My kids and my nieces and nephew, have been taking classes at a wonderful Art Center in Chandler. I just thought that I'd pass along the information. The owner, Matt Olpin, is a REAL art teacher (also teaches in Kyrene school district, I think). These classes are fun and geared for young kids, yet the kids learn much more than "crafts". My 6 yr old niece has been taking the most classes and she has really learned a lot about art. It's adorable to hear her speak about "perspective" or "secondary colors", etc. This week, she's attending a 3 hr a day camp, where the kids will be making clay projects centered around an "ancient Egypt" theme. She LOVED the pottery wheel class!
The owner is a nice guy. He's married and has three kids (just had a new baby). Although, he's very reserved. Although, his softspokenness and patience is great for kids, he doesn't seem outgoing enough to get the word out about his great art center! Anyway, my kids have enjoyed the free Friday afternoon/evening "cartooning" class and a few Saturday afternoon classes (I love the watercolor portrait of mommy and daddy that my 5 yr old did!)
The weekly classes run $8 each ($32 a month) and they cover a lot of different techniques and medium. The center is in downtown Chandler (Az Ave and Boston), near a few artsy Chandler gallery-stores.
http://www.olpinartcenter.com/
"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein
My eight year old would love
My eight year old would love this. Would it be appropriate, do you think, for a four year old as well? Both of them love art, but I am not sure a four year old would have the patience for a class.
My son was 4 when he took a
My son was 4 when he took a class and he liked it. I sat and watched and when he was trying to cut out dozens of triangles pieces, I reached over and helped him, so that he could finish with the others. I suppose that it depends on the kids, but the center does classes for 3-4 yr olds with mom's help and they also have 4-5 yr old classes, where those kids tend to work on their own. I'm sure that the teacher could make suggestions after your 4 yr old tries a class or two.
"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein