Children's art classes currently enrolling for:
Our goals for learning within the children/teens program include:
- presenting classes focused on developing foundational concepts and skills within distinct media which are aligned with the stages of artistic development
- providing individualized attention to each student encouraging the representation of unique creative perspectives and the development of the portfolio
- providing opportunities for students to talk about their perceptions, their experience, their own work and the work of others reinforcing vocabulary specific to art making
- incorporating gallery learning in the museum in order to create opportunities to respond to the original work of other artists and to enhance student awareness of art, artists, and context
- providing an end of session synopsis outlining projects produced, references used, and skills and concepts covered
Children in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. This month, we will be using paint and wire to create a sculpture inspired by artwork in the museum featuring acrobats and animals at the circus. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 20 participants, 10% sibling discount.
Register For ClassesThis month, we invite grown-ups to join their child for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. Adult/child pairs will have fun together, creating beautiful patterns in a clay tile with stone and glass mosaic pieces. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which participants will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 adult/child pairs.
Register For ClassesParents, take advantage of a chance to go shopping or get a bite to eat – it’s a night just for the kids with us at the Danforth. Have fun decorating a styrofoam ball with photocopied self portraits, stamped initials and other found objects to tell the story of you! Then, enjoy a night at the museum with a scavenger hunt, looking for clues in the artwork. Includes pizza, lemonade and a treat to take home. Drop off is between 5:45-6pm. Pick up is at 9pm. Perfect for children from kindergarten to grade 8.
Register For ClassesNo class 2/20
In this innovative class, caregivers and children alike will enjoy an art-packed hour of enrichment and community. We understand sometimes it is hard to get out of the house with little ones, so we have structured this in a way that each week will offer something new to participants and missing a week is not a financial stress. Simple activities in a relaxing, child-friendly studio will combine with visits to the art museum on the second floor. Adults remain with children throughout, and learn along with them how to understand and enjoy looking at and making art. Maximum of 12 child/adult pairs.
Register For ClassesJoin us for this fun drawing class which takes place both in the museum and the studio. Students will learn a variety of drawing techniques as they study artwork on display at the museum, practicing shading, different types of lines and how to look carefully in order to capture correct proportions and shapes. The instructor will explain how different types of pencils and materials can make drawings look very unique. Each student will go home at the end of the 8 week session with a portfolio of sketches and finished works.
Register For ClassesNo class 2/19
This is an introduction to 3 dimensional art for our youngest friends. Children naturally enjoy building things, so in this class they will learn how to create sculptures with lots of fun materials like cardboard, wood, clay, paper mache, natural and found materials, textiles and more. They will get to visit the museum and learn about other artists who like to build things.
Register For ClassesNo class 2/19
Studio explorations is a new class designed to offer students a chance to try out a range of art materials so they learn how to use them in different ways. Students will have time to play with materials such as air dry clay, printing ink, charcoal pencils, acrylic paint and more. After they understand how the materials work, the instructor will lead a lesson designed to allow for self expression in that type of media. Students will have access to the museum and will learn about other artists and how they have used these materials to create beautiful and interesting artworks.
Register For Classes
No class 2/20
Join us for this fun drawing class which takes place both in the museum and the studio. Students will learn a variety of drawing techniques as they study artwork on display at the museum, practicing shading, different types of lines and how to look carefully in order to capture correct proportions and shapes. The instructor will explain how different types of pencils and materials can make drawings look very unique. Each student will go home at the end of the 8 week session with a portfolio of sketches and finished works.
Register For ClassesNo class 2/20
This is a fun overview of fashion design including how to draw the traditional fashion figure complete with gestures, clothing details and fabric drape. We will cover color theory, developing a concept and putting a mood board together. Students will learn about some influential designers from the past as well as some basic sewing and patternmaking skills. By the end of the class, designers will create an original well-presented fashion collection and even learn about the next step of creating a garment pattern for one of their designs. No class on 2/20
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No class 2/15
Studio experiments is a new class designed to offer students a chance to try out a range of art materials so they learn how to use them in different ways. Students will have time to play with materials such as air dry clay, printing ink, charcoal pencils, acrylic paint and more. After they understand how the materials work, the instructor will lead a lesson designed to allow for self expression in that type of media. Students will have access to the museum and will learn about other artists and how they have used these materials to create beautiful and interesting artworks. No class 2/15
Register For Classes
No class 2/15
Join us for this fun class exploring 3D artwork including relief sculpture (which can hang on the wall), kinetic sculpture (which can move), environmental sculpture (natural materials displayed outside), and more. Inspired by historical and contemporary examples including works in the museum, students will plan and execute a series of pieces using supplies such as wood, wire, clay, Papier Mache, natural and found materials, textiles and more.
Register For ClassesNo class 2/15
Calling all tabletop gamer artists! If you like the art of Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering, Warhammer, Masks, Shadowrun, etc. this exciting new class will teach you how to draw and paint fantasy and science fiction art. Artist educator Zach Shiff can help you capture what you’re envisioning in your mind’s eye when you play your fantasy game of choice. In this class you’ll learn how to: create a character, pose them in a dramatic way, and paint a background setting to give them depth. Feel free to bring your dice, cards, and books since you’re very likely to make a friend or two in class. No class 2/15.
Register For ClassesParents, take advantage of a chance to go shopping or get a bite to eat – it’s a night just for the kids with us at the Danforth. Have fun learning how to create a unique woven artwork using found and colored papers and ribbons. Then, enjoy a night at the museum with a scavenger hunt, looking for clues in the artwork. Includes pizza, lemonade and a treat to take home. Drop off is between 5:45-6pm. Pick up is at 9pm. Perfect for children from kindergarten to grade 8.
Register For ClassesChildren in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. This month, we will be taking photocopies of self-portraits and using paint pens, sequins and other fun materials to add crazy decorations. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 participants, 10% sibling discount.
Please note: All activities for this program take place in an art museum and an art studio, which are not spaces that can accommodate children that need to keep their bodies moving or have a hard time remembering not to do so in spaces with delicate artwork or art materials. We appreciate your understanding.
Register For Classes
Children in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. This month, we will be decorating the outside and inside of small tins, using glue, fabric, ribbons and other found objects to make fun treasure boxes. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 participants, 10% sibling discount.
Please note: All activities for this program take place in an art museum and an art studio, which are not spaces that can accommodate children that need to keep their bodies moving or have a hard time remembering not to do so in spaces with delicate artwork or art materials. We appreciate your understanding.
Register For ClassesChildren in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. This month, we will be using ink pads and thumbs as the starting point for creating an invented scene of people, animals and other objects. Colored pencils and sharpies will help bring the scenes to life. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 participants, 10% sibling discount.
Please note: All activities for this program take place in an art museum and an art studio, which are not spaces that can accommodate children that need to keep their bodies moving or have a hard time remembering not to do so in spaces with delicate artwork or art materials. We appreciate your understanding.
Register For ClassesChildren in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. This month, we will be using watercolors to create flowers, trees, and other plants floating in a beautiful garden scene. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 participants, 10% sibling discount.
Please note: All activities for this program take place in an art museum and an art studio, which are not spaces that can accommodate children that need to keep their bodies moving or have a hard time remembering not to do so in spaces with delicate artwork or art materials. We appreciate your understanding.
Register For ClassesChildren in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. For this session, we will be using fun collage papers in various prints and colors to create the letters in our names in a vibrant, original artwork. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 participants, 10% sibling discount.
Please note: All activities for this program take place in an art museum and an art studio, which are not spaces that can accommodate children that need to keep their bodies moving or have a hard time remembering not to do so in spaces with delicate artwork or art materials. We appreciate your understanding.
Register For ClassesChildren in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. For this session, we will be using boxes, paint, fabrics and other fun materials to create a house for an indoor fairy. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 participants, 10% sibling discount.
Please note: All activities for this program take place in an art museum and an art studio, which are not spaces that can accommodate children that need to keep their bodies moving or have a hard time remembering not to do so in spaces with delicate artwork or art materials. We appreciate your understanding.
Register For ClassesChildren in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. For this session we will be painting beautiful dot patterned designs on large rocks to enjoy as a decoration or to leave out for others to enjoy during their walks. Danforth will provide popcorn and lemonade for snack, after which the children will enjoy a fun scavenger hunt in the museum and a game of Pictionary if there is time. Everyone goes home with a goody bag. Limited to 10 participants, 10% sibling discount.
Please note: All activities for this program take place in an art museum and an art studio, which are not spaces that can accommodate children that need to keep their bodies moving or have a hard time remembering not to do so in spaces with delicate artwork or art materials. We appreciate your understanding.
Register For Classes
Important Information for Children's Classes
Yes! Danforth provides everything students need to experiment with materials and practice techniques. Students learn to select from various sized brushes and types of paint, different types of drawing pencils and a variety of other drawing materials. Our studios are equipped with easels, stools, painting tables and specialized lighting to enhance the learning experience.
In our programs, we have noticed that mixed peer groups can often support learning as they approach lessons differently. Younger artists can emulate techniques of older artists, and the older students can appreciate the exuberance and fearlessness of the younger students. Our small class sizes allow instructors to provide individualized instruction to all our artists in the studio.
Not usually. Our classes maintain a portfolio of artwork which allows students to keep collect all process pieces such as sketches together with finished works. It also allows them to go back to revisit ideas or to keep working on pieces if needed over time.
Lessons in the Children’s Program at the Danforth are designed to build upon each other throughout the session, reinforcing concepts and techniques which allows for growth over the period of the class.
We hold an informal exhibition of artwork on the last class so that students can have practice experiencing showing their work, and discussing what they learned.
Yes! At some point during the session, teachers will take a “field trip” to the museum to view works on display. Students will often have the opportunity to sketch in the museum as they learn how to actively view artwork in a museum, and to think critically about what they see and notice. We emphasize visual literacy skills during these visits so that children learn how to understand techniques, genres, content, and the elements and principles of design which are the building blocks of art making.
Teaching here is such a joy Angela Ackerman, instructor—Learn more about Angela
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