure to sports and things like that, but I also think it’s important to expose them to the arts,” she said. “It’s about making them well-rounded individuals.”

For her theater classes, Raulerson focuses on improv activities and helping children prepare skits to perform for their parents. During art classes, children are encouraged to get messy doing everything from grating crayons to making trees out of paper bags.

“It’s about hands-on learning, quick thinking and building confidence,” Raulerson said. “Children are learning things that they can use later on in their careers.”

When it comes to singing, Raulerson is often pleasantly surprised at watching shy children suddnely find their voices.

 “It’s neat to watch these children reveal their talents,” she said. “You never know until you try.”

Raulerson hosts unique birthday parties with built-in themes. Children can request their own or choose from a list of themes that include rock star, disco, American Girl and one based on the popular children’s film Frozen. She will do everything from the setup, to the party, to the cleanup and will even come to child’s house.

“It’s great because children are creating art or performing in a play so they are learning something while also enjoying a birthday party,” she said.

Children aren’t the only ones who get to have fun. Raulerson teaches an adult painting class for those who want to learn the basics of acrylic painting in a relaxed atmosphere.

This month, Raulerson will hold auditions for “The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree,” a play to be performed this fall at Red Mountain Theatre. She looks forward to serving the Vestavia Hills community.

“Sing when you want to sing, dance when you want to dance,” she said. “Coloring outside of the box can be a positive thing.”