Registration for spring term at The Art League School is now open, and that means young artists ages five and up can enroll in another slate of children’s classes and the popular summer art camp.
Children’s art classes get rave reviews from the students, who often take them over again — and from the parents, too.
“Although we’ve taken classes at other art centers, the Art League consistently offers teaching that is both high-quality and friendly … just perfect for children,” writes Caitlin Garvey, whose son Lucas started in Karen Day’s Art Fun-damentals class when he was five.
Since his first class, Lucas, now seven, has taken two more years in Art Fun-damentals and attended two summers’ worth of art camps.
Caitlin says he’s excited about the work he brings home — for example, asking for charcoals to continue pieces at home — and even enjoys teaching his younger brother sometimes. The classes have boosted his confidence, as well.
“We’ve seen Lucas become increasingly confident that he is an artist and has something of value to share with others. Watching those characteristics develop in Lucas has been wonderful,” Caitlin writes. An interest in photography led Lucas to enter a photo contest at Huntley Meadows Park, where he won second place in the youth category.
Art Fun-damentals, for the youngest artists (ages 5–8) is a starting point for many students, who learn basic art skills and begin to explore their creative side in a variety of media. With several different teachers who mix up the lesson plans for repeat students, there’s always something new to learn.
And compared to art classes at school, where teachers are often limited in what they can do, Art League School classes are less restricted in time and resources. Classes are taught by fine artists, the materials are top-notch, and students have a full two hours (or more) to create. “They get to complete an amazing project,” says instructor Karen Day.
It was a good fit for Deb Kiefer’s son and his passion for art. “He’s always got a crayon or a pencil or something in his hand,” she says. “He’s definitely into art.”
He’s currently enrolled in Painting and Drawing for 9–12 year olds with Karen Day, but he’s also taken a number of other classes and goes to the summer art camps. When one class finishes, he always asks for another, Deb says.
Children’s classes at The Art League School include basic instruction in painting and drawing, and also courses in cartooning and mixed media. (Similar classes are available for teens.) There are summer art camps in ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber as well — not to mention workshops in clay animation where students finish their own movie.
After the jump, parents get in on the fun: Continue reading Children’s Classes at The Art League School
