How to Choose an Art Program for Children

As summer approaches, several parents are considering options for classes and programs (both single and multiple sessins) for their children this summer. Some suggestions:

• Choose a program that will allow your child to attend a free session or will provide a refund after the first class if the program just isn't a good fit. What might sound great on paper might not be in person.
• Ideally, art programs should foster creativity and not merely churn out reproductions of the example.  
• While programs for younger children should focus on exploration of various media, programs for older children can focus on particular skills, such as drawing or sculpting.  Cartooning and animation are very popular.  
• Classes with multiple projects instead of a single sustained project might be better for younger children, while older children might benefit from a final project.
• Programs that combine looking at works of art with art-making, such as those in art museums, can be very inspirational for young artists.   

Other things to consider:

• Are there hidden fees for materials or is the tuition all-inclusive?
• What is the student-teacher ratio? 
• What training do the instructors have?   Are they artists or art teachers with experience teaching children?
• Is there a final exhibition of artworks made during class?

Final things to note:

• Pick a class that works for your child's schedule.  It might be a great program but if it's at a time of day that your child isn't active or receptive, it won't work.
• Don't force your child to participate or perform right away.  Likewise, don't assume they aren't learning if they aren't participating.
• If it's a multi-generational program that includes parents or grandparents, be ready to get messy!  And avoid saying, "I can't do this.  I'm not an artist."  Your child will internalize this low self-esteem and negative attitude.
• Talk to your child about the works made in class.  
• Proudly display works made in class by either hanging them at home or creating digital reproductions to send to family and friends (via the internet or digitally-created calendars and notecards).
• Have art supplies on hand at home to continue the creative process outside of class.
• Go to museums often for inspiration.