Art Classes for Grade Schoolers

Try the public library, Micheals and other craft stores, and Museums. Get him a sketch book to take with him everywhere. Watch any TV programs he is enjoying and point out the artistry and creativity needed to put those programs together. Get him to teach you, this will really get him excited. The craft stores always have things going on. Even Home Depot does things with kids. Don't forget to show him how many things like bar soap can be made into figures, paper plates can be made into masks. There are several learning stores around, the last one I saw was on Bloomingdale past the High School, I can't remember the light, but I think there is an Applebees in the strip parking lot, you have to turn south off bloomingdale to see the strip of shops. Wall Murals are terrific for his bedroom, fabric paints can be used on bed sheets as well as t-shirts. Make certain to Frame and display his work all around the house to he knows how proud you are of him. Don't forget the state & county fairs they always have competitions, even if he does not win, he will see his work displayed publically!

Hi V.,

Check out Abrakdoodle - Educational Art for Kids. They have classes at the learning Express in the Publix shopping center in Tampa Palms. They are also offfering three hour summer camps at different places. You can go to www.abrakadoodle.com to get contact info. Ask for Tony.

Good Luck!
S.

Dear V.,

Southshore Library in Ruskin offers one or two free art classes per month. My daughter (who's 8) has participated in 3 or 4. It's fun for her, and I get to hang out & read. Classes fill up really quick though! Coming classes are May 10th & June 7th. Time is 11:30-1:00p.m. See Hillsborough County Public Libraries on-line for schedules/events @ all locations.

I know the Arts Center in downtown St. Pete. offers a summer art camp for elementary school children. http://www.theartscenter.org/youth_teen/index.htm

I think KidzArt also has a summer camp for that age group. http://www.stpetekidzart.com/

Check out the website for Hillsborough County Libraries - it seems like I'm always seeing advertisements for art classes at the libraries. I know for a fact that SouthShore Regional Library has them, but I think Bloomingdale and Brandon do, too. It might be "Center Place" at Brandon Library that does the art classes. I haven't sent my kids yet, so I don't know how they are. Good luck!