Children's Classes
Children's Classes and Workshops
Winter 2012 Session
10 Weeks: January 9 - March 18, 2012
There will be no classes on January 16 or February 20. Makeups for these and any other cancelled classes will be held the weeks of March 19, March 26, and April 2.
The Winter 2012 Session is underway! Below are the one-day children's workshops that are still available for registration.
Some 10-week courses are still available! To view the full listings of Winter children's courses, Click Here or download the Winter brochure. Please call 973-259-5139 to check availability and register.
Classes limited to 15 students unless otherwise noted.
If you would like to take advantage of the sizeable Member discount on Yard School classes, please sign up for a Montclair Art Museum Membership FIRST, before paying for your Yard School of Art classes.
If you wish to register by mail or fax, please click here to download a registration form.
In this section you can search classes by age group. For availability and registration, please call 973-259-5139.
Ages 3 - 5 Ages 4 - 5 Ages 5 - 7 Ages 6 - 8 Ages 6 - 9 Ages 7 - 10 Ages 8 -12 Ages 9 - 12 Ages 10 - 13 Ages 11+
Ages 3 - 5
100KB My Buddy and Me
Mondays, 1 - 2 p.m.
$230 members, $260 non-members
Peg Kenselaar
Animals! People! Places! Come and explore these topics and beyond while creating paintings, drawings, sculpture, prints, and collages. For our youngest artists, this course introduces the studio atmosphere and art-making techniques through the emphasis in imagination and the study of texture, line, form, color, shape, and patterms, and other cultures and artists. These aspiring artists will create their first masterpieces while forming lasting memories with help from moms, dads, or primary caregivers. Class limited to 12 students.
Ages 4 - 5
101KE Studio Explorers
Tuesdays, 4:15 – 5 p.m.
$230 members, $260 non-members
Aggie Wszolkowska
The perfect introductory class for our younger students, this course will include painting, drawing, collage and printmaking, and some sculpture. Emphasis will be placed on imagination, creative expression and skills that will help children to develop hand/eye coordination.
Ages 5 -7
201KM Cut, Press, and Roll
Tuesdays, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
$230 members, $260 non-members
Peg Kenselaar
Explore the endless possibilities of printmaking! In this class, young artists will learn to create beautiful works of art through a variety of challenging and rewarding printmaking techniques. Projects will cover monoprint, silkscreen, collograph, relief, and photo transfer printing. Mixed media will be introduced to create one-of-a-kind results. Some themes include multicultural imagery, pop art, nature, and portraiture.
101KC Clay Creatures
Tuesdays, 4 – 5 p.m.
$275 members, $305 non-members
Evan Wagman
There's no limit to what the imagination can create in clay! In this class students will create wild and whimsical creatures, both real and imagined, using clay that will be kiln fired, as well as self hardening clay and colorful Sculpey.
202KM Art Safari
Wednesdays, 4 – 5 p.m.
$230 members, $260 non-members
Nanci Iovino
Students will travel the globe with each new project inspired by cultures and art styles throughout the world. African, Australian, Central and South American, Native American, American, European, Indian, and Asian art will be studied. Students will emulate the art and artists of each of the regions. Animals, nature, and people will provide subject matter for the 2-D and 3-D projects.
103KB Creatures and Animals
Fridays, 4 – 5 p.m.
$230 members, $260 non-members
Nanci Iovino
This course will introduce various materials and mediums including drawing, painting and sculpture through the theme of real life animals and imaginary creatures. Projects will explore the use of color, line, shape, texture, pattern, and setting.
104KB Beyond the Playground
Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$230 members, $260 non-members
Aggie Wszolkowska
Children will be introduced to many fine art techniques that use childhood themes as a springboard, and will use everyday experiences as inspiration. The young artists' favorite people, places, animals, and things are some tof the themes explored. Painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, collage, and printmaking will be taught in an encouraging atmosphere.
105KB Draw,Paint,Twist and Strecth!
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$230 members, $260 non-members
Peg Kenselaar
This class introduces young artists to building, design, color and drawing. Picture an Aztec mask made from sliced, twisted and painted cardboard. Imagine the possibilities! Two and three dimensional projects will incorporate techniques from painting and paper-maché, to learning to sculpt with found objects. Projects will use recycled materials such as paper tubes and plastic bottles to create unique and memorable works of art
106KB Art as Personal Expression
Tuesdays, 4 - 5 p.m.
$230 members, $260 non-members
Peg Kenselaar
Children love making choices, and every child has a story to tell. This class will nurture these tendencies while gaining knowledge through museum visits, multicultural learning, art history, and the use of fine art materials and techniques in a fun and supportive atmosphere. We will paint, draw, sculpt, print, and discover mixed media.
103KC Universe of Clay
Thursdays, 4 - 5 p.m.
$275 members, $305 non-members
Peg Kenselaar
The creation of meaningful art from clay brings happiness and satisfaction to young artists. This hands-on class uses a variety of clay and sculptural techniques to produce creative and unique objects, including several pieces to be fired in a kiln. Using a multicultural approach, students will use ceramic clay, and colorful glazes to create pots, masks, creatures and animals.
102KC Adventures in Pottery
Saturdays, 10 - 11 a.m.
$275 members, $305 non-members
Aggie Wszolkowska
Join us to discover the whimsical world of working with clay. From hand built pottery such as coil and pinch pots, to mosaics, tiles, and clay figurines, this class has something for everyone. Students will learn techniques for painting pottery, as well as glazing projects to be kiln fired.
Ages 7 - 10
200KDM Digital Mixed Media
Ready to go on an adventure through all aspects of art and music creation on the computer? THis class brings your child through a variety of computer programs such as animation in Flash, painting in Photoshop, creating music in Garageband, and much more! They will learn to explore all aspects of digital creation in a fun environment.
Ages 8 - 12
103KW Pottery on the Wheel (Ages 8-12)
- Mondays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. with Evan Wagman
- Fridays, 4 - 5:30 p.m. with Evan Wagman
- Saturdays, 12 – 1:30 p.m. with Donald Theiberger
$295 Members, $325 nonmembers
This class offers older children the opportunity to work exclusively on the wheel. Gain a solid foundation of throwing techniques while creating bowls, pots, vases, and more. Hand building, sculpture techniques, glazing and texturing will also be covered. Personal expression is encouraged!
208KM Symbol, Myth and Legend
Tuesdays, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
$230 members, $260 non-members
Aggie Wszolkowska
From the myths of the ancient Greeks and Romans, medieval legends, and Native American tribal lore to contemporary fantasy and fairy tales, this class will uncover the hidden world of symbols. In this mixed media class, students will explore the myths and legends of different cultures throughout history while creating art that has personal meaning. Drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture will be included.
Home School Pottery
6 Weeks: January 10 - February 14
Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
$175 members, $195 non-members
Peg Kenselaar
For children that are home schooled, this class provides an opportunity to experience working exclusively with clay to create pottery in MAM's Ceramics Studio. Students will practice hand building and wheel throwing while learning about the history of pottery across cultures. Projects will include the use of both kiln-fired and air-dry clay, and will incorporate glazing and painting techniques. By the end of the session, students will have several finished pieces of pottery ranging from functional bowls, mugs, and vases, to purely decorative pieces.
100KG Glass Fusing
Wednesdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
$305 members, $335 nonmembers
Peg Kenselaar
Create fun, colorful artwork with kiln fused glass! This totally safe process allows young students to create beautiful and unique functional forms such as plates and bowls, to decorative projects like wall hangings and night lights. Students will learn the foundation of glass fusing while using their own designs to create lasting treasures.
302KD The Art of Comic Book Making
Wednesdays, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
$240 members, $270 non-members
Vicki Arlein
Create your own comic book! From designing superheroes to creating storyboards, students will study how to plan, sketch, and color their comics. In addition to an overview of the elements of comic book making, including some history of comics, students will also learn traditional drawing techniques, such as perspective, shading, and line. Students will take home a color copy of the comic book to share with their fans!
300KP Easel Painting
Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
$240 members, $270 non-members
Liz Seaton
This class will provide a unique opportunity for our budding artists to learn to paint and draw at the easel. The class will work from direct observation on both still life and portraits, while acquiring a strong foundation in painting techniques. Color mixing, paint application, proportions, and creating a balanced composition will all be covered. Trips to see the Museum's diverse collection of paintings will be included for study and inspiration.
205KM Draw, Paint, Create (Ages 8-11)
Fridays, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
$240 members, $260 non-members
Peg Kenselaar
This course is designed to stimulate young artists’ thoughts and discussions about art through the process of exploring different aesthetic approaches. Learn about art history through gallery visits and reference materials while creating fine art projects that you could add to any portfolio! In an inviting atmosphere students will feel confident about their artistic decisions while learning fine art techniques such as drawing, painting, clay sculpture, and printmaking among others. Inspiration will blossom from students’ individual creativity while learning about artists from different cultures throughout history.
200DP Digital Photography
This digital photography course is for total beginners and no previous experience in photography is required. Students will learn how to get the most out of their digital cameras through a range of fun hands-on activities. This course will give an overview of different settings on digital cameras and the basic principles of photography, including how a lens and shutter work, composition, light, and contrast. Students will also learn how to perform some basic editing techniques using Adobe Photoshop CS5. Canon point-and-shoot cameras will be available for each student or students may bring their own camera.
200KP Drawing and Painting (Ages 8-10)
$240 members, $260 non-members
Liz Seaton
This class will explore a variety of techniques that allow for creative expression in a fun and supportive atmosphere. A selection of visual resources will be used to introduce styles, techniques, and artists, and as inspiration for some of the lessons.
220KP Intermediate Drawing and Painting (Ages 10-12)
Saturdays, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
$240 members, $260 nonmembers
Liz Seaton
A more challenging version of our earlier program on Saturday designed for a slightly older student. Fine art mediums are used to explore styles, techniques, and the formal elements of art making in a creative and supportive atmosphere.
Ages 9 - 12
300FI Fashion Illustration
Mondays, 4 - 5 p.m.
$235 members, $265 nonmembers
Nanci Iovino
Style is who you are! Students in class will learn the exaggeration and enhancement of the fashion figure by studying a live model. Other sessions will be an introduction to fabrics, including folds and drapes, as well as textures and patterns. Model fees included.
301KA 2D Animation
Tuesdays, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
$240 members, $270 nonmembers
Earl Speid
Do you love cartoons and animated movies? Held in our new Digital Media Lab, this class lets you become the author, director, and animator of your own personal cartoon. Students will learn traditional 2D animation as seen in Disney films, Windows Movie Maker, Microsoft Photo Story, and Adobe Photoshop to make a short film they will take home on DVD to share with friends and family.
300KD Cartoon Drawing
Thursdays, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
$240 members, $270 nonmembers
Earl Speid
Are you crazy for cartoons? Students will learn to design imaginative and expressive characters, as well as draw their favorites. This class includes a discussion of storyboards, a history of cartoon drawing, and strong foundation of basic drawing techniques.
302KA Claymation
Thursdays, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
$240 members, $270 nonmembers
Aggie Wszolkowska
Do you love movies and animation? In this course, students have the opportunity to be an animator, director, producer, editor, sculptor, illustrator, and writer. By modeling the story in clay, and using a series of digital images, students will work together to create a unique claymation film. There will be a screening at the end of the session, and each student will receive a DVD of the film to take home.
Ages 10 - 13
300VG Video Game Design
Have you ever wanted to design and build your own video game or do you already have an idea and need a little help pulling it all together? This course teaches you the skills to make your imagination come to life on your computer screen using Unity. We'll start by learning how to prototype our ideas on paper. Then we'll move on to the computer, where students will create 3D worlds to explore. Equal emphasis will be placed on art and technology, exposing students to the many aspects of game design. All skill levels welcome.
Ages 11+
300DS Digital Sculpture
Fridays, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
$240 Members, $270 nonmembers
Matthew Kean
Students will learn the basics of digital sculpting and the process that goes into 3D character creation for video games, toys and movies such as "300" and "Avatar". After an introduction to CG animation, students will sculpt fully realized characters from nothing, using a foundation of basic sculpting techniques and character design concepts. Three dimensional creatures and characters will come together using "digital clay". Using this liberating process, students will be able to start sculpting right away and because the program is free, students are able to work on their designs at home. Students will showcase their creations in a slideshow for friends and family at the end of the session.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (Ages 6 - 10)
Sunday, February 12
1 - 4 p.m.
$60 Members, $80 nonmembers
Create a unique clay mirror based on individuality, design, texture, pattern and color. Students will learn to work with kiln fired clay and tools. Participants will create an initial sketch for the design of their mirror. After the sculptural frame is built, under-glaze will be painted on in preparation for the kiln. The instructor will attach the mirror and hooks so that your functional mirror will be ready to hang. Mirrors will be ready for pick-up two weeks after the workshop.
Painting Animals: Pet Portraitures (Ages 8+)
Young artists often want to portray all kinds and types of animal friends! Capturing a convincing likeness of a beloved family pet rests upon a foundation of easy-to-learn drawing basics, plus a basic understanding of animal anatomy. Students are invited to bring along a clear photograph (or two) of any kind of pet, which will be used as a reference for an animal portrait rendered in oil pastel, finished off with watercolor resist. Not only will participants leave with a splashy, finished result, but will have learned a set of principles to apply, again and again!
It's Your Turn! Introduction to Wheel Throwing (Ages 8+)
Sunday, February 19
10 a.m. - Noon
$50 Members, $75 nonmembers
Evan Wagman
These one-day workshops are ideal for children who want to try their hand at throwing pottery on the wheel. Through ample individual attention from the instructor, and as well as demos and discussion, students will learn the steps and techniques of wheel throwing, including centering clay, throwing bowl and vase forms, trimming, etc. Students will select glazes during the workshop, and return to pick up their fired pots two weeks from the workshop date. Materials, glazing and firing fees included in tuition.
Sculpy Animals (Ages 6 - 12)
Create animals and creatures using colorful Sculpy clay! Bunnies in the bathtub, sharks biting scuba divers, giant squids wrestling ships, penguins surfing or watching TV...the possibilities are endless!
