Discover the Best Kids' Art Classes in Los Angeles
Kids have been creating art for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that artists, philosophers, and pedagogues began studying the effect that art engagement has on child development. Once they did, they soon discovered that art could help children develop both physically and mentally. Further study in the late 1800s helped spread the importance of access to art education for children.
Previously kids’ art was appreciated for its aesthetic quality by artists. They enjoyed that kids’ art was not tainted by adult influence or an adult’s understanding of the world. Younger kids are unable to visually express subjects accurately in the same way that adults do, and this shows in their art. This fascination with kids’ arts interpretation of the world was compared to modernism, particularly the modernist art movement’s rejection of realism.
The stages of child development have been associated with stages of kids’ art by those who study art’s effect on child development. As a child learns how to scribble–around age one–they’ll also work on improving their motor skills. By the time children reach age nine or ten, they’ll have better observational skills and a clearer understanding of how the world works. This will be evident in their artwork, which typically becomes more realistic in style around this age.
Teachers and psychologists have continued studying the physical and mental benefits that art provides to children to improve early childhood education as well as therapeutic techniques for kids. The repeated movements of the hands, fingers, and wrists when making art contributes to a child’s physical development. Art requires creativity. By engaging in making art, children are learning how to express their creativity and connect with their emotions. Although on the surface, art may look like any other fun activity for kids, it’s also lending to their development.
Why Your Child Should Learn Art in Los Angeles
Research on the benefits of introducing art to children at a young age has expanded over time. If you’re in the Los Angeles area and are thinking about enrolling your child in an art class, consider some of the following benefits it could have on their development.
Art helps children improve their coordination and fine motor skills. They need one or both hands to work on art projects, which lets them work their fingers, hands, and wrists. Using tools in art, like scissors, markers, and crayons, will let them build up their dexterity and control of the muscles in that region.
If you’d like to work on improving your child’s cognitive skills, art is a great way to do so. With art, your child can learn about different shapes, colors, and sizes. You can teach them about planning and problem-solving as they come up with new art creations and work on fixing their mistakes. If they’re using materials like paint, markers, and glue, they’ll be able to work on fixing mistakes as these are permanent and semi-permanent materials. Art is also a great way to learn about cause and effect, especially when painting where mixing colors may be required.
Because art allows children to use their imagination and does not necessarily require them to form specific goals or follow rules, depending on the project, it’s considered a form of open-ended play. Open-ended play is especially important in early childhood. This play style lets children work on regulating their emotions as they work through problems and situations that arise while playing. When open-ended play is done with multiple children, it promotes social development as they learn how to share and communicate.
In-Person Kids' Art Classes in Los Angeles
In-person kids’ art classes are offered throughout Los Angeles for children of all ages with different experience levels. Expert instructors guide students through classes. They offer demonstrations to participating children and can also provide them with constructive feedback and advice.
If your child has an interest in drawing but isn’t sure where to begin, Los Angeles City College in East Hollywood offers Drawing for Young People. Kids aged seven through fourteen are welcome to attend this beginner class where they’ll learn various drawing techniques. They’ll be encouraged to explore their creativity as they work on weekly projects that'll introduce them to drawing principles like color theory and design. Your child will be responsible for bringing an 18”x12” drawing pad, a full stick of charcoal, a full stick of white chalk, a box of 12 color sticks, a box of 12 color pencils, and a white bar eraser to the first class.
Similarly, Los Angeles City College offers another kids’ drawing class, but its main focus is how to draw comic book and cartoon characters. If your child is aged eight through fifteen, they can attend this class where they’ll learn cartoon and comic book drawing techniques. They can learn to draw characters they’re familiar with, or they can draw their own cartoon characters. This is a beginner-level class, so all kids within the age range are welcome to sign-up. You’ll be responsible for supplying your child with the required materials, so be sure to check the supply list on the class page before the scheduled class.
Virtual Kids' Art Classes
If your child is interested in hands-on art instruction and demonstrations, in-person kids’ art classes may work for their learning style. In-person classes also provide the opportunity for your child to socialize with other kids their age. However, these classes may not be available in your area or fit your and your child’s schedule. If that’s the case, consider signing your child up for a virtual kids’ art class.
Virtual art classes and camps are taught remotely by a live instructor. These classes are offered by studios and schools around the country. The classes offered focus on different types of art like drawing, painting, and sculpting and will let your child explore different art mediums. There are a few online kids’ art classes available for your child to take on CourseHorse.
If you’d like to enroll your young child in a summer art camp, The Art Studio NY’s online Summer Art and Creativity Camp is open to children aged five through eight. Through this camp, they’ll learn how to express themselves through their art. Your child will be able to work on fun art projects exploring a variety of art forms. Despite being a remote camp, this class encourages socialization among participants. You can choose to enroll your child in a half-day morning camp, half-day afternoon camp, or full-day camp.
If you’re looking for an art camp that accommodates older children, the Art of SF Bay is hosting a Digital Painting Art Camp for children aged 10 to 16. Over the course of five days, your child will learn about digital art, which is quickly growing in popularity and practical use. They’ll work with digital tools and editing apps while learning the fundamentals of digital art. All required devices and software are listed on the class page.
Private Group Kids' Art Classes in Los Angeles
Are you looking for a group kids’ art class to sign your child and their friends up for? If so, CourseHorse offers private kids’ art classes that they can deliver to you through online video platforms like Zoom. Virtual art classes serve as a great birthday activity or as something fun for your child to do over the summer.
If you’d like to learn about the remote kids’ art classes that CourseHorse offers, you can contact them through the form on their website. They’ll help you determine what class would be best for your child and their group. You can discuss types of art they might be interested in doing as well as the size of the group. CourseHorse accommodates a range of group sizes. They’ll also let you book the minimum group size if you’re unsure of how many kids will be taking the class, which you can then edit up to one week before the class takes place.
CourseHorse provides all class participants with the needed materials before the class date. They’ll collect the addresses of each participant and mail supplies out ahead of time. CourseHorse doesn’t charge booking fees for any classes. They’ll also let you cancel the class for free up to two weeks before the date of the class. CourseHorse recommends that you use Zoom to take their classes, but they can also accommodate Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, and WebEx.
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