Children's art classes currently enrolling for:
Weekly 2 hour classes designed to provide opportunities for self-expression while learning foundational techniques in a variety of fine-art practices. All students visit the Danforth Art Museum to enhance study.
At the Danforth, children develop an understanding of the elements and principles of design, use high quality artists materials, explore ideas and spend time in the museum to expand critical and creative thinking. All students go home at the end of the session with a portfolio of quality work.
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
Parents, 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. Inspired by Maxine Yalovitz-Blankenship’s work in the museum, children will have fun creating a beautiful winter scene and a bright bird to nest among the branches. Then, they will 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 ClassesWe invite children and their families to join us at the Danforth for a workshop to enjoy the wonderful stories and illustrations found in children’s books. We will read Rabbit’s Snow Dance, a traditional Iroquois tale, and learn about how the illustrator uses artistic tricks to “explain” the story. Using a variety of fun materials, children, working with their grown ups if needed, will create an illustration of their own that brings the story to life as art. Rabbit’s Snow Dance is written (as told by) James & Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by Jeff Newman. This is designed as a workshop for adult and child pairs. Limited to 20 participants.
Register For ClassesNo class on 2/17.
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.
No class 2/17
Register For ClassesNo class on 2/17.
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 go home at the end of the 8 week session with a portfolio of sketches and finished works.
No class on 2/17.
Register For ClassesNo class on 2/17.
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.
No class on 2/17.
Register For Classes
No class on 2/18.
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.
No class on 2/18.
Register For Classes
No class on 2/18.
This is an introduction to 3 dimensional art for our young 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.
No class on 2/18.
Register For ClassesNo class on 2/18.
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 session with a portfolio of sketches and finished works.
No class on 2/18.
Register For Classes
No class on 2/18.
Calling all middle school students! This is a great class for you to explore everything related to painting and drawing including techniques with acrylic and watercolor paint, various drawing pencils and charcoals, and how to combine various materials in one piece. You will look at contemporary examples in the Danforth Art Museum as well as some historical images to inspire you. Go home at the end of the session with a portfolio of incredible artwork all your own.
No class on 2/18.
Register For ClassesNo class on 2/19.
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 10 child/adult pairs.
No class on 2/19.
Register For ClassesNo class on 2/19.
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.
No class on 2/19.
Register For ClassesNo class on 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.
No class on 2/19.
Register For ClassesNo class on 2/19.
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.
No class on 2/19.
Register For ClassesNo class on 1/17, 2/14 and 2/21.
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 on 1/17, 2/14 and 2/21.
Register For Classes
No class on 1/17, 2/14 and 2/21.
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.
No class on 1/17, 2/14 and 2/21.
Register For ClassesNo class on 1/17, 2/14 and 2/21.
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.
No class on 1/17, 2/14 and 2/21.
Register For ClassesNo class on 1/17, 2/14 and 2/21.
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. This class meets 8 times.
No class on 1/17, 2/14 and 2/21.
Register For ClassesChildren in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. This month, children will learn a variety of techniques for “quilling” or rolling strips of paper into designs. They will glue the designs into a frame to create a beautiful artwork to hang on the wall. 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.
Register For ClassesIn this two-day mixed media workshop, students will have fun exploring art materials while being inspired by Art in the Museum. Our workshops are designed to allow students to express their own ideas while learning a little about art and having fun with friends. There are two 3-hour classes each day with a 1-hour lunch break.
Register For ClassesIn this two-day mixed media workshop, students will have fun exploring art materials while being inspired by Art in the Museum. Our workshops are designed to allow students to express their own ideas while learning a little about art and having fun with friends. There are two 3-hour classes each day with a 1-hour lunch break.
Register For ClassesIn this two-day mixed media workshop, students will have fun exploring art materials while being inspired by Art in the Museum. Our workshops are designed to allow students to express their own ideas while learning a little about art and having fun with friends. There are two 3-hour classes each day with a 1-hour lunch break.
Register For ClassesIn this two-day mixed media workshop, students will have fun exploring art materials while being inspired by Art in the Museum. Our workshops are designed to allow students to express their own ideas while learning a little about art and having fun with friends. There are two 3-hour classes each day with a 1-hour lunch break.
Register For ClassesIn this two-day mixed media workshop, students will have fun exploring art materials while being inspired by Art in the Museum. Our workshops are designed to allow students to express their own ideas while learning a little about art and having fun with friends. There are two 3-hour classes each day with a 1-hour lunch break.
Register For ClassesIn this two-day mixed media workshop, students will have fun exploring art materials while being inspired by Art in the Museum. Our workshops are designed to allow students to express their own ideas while learning a little about art and having fun with friends. There are two 3-hour classes each day with a 1-hour lunch break.
Register For ClassesChildren in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. In this program, children will view portraits exhibited in the museum, and then learn how to develop illustrated pages to create a book that tells their story. They will use their own photograph as a cover, embellished with fun materials. 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
Register For ClassesChildren in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. For this event, children will use cardboard to create their own unique animal as a combination of two or more creatures, using paint to bring them to life. They will also create a habitat in which these creatures may roam. 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.
Register For ClassesChildren in Grades K-8 are invited to join us for a special Early Release program at the Danforth. This month, children will have fun outside using photo sensitive papers and flowers, to create a series of prints. These prints can be copied and colored to build a body of lovely prints to take home. 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.
Register For Classes
Important Information for Children's Classes
Please see our student behavior expectations here.
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.
Although we understand this may be more convenient for you, it our policy not to permit children under 18 to leave the school unaccompanied. Please plan to come up to the school level to meet your child at the conclusion of class and thank you.
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.
We welcome any information about your child that helps us support their learning in the art studio and museum. Please email danforthartschool@framingham.edu and we will ensure the instructor is informed.
Teaching here is such a joy Angela Ackerman, instructor—Learn more about Angela
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