This is the definition a child gave to art – I think, and then I draw a line around my think.
– Emily Carr
Art programs for Children and Teens at Dundas Valley School of Art are about more than making beautiful (and sometimes not so beautiful) art objects – making art is essential to their overall cognitive development.
Deciding what to draw, how to depict ideas visually and where to arrange objects on the page provides a spark for a young artist’s imagination. Mixing paint colours is a process of exploration and experimentation, while constructing a sculpture to stand tall and be supported involves critical thinking and problem solving.
In our classes, process is emphasized and making art is seen as vehicle for creativity, play and magic. Finished art pieces become a meaningful form of communication – an expression of ideas, feelings and emotions.
All these experiences contribute to the growth of your child’s confidence while aiding in the development of a positive self-image.
THE STUDIO EXPERIENCE
At Dundas Valley School of Art, we offer some of the most complete art studios in the Hamilton/Burlington region with a range of Children and Teen art classes taught by our faculty of qualified, professional artists. Class sizes are small – no more than 16 – creating a studio experience that is social, fun and supportive. The artists mostly work independently, but are encouraged to collaborate as they brainstorm ideas, share knowledge and solve challenges. This generates an inclusive studio environment as they work collectively with fellow peers from diverse backgrounds.
Classes are grouped by age range, beginning at age 4. We also offer Parent and Child classes beginning at age 2 up to 11+. This is an excellent opportunity to make art together and create lasting experiences with your child or teen.
Projects are designed to be stimulating, tapping into a young artist’s natural curiosity and promoting the use of observation and imagination. Originality is encouraged and experimenting with various art materials is a central focus. Activities are open-ended, non-directed and unhurried, allowing time to fully immerse and explore ideas in depth.
It is the entire process, not the end product that matters. A completed painting or sculpture can be viewed as a souvenir – the real outcome is the young artist’s ongoing growth and evolution.*
*From “Notes on Seeing,” a film with Dorothy Medhurst
WHAT THEY’LL LEARN
For our younger artists, lessons are grounded in an exploration of art history and children’s literature. Themes such as the seasons, nature, animals and outer space act as a springboard for projects. The artists are exposed to a range of mediums and materials: drawing (pencil, chalk, marker, pastel and crayon), painting (watercolour, acrylics and gouache), sculpture (clay, plasticine, wood and/or found materials), collage, printmaking and textiles. This broad introduction allows the artists to experiment and discover approaches that align with their choice of self-expression.
Explorations of line, shape, value and texture along with the basics of colour theory, perspective and composition form the foundations of lessons. There’s guidance on how to hold a pencil/marker, paint brush handling techniques and the effective use of clay tools.
Studying the work and lives of other artists provides an opportunity to learn about art history, movements and techniques. The goal is not to emulate these artists but be inspired by their work and create original interpretations that lead to the development of new skills and ideas.
Keeping a portfolio of key pieces chosen by the child allows them to track their own growth and talk about their art as a body of work. Teachers and parents can be supportive and encouraging by pointing out positive aspects of their created pieces and progress.
AS THEY GROW OLDER
As the artists progress, projects become multi-layered and there’s opportunities to experiment with new materials and techniques – charcoal instead of pencil, canvas instead of paper, ink instead of paint. Concepts such as perspective, composition, value and colour theory are expanded and classes become more specialized in areas such as drawing and painting, cartooning and manga, pottery, sculpture, photography, jewellery and textile art. Art history studies expand to include more diverse artists and more advanced art concepts and movements.
The overarching goal is to guide the students towards becoming independent artists – discovering their own voice and style as they gain confidence and grow as young individuals.
With acknowledgement to “Art Isn’t Just for Artists: Art Activities for Cognitive Development” by Paola Cohen
OUR PROGRAMS
TEEN CLASSES
Designed for students 11+, our Teen art classes are focused more on specific mediums and provide the opportunity for the artists to consolidate what they have learned from earlier classes. The artists can go deeper into the materials, tools and techniques that align with their choice of self-expression and continue to flourish as independent artists. Exercises are shared that promote skill building outside of class through measured practice. Pathways and portfolio guidance is provided for those interested in a post-secondary education in the visual arts.
Studio options expand to include portrait drawing, oil painting, advanced pottery, photography and digital art, stained glass, mosaics and multi-media.
PARENT & CHILD CLASSES
Class choices include painting and drawing, pottery, jewelry, tie-dye sessions and more.
BURSARIES
Through the generous support our community, DVSA is able to offer a limited number of bursaries for children and youth who, because of financial reasons, are unable to attend DVSA classes and workshops. For more information, visit this link.
