What child couldn’t use a little free time to play around and get messy? In the evermore structured lives of children today, art classes can offer a way for young artists to express themselves without the pressure of being graded, while also having fun with peers. These local programs, which don’t require a significant cost or time commitment, might be just the things to fend off winter restlessness on a weekend or in the after-school hours.
Adventures in Drawing (ages 8 – 12)
Maple Grove Arts Center
If you know a child that enjoys the creative touch of putting pencil to paper, here’s an opportunity for him/her to explore the medium in a five-week class focusing on the fundamentals. Exercises are designed to introduce students to the concepts of line, shape, value and composition, as well as learning about a variety of drawing materials through group and individual instruction. The class is limited to eight students. Area artists who are known both regionally and nationally serve as instructors. Register ahead of time at maplegroveartscenter.org, or contact Christina Hankins for more information: 612.964.2542, chankins2@aol.com.
Thursdays, 4:15 – 6 p.m. (Session 1: February 9 – March 15; Session 2: March 22 – April 26); $120 includes materials
Watercolor (ages 10 & up)
Studio at Rush Creek
If you’re looking for more of a one-time commitment, look through the class offerings at the Studio at Rush Creek, which offers several two-hour workshops for children. Owner Karen Highness has added a watercolor class for kids for the first time ever, at the suggestion of Maple Grove watercolor artist and instructor Calvin deRuyter, who was eager to teach a class of young artists because he believes they are less likely to come in with preconceived notions. In January, this two-hour watercolor class will teach students about color theory and color mixing. Register in advance at studio-rush.com. For more information, call 763.315.3001 or email studiorushcreek@gmail.com.
January 14, Noon – 2 p.m. $35 includes materials
Winter Art (ages 5 – 7, 7 – 12)
City of Maple Grove Park and Recreation
This winter-themed course encourages kids to celebrate the onset of the snowy season, using oil pastels, patterns and sculpture. Instructor Tamara Todey, who teaches the 7 – 12 year-old age group, offers students a balance of structure and open-ended exploration, with the goal of familiarizing them with a couple of new terms such as monochromatic or impressionism. Kids should come dressed in a paint shirt and expect to get messy. Register in advance at ci.maple-grove.mn.us or call 763.494.6500 to request a brochure for the complete winter schedule.
Saturdays, 10 – 11:30 a.m., January 21 – March 10 (no class February 11 & 25) (ages 7 – 12 at Osseo Junior High); $54; Saturdays, 10 – 11:15 a.m., January 21 – February 25 (ages 5 – 7 at Maple Grove Junior High); $45
Studio Art for Children and Teens (ages 7 – 11, 12 – 17)
Maple Grove Arts Center
The studio art class for children and teens at Maple Grove Arts Center gives your child a chance to explore many different artistic mediums in a four-week course. Set in a studio format, students can try a hand at painting, sculpture, drawing, mixed media art and printmaking. This spring, the center will host a student exhibition to highlight the work of
young artists, who will be invited to showcase work made at the arts center, school or
on their own time. Register in advance at maplegroveartscenter.org or contact Christina Hankins for more information: 612.964.2542, chankins2@aol.com.
Saturdays, 1 – 3 p.m., February 4 – 25 (teens); Saturdays, 1 – 3 p.m., March 10 – 31 (children); $120 includes materials
Textiles for Kids (ages 8 and up)
Studio at Rush Creek
In February, the Studio at Rush Creek will offer two textile classes that are bound to excite crafty young children and teens. Little knitters (age 10 and up) will learn to knit their own hat during a 2.5-hour “knit in the round,” taught by instructor Kristine Cournoyer. For kids ages 8 and up, Cournoyer will offer a felt soap class just in time for Valentine’s Day, where kids can felt three bars of soap for a sweet Valentine’s Day gift. Register in advance at studio-rush.com. For more information, call 763.315.3001 or email studiorushcreek@gmail.com.
Knit in the Round, January 4, Noon – 2:30 p.m; Felted Soap, January 4, 3 p.m.–4:30 p.m.; $29 (or $39 with materials) for knit in the round; $27 for felted soap class
