The North Star Art Club was founded by licensed art teacher, Richelle Norton. As a parent to a budding artist in Minneapolis, Richelle felt like there isn't enough spaces in the Twin Cities for kids to learn techniques to help them explore and expand their artistic talents.

Growing up Richelle's mom always allowed creative space, but was never stressed out by a mess and was her “North Star” for providing many and varied opportunities for Visual Arts and what would now be STEAM experiences. The North Star Art Club is inspired by Richelle's mom, Jean, and is a place for students in Minneapolis to be creative without worrying about making a mess.

Richelle is a former public school teacher and community member with her Master of Education from the University of Minnesota in Curriculum & Instruction, K-12 Visual Arts Licensure. She graduated with honors from Minnesota State University, Mankato receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Spanish Education and ESL. Her passion in both arts and language brings in global context as the arts help us see that the world is much larger than ourself and our community.