Children’s Art Classes
Read more about Children's Art
All parents know that kids love art. Babies respond to bright colors, toddlers grasp crayons and begin scribbling away in coloring books, and as kids get older their artistic abilities grow with them. The elementary art curriculum offered through the Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts is specifically geared toward certain age groups and the skills they should be learning at various developmental stages.
There are many reasons to get your children involved in artistic endeavors outside of their everyday school opportunities. Most elementary schools provide art class once or twice a week. Some schools only provide art classes half a year. Studies show that the visual arts are essential in early childhood development.
We believe that the list of skills learned by students in our art classes is endless. However, we have pulled out the top ten to share:
- Creativity – Being able to think quickly, approach tasks from different perspectives and to think, “outside” the box will distinguish your child from others. Children need to practice thinking creatively so that it becomes naturally to them now and in their future careers.
- Confidence – Skills learned through the arts can help build confidence levels as students master styles, techniques, and problems. Music, dance, and theatre can help train students to perform in front of groups, allow students to step outside their comfort zone and become ready for their future leadership roles.
- Problem Solving – Creative projects will help students master problem solving skills. How do I turn this clay into sculpture? How do I portray an emotion through dance? Through creative classes at the McKinney Center students will practice problem solving and developing skills in reasoning and understanding.
- Perseverance – When a child first picks up a paint brush for the first time, he/she learns that perfection is not possible right away. As the student practices, learns skills and techniques and does not give up they can master their craft. Perseverance is essential in achieving any life goals.
- Focus – Completing any task requires the ability to focus and is only developed through practice. As students listen to instruction and follow direction they become more adept at concentrating on projects which will be used in other aspects of their daily lives.
- Non-Verbal Communication – As students take on more technical skills they will learn how to translate emotions and current issues into visual artwork without using language. Students of theatre, dance, and music also learn different ways of moving using the mechanics of body language and how to portray characters and emotions effectively to an audience without saying a word.
- Receiving Constructive Feedback – Critique is a valuable experience and contributes to the success of a final project or process. Students will receive constructive feedback about their work and learn that feedback is a part of the learning process and is not something to be offended by but something useful.
- Collaboration – Most occupations are collaborative in nature. Students of the arts who play in a music group, or a theatre or dance performance understand that their part is necessary for the success of the project. These experiences improve confidence and show students that their contributions have value.
- Dedication – When students get to see their finished product or performance they begin to associate dedication with the feeling of accomplishment. Developing healthy work habits such as being on time for class and performances is essential for a successful life. The reward of displaying your artwork or the applause of an audience makes the student’s efforts worthwhile.
- Accountability – Making mistakes is part of the artistic process. Accepting mistakes and taking responsibility for them teaches students to learn from them and move on.
If this is your child’s first art class outside of school we suggest starting out with Art Adventures or Creative Construction depending on their age. Students will explore painting, drawing, sculpture, clay, and much more. These classes will teach your child basic art skills and techniques that will be the foundation for future classes. We highly suggest taking these classes before taking any of the elementary clay classes.
Both are the perfect classes to ignite the beginner artist’s imagination and spirit. Students will explore painting, drawing, sculpture and clay, acquiring the necessary skill set that will allow them to thrive and excel in future art classes and on their own. As these classes teach your child basic techniques that will serve as the foundation for future classes, Art Adventures and Creative Construction should be taken prior to other courses which will build on these skills.
Class sizes are small, usually no more than 8 children per class. This ensures that your child will be provided with close instruction and attention. Homeschool classes are also offered for students who have a flexible daytime schedule.
Students will have the opportunity to exhibit their projects at a special exhibition at the end of the semester. They will also get to take home their masterpieces which may include, perspective paintings, 3D sculptures, pottery, or collages.
Art Adventures
This class introduces your child to basic art skills and gives them an opportunity to grow as young artists. Art Adventures has been designed for 5 to 7-year-old children to strengthen their knowledge in art and further develop art vocabulary and skills. With activities such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, students explore their creativity with exciting and fun projects in the spring. Both new and returning students will continue to work on developing their skills with individualized instruction in a small group setting. Small class size allows for individual attention in a fun and inviting environment!
Creative Constructions
Creative Constructions is designed for students who have taken Art Adventures or have the basic art skills needed to create more complex activities and projects. This class will allow young creatives to construct original pieces of art and to learn more about painting, drawing, mixed media, narrative art, sculpture, and clay. This spring, Creative Constructions will spend the first five weeks of class reinforcing the basic elements of art, while introducing a variety of mediums and artistic techniques to create original pieces of art. Small class size allow for individual attention in a fun and inviting environment!
Homeschool Art – Art Adventures
This class introduces your child to basic art skills and gives them an opportunity to grow as young artists. Art Adventures has been designed for 5 to 7-year-old children to strengthen their knowledge in art and further develop art vocabulary and skills. With activities such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, students explore their creativity with exciting and fun projects in the spring. Both new and returning students will continue to work on developing their skills with individualized instruction in a small group setting. Small class size allows for individual attention in a fun and inviting environment!
Homeschool Art – Creative Constructions
This class is for students who have taken Art Adventures or have some experience with art lessons and have the ability to attempt more complex problems including perspective, sculpture, and painting techniques. Classes are designed to reinforce basic elements of art, while introducing a variety of mediums and artistic techniques to create original pieces of art. For example,
students will work with clay and paper mache, learn to draw in 3D, try their hand at watercolor and acrylic painting, and learn about master artists. The curriculum is ongoing and projects change every semester. Small class size allows for individual attention.
Sensory Art for Children (Parent/Child Class)
This class focuses on a series of short art exercises designed to introduce young children to art processes, materials, and creative exploration. Each class will expose children to new materials and techniques. Class time is set to give each individual child a chance to warm up and clean up as needed. An adult or caregiver is required to be with the child at all times. Come let your young child explore, have fun, and maybe get a little messy in the process!
Anime Art Club
This class focuses on the Japanese originated comic style of Manga and Anime drawings. During the 6 week class, students will learn the basics of rendering multiple styles of generic anime figures, known characters and, eventually, will create their very own original characters. Students will learn the rules of proportions and characterized anatomy, pen and ink techniques, and coloring processes. As the class progresses, students will have the opportunity to take their original characters and learn how to start their very own comic. This class will provide a safe creative space for young artists to experiment within their chosen illustrative styles. All skill levels are welcome.
Children’s Beginner Mosaic
This beginner class will show students the fine art of mosaic on their level. We will be using mostly rounded glass pieces for the students to use, however there will be some sharp edges, especially if and when cutting glass. Students will be able to choose from several predesignated designs that the instructor will provide. Students will take home a 10″ X 10″ mosaic.
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ABOUT THE MCKINNEY CENTER
The McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School is a multi-use facility providing arts education through Jonesborough's Mary B. Martin Program.