Disney Buys Kids Art Site Kerpoof

Disney has plunked down an undisclosed amount for kids art site Kerpoof Studios...which it has already been relying on for Disney.com features.

Even though the U.S. economy is still in recession, the Walt Disney Company continues to invest in its online presence, acquired the kids online art site Kerpoof for an undisclosed amount. Disney already uses Kerpoof tools and technology on its popular Disney.com online site, powering features that let user create their own artwork using Disney characters and properties like The Little Mermaid and Cars. Kerpoof will remain headquartered in Colorado, and co-founder Krista Marks will be general manager of the new Disney Online Kerpoof Studios.

Disney says it will also keep the existing Kerpoof site operational; Kerpoof offers a series of mostly-free objects, backgrounds, tools, and online art supplies that are simple enough to be used by kids—and intriguing enough to keep coming back for more. Kerpoof has proven popular with arts educators, particularly in elementary school, and most Kerpoof features are available for free.

In 2007, Disney put up as much as $700 million to acquire the popular children’s Web site Club Penguin, which enables children to create and customize their own penguin characters, and interact with other club members online.