For many people, the idea of enrolling in art classes conjures up visions of figure drawing, still-lifes of polished fruit, and bland landscape paintings. But times have changed. Art classes, offered to children anywhere from 18 months to 18 years, are as diverse as the city itself—kids can learn how to sculpt, draw Japanese anime, create pottery, construct 3D shapes from 2D images, and even combine mixed-media projects with opera, in addition to more traditional courses.
Still, in an age where kids can sign up for any activity, from ice skating to violin lessons, why choose art? According to Cyndie Bellen- Berthéz%uFFFDne, founder and director of HiArt!, which hosts art workshops for kids, “Learning to appreciate art and be impacted by art is invaluable, and [something] which carries over into real life.” She adds that “it doesn’t matter if your kid is Picasso or not”—children of all ages and skill levels can reap the rewards.
In addition to proven developmental benefits, such as improved handeye coordination, refinement of fine motor skills, and increased attention span, art expands kids’ emotional and intellectual development. Whether through painting or pottery, art classes encourage creativity, teach students to use their imaginations to confront and solve problems, boost self-confidence, and allow children to explore their own ideas in a positive environment.
And it’s not just about creating art you can hang on your wall. To learn to appreciate art is just as important. Natasha Schlesinger, founder of ArtKids, which introduces kids to the city’s museums and galleries through classes and tours, says that by learning about art and visiting museums, kids “can travel through time, space, and cultures without necessarily having to go places.” Art teaches kids how to explore the world and “think outside the box,” she says.
But how do parents know when their child is ready to enroll in a class? Wendy Miller,
owner of Kids at Art, a children’s art studio and gallery, says that
“every child is different,” but that the greatest indicator is the
ability to focus. Lindsey Johnson, the owner of the walk-in art space,
Craft Studio, agrees. “Children are ready to make art by the time
they’re 2,” she says. “As far as coming in for a structured class, it
depends on attention span.”
Many classes for younger children include
parents/caregivers as partners, and encourage adults to promote
independence and creativity in their children’s creations. Parents
should emphasize that “painting a turtle orange with purple polka dots”
is not only permitted, says Johnson, but encouraged. Once children
demonstrate an ability to focus and a general interest in manipulating
materials, creativity is a skill that can be developed once a child
gains more confidence.
With the variety of art classes available to kids, parents should
look for a few key things in deciding which would be the best fit for
their child. First, more important than the kind of medium being used is
the opportunity for kids to use their imagination.
Miller says that,
especially for younger children, it is important to choose a class that
emphasizes “structure in an unstructured way”—i.e. painting a pre-cut
shape with the freedom to mix up and change colors as part of the
learning process. Jamie Kelty, a teacher at the Children’s Museum for
the Arts, advises that, “When looking for a class, finding one of
interest is important and also one with a good level of challenge,
exploration, and discovery.” Also consider the environment in which a
class is being taught. Johnson recommends looking for a positive space
with “lots of color, that is encouraging of creativity.”
In the end, whether it is
“Wee Arts” for one-year-olds or “The Next Dimension” 3D class for
tweens, there is an art class for every child, whatever the ability or
interest. Remember, it’s never too early—or too late—to learn how to
paint, draw, sculpt or collage. And it’s never too late to color outside
the lines.
