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.
Create your own wearable artwork. Guided by expert printmaker Matt McInnes, you’ll learn how to design an original image and transfer it onto a T-shirt using the screen-printing process. Along the way, you’ll explore the fundamentals of the technique—including what kinds of designs print more successfully—plus pick up practical tips to spark future projects. It’s a fun and inspiring two-day experience perfect for expanding your artmaking skills. All materials provided—including your blank T-shirt. Bring a favourite digital or analog drawing if you have one and/or we’ll create artwork on site. No prior experience needed.
Held at Centre[3] Media Arts Studio 173 James St. North
Members: $142.24 + HST, Non-Members: $145 + HST
Silly monsters, tiny animals and completely made-up characters—this playful soft-sculpture class is designed for curious young creators ready to explore texture, colour and shape as they craft their own fuzzy pom-pom creatures. We’ll start with simple techniques—wrapping yarn, gluing pieces and building basic forms—before diving into the fun of experimenting with yarn, felt, googly eyes, fabric, pipe cleaners and other soft materials to craft a zoo-full of imaginative critters.
Members: $96.72 + HST, Non-Members: $99 + HST. Saturday.
Folding, shaping and transforming—this class offers an age-appropriate introduction to the Japanese art of origami as we magically turn paper into creative works of art. The young artists will learn classic and modern origami techniques—starting with simple folds and building up to more detailed creations—using a variety of papers like patterned sheets, metallic foils and textured craft papers. We’ll also explore complementary paper-craft skills such as cutting, layering and constructing mixed-media pieces. With a blend of step-by-step instruction and ample opportunity to be inventive, this studio encourages problem-solving and artistic expression to discover what a single sheet of paper can become.
Members: $96.72 + HST, Non-Members: $99 + HST. Saturday.
Autumn’s warm colours and cascading leaves provide inspiration for this two-day workshop. You and your young artist will work both independently and collaboratively as you cut, paste, layer, stamp, draw and paint to create layered artworks using a range of materials such as pastels, printing inks and paints. Discover different methods and possibilities for making art, all centered around the theme of nature’s glory during the changing Fall season. Please note: we are unable to provide refunds/credits/transfers for these courses.
Course Fee: $89 + HST. Sunday.
We’ll investigate popular Anime and Manga references—old and new—and create whimsical characters and scenes inspired by those styles. Learn how to use anime and manga illustration techniques to create forms in proportion with expressive faces and unique features. Projects include designing original thematic characters, backgrounds and props, poster design and inking. *Please note: there will be no class on October 12*
Members: $287.14 + HST, Non-Members: $295 + HST. Monday.
Roll up those sleeves! We’ll paint, draw and explore the playful possibilities of clay in this fun and lively class. Each week offers a welcoming studio session for young artists, designed to spark their curiosity as they experiment with colour, shape and texture. Guided projects introduce key art skills while giving plenty of room for imagination and personal expression to thrive. We’ll build confidence and skills while enjoying the weekly adventure of making vibrant art. *Please note: there will be no class on October 12*
Members: $203.63 + HST, Non-Members: $209 + HST. Monday.
A class for the young artist who loves video game characters—especially those from early video games. We’ll forgo our digital devices and go old school as we learn how to use the process of pixel grids to draw/paint some of our favourite characters like Mario, Sonic, Link and many more. Once we’ve captured the classics, we’ll create our own retro style characters and virtual environments with several fun and engaging projects, including a 2D collage of our game universe that incorporates our imagined characters. *Please note: there will be no class on October 12*
Members: $277.14 + HST, Non-Members: $285 + HST. Monday.
Get ready to delve into viral TikTok pottery memes in this hands-on course. We’ll focus on trends such as the ceramic food challenge, tiny pot challenge, kinsugi repair, blindfolded building and other viral pottery techniques. We’ll also cover miniature throwing and sculpting along with painting and finishing techniques while focusing on scale, tromp l’oeil and muscle memory. Some previous pottery experience recommended. *Please note: there will be no class on October 12*
Members: $281.23 + HST, Non-Members: $289 + HST. Monday.
