Discover Your Originality and Celebrate Your Differences with The Art of Inspiration. Get ready to be captivated by a masterful storyteller who brings a down-to-earth, Oklahoma warmth and a touch of humor to every performance. Together, let’s unlock the power within and celebrate what makes us truly special.
In-Person or Virtual/Online for Schools and Camps!
The Art of Inspiration School Show with Richard Hight will mesmerize and capture your audience!
It all happens within minutes! At times with broad strokes, and at others with intense detail. Vibrant color is set on huge canvases as the artwork is choreographed to selected pieces of music playing in the background. This inspirational assembly will have the students wanting more!
Richard Hight is a nationally recognized youth motivational speaker who uses the fine arts to help his audiences create strategies for change by turning good ideas into great results. He is on a mission to help students see the possibility of their potential and create new opportunities.
Addressing thousands every year, Richard’s Art of Inspiration influences his audiences to use their imagination to discover their originality and celebrate their differences. As a masterful storyteller with a down to earth, Oklahoma warmth, and humorous style, he always connects with his audiences.
Richard’s presentation begins with the dramatic and exciting creation of a stunning illustration on a six-foot canvas (each school can suggest what image will best serve their students – historical figures, patriotic images, school mascots and others, etc.). Students and teachers are WOW’ed by the combination of powerful illustration, spoken word, and music that transpires in a matter of moments. The artwork Richard creates then provides the foundation for his keynote presentation and discussion.. He can customize a portion of your event to include Anti-Bullying, Character Building or reinforce the theme of your school.
Richard’s work is housed in museums and corporate and private collections all over the country, and he and has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX television networks, and in professional and collegiate sporting events and fairs and festivals. His work is also published in books and magazines. With many accomplishments to his name, Richard is most proud of being the father of two, sometimes well behaved, kids. He is committed to delivering an age-appropriate, relevant message to each and every audience from K – 12.
One thing is certain, whether before a crowd of ten or tens of thousands, Richard holds the audience spellbound as he engages in the ART OF INSPIRATION. Richard is also recognized by the National Speaker’s Association for his amazing talents in presenting and inspiring audiences all over the country. He recently received the Certified Speaking Professionals Award. It is a huge honor!
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR Teacher in-service, family nights, and educational conferences, workshops, retreats. PICTURE THIS! – Richard’s keynote presentation is life-changing and an excellent opportunity for continuing education for your teachers and staff. Read more about Art of Inspiration for Professional Development.
Inclusion and Diversity Presentation – Meet Averie Hight, Richard’s adult daughter with Down Syndrome. Averie often travels with Richard when he’s visiting schools and venues coast to coast. In addition to really enjoying her company, she often joins Richard on stage as a short part of his presentation. Richard’s message to students with this daughter as an example is the importance of inclusion and diversity. As a part of a special presentation about the importance of Inclusion and Diversity, Averie is able to visit your school with Richard and add on her perspectives as well.
Art of Inspiration w/ Richard Hight In-Person Setup
It is CRITICAL to provide a parking space for loading/unloading and ensure your show begins on time!
Audience: PreK-12 Capacity: 400 in-person Presentation Time: 40 to 45 minutes Prefer split younger/older but not required Set-Up Time: 45 minutes Take-Down Time: 45 minutes
Assembly Requirements: A few student or faculty helpers allows set up and tear down to go faster. Access to a PA or speaker system with a CD player and lapel microphone (hand microphone is ok).
Please Provide materials for frame and canvas construction*:
– Wood for frames (per each program):
Four pieces of: 1in. X 4in. X 6ft.
– Two black or dark navy, Flat Queen sheets, 200-250 thread count (per each program)
– One can of hairspray (Aquanet works well) *Your school keeps the 6ft. X 6ft. artwork after the program.
Artist Provides: All equipment and tools necessary to assemble the frame and canvas. Richard will assemble the frame when he arrives. He will also provide his own music CDs.
There are events you attend….and there are events you EXPERIENCE!
It all happens within minutes. At times with broad strokes, and at others with intense detail. Vibrant color is sketched on a huge canvas as artwork is choreographed to selected music playing in the background. Students are enchanted by powerful illustration in a matter of moments
Uses the fine arts to creatively communicate positive, life-changing messages.
Richard Hight is a renowned inspirational keynote speaker whose mission is to help others find their gifts and talents. Richard’s presentation begins with the dramatic and exciting creation of a stunning sketch on a six-foot canvas. The artwork then provides the foundation for his keynote presentation and discussion.
The Art of Inspiration is unforgettable!
Richard empowers students to take charge and get the results they deserve. As a masterful storyteller with a down-to-earth, warm and humorous style, Richard provides real-time learning to shift students’ perspectives and inspire them to see the possibility in their potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this program work for my assembly?
YES! WE TAILOR IT TO YOUR MESSAGE! Richard will fine‐tune his presentation to meet your needs. His performances have captivated professional groups, organizations and audiences as large as 10,000 and he has never disappointed!
This is how it works:
Richard will contact you to discuss the purpose of your assembly and tailor the theme for his presentation. Using this information, he will draw a picture that relates to the theme on a large canvas. Then at the assembly the lights go down, the music comes up, and students are mesmerized as Richard brings the picture to life!
How long is the chalk art illustration and keynote presentation?
It takes Richard approximately 15 minutes to draw the picture and 3 minutes to set it up and close with an encouraging thought. A keynote program varies from 45 minutes to about an hour.
Will this work for my event?
Richard’s enchanting artwork and empowering messages have reached over two million people so far. If you are ready for an amazing, captivating, and truly unique program, this is it!
What types of themes do Richard’s artwork and messages fit?
Attitude, Character, Encouragement, Entertainment, Finding Balance, Kick‐Off, Leadership, Making a Difference, Motivation/Inspiration, Patriotism, Perseverance, Sound Choices, Staff Training, and much more!
Virtual Art of Inspiration Setup
Audience: K-12 Capacity: 300 screens Presentation Time: 50 minutes
Split younger/older grade levels
Platform: Zoom preferred, school-hosted Google Meet also available Presenter will: set-up and email Zoom link as late as the week prior to your show date. Please anticipate meeting presenter in the Zoom meeting 15-minutes prior to your start time so they may enable you/school representative as a co-host and accommodate any last-minute details/instructions.
I can’t thank you enough for helping us coordinate Richard’s visit to Forrestdale school. My heart is still full after having Richard Hight present Art of Inspiration at our school this week. We got a lot more than we were expecting. Not only do we have 3 stunning pieces of art that were created before our eyes. But we have kids that connected with his message so much that they were approaching him after his presentation to personally thank him. He flew in from Oklahoma with his daughter Avery, who was very much a part of his message. “Put your energy into what makes you special and you will succeed.” Thank you Richard Hight! We thought we were getting your artistic talents. You left us with so much more!! Highly recommend! It was honestly one of the best presentations we have had! Deborah Dutcher – PTO
Forrestdale School
Rumson, NJ
Richard Hight was incredible! I’ve been planning assemblies for a few years now and he was the best I have seen. He had those kids captivated during his entire presentation! Michelle Hilke – PTO
Robert Hunter ES
Flemington, NJ
Richard was fabulous! His presentation and delivery were both right on point for our students. They were engaged every minute of the assembly which hasn’t happened often, if ever and I know the valuable information shared by Richard will help them become better citizens of their school and community! The incredible mural art Richard created with our students will serve as a lasting memory for them of his important messages shared during the assembly. The show was simply great!!! Carroll Ryan
John C Daniels Magnet School
New Haven, CT
Richard was great. He had the audience in the palm of his hand. The students and business and industry representatives were in awe of the art as well as his story. Plus he is a genuine individual who took the time to share his life experience with the students at his lunch table. One of the best, if not the best, motivational speakers that we have had in the 17 years that we have been doing our “Connections to the Future.” Thank-you!!!! Rocky Bettar
Rowland Unified School District
Rowland Heights, CA
Thank you so much for your wonderful presentation at Hillside school last week. I had great feedback from the children, the teachers, and even parents who heard all about it from their very excited children! I really enjoyed your easy rapport with the children and I believe that your message about embracing your individuality was perfect for our students. Your art will be sure to brighten our school for a long time. Sue Argenziano – Cultural Arts
Hillside Elementary School Closter, NJ
On behalf of Providence Elementary community we want to thank you for the wonderful art inspiration assembly. Richard was prompt and delivered his presentation within the specific time frames. His engagement with the students was awesome, including the choice of music. We especially enjoyed his inspirational message. We had a blast today and are very pleased with today’s assemblies!!! April Espree – PTA
Providence ES
Virginia Beach, VA
Thank YOU so much for coming to Echo Lake Elementary this week. Your art and story touched every student, teacher and parent who watched and listened, and your message will remain in our hearts and minds for the years to come. Anne Marie Griffith – PTA
Echo Lake ES
Glen Allen, VA
Mr. Hight put on a wonderful assembly for our students. Students enjoyed the art work and the motivational message given in his presentation. This was a great assembly and I would recommend it to other schools. Heather Oros – Activities Director
Shaler Area ES
Glenshaw, PA
We received nothing but WONDERFUL feedback from staff and students about “The Art of Inspiration” by Richard Hight! His message was motivating, uplifting, and impactful. It also applied perfectly to a novel we read for our One School One Book program which had themes of using art for self-expression. He is an expert story teller, and his stories and experiences had the students engaged and delighted. We would recommend this program to any school! Mandy Marlo – Teacher
Chagrin Falls Intermediate School
Chagrin Falls, OH
Thank you for coming, Richard. The students and staff were very impressed with your storytelling and quick artwork. Roseanne Vallely – Teacher
Martin Luther King ES
Edison, NJ
We are very thankful for Mr. Hights message! We loved seeing his ability in person! Bethany Hoerchler – Teacher
Mascoutah ES
Mascoutah, IL
Richard was fantastic and a pleasure to have at our school. He has a unique way of connecting with the students and making them feel a part of the art. We even had a Family Engagement Night and the families thoroughly loved every minute of the show. Also we cannot wait to display the artwork in our building. We will surely have Richard back at Dassa in the future. Chad Dillon – School Counselor
Dassa McKinney ES
West Sunbury, PA