There’s reading, and writing, and arithmetic.
But according to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), another basic fundamental for kids should be art. The NEA says participation in the arts can support the social and emotional learning needs of students.
Art can help kids with fine motor and language skills, making decisions and looking at things from varying points of view. It can help in honing observation skills and vocalizing those observations.
But there’s another reason to get kids involved in art: it’s fun.
Across St. Johns County there are many kid-friendly art venues and spaces to explore. Here are five to visit soon.
FIRST COAST CULTURAL CENTER
First Coast Cultural Center says they are the place in the community to create, understand and experience the arts, and that shows through art exhibitions, events, and classes.
That includes youth arts programs like Kid’s Night Out, where children ages 5-11 get together for a fun evening of activities, including themed arts and crafts, pizza for dinner and more. The center also hosts kids’ birthday parties, with packages that include a professional artist, and Winter Break Arts and Improv/Drama workshops.
First Coast Cultural Center is at 3972 Third St. South, Jacksonville Beach. Call 904-280-0614 or visit www.FirstCoastCulturalCenter.org
THE ART STUDIO
A showcase for artists to display and sell their work, The Art Studio inspires, creates and promotes arts and culture in St. Augustine Beach. It’s a great place to walk around with the family and explore a variety of artwork. In addition to the gallery, there are classes and workshops offered.
That includes free children’s art programs. Mandy Frevele leads workshops filled with creative and innovative ideas for budding artists.
The Art Studio is at 370A A1A, St. Augustine. Call 904-295-4428 or visit www.BeachArtsStudio.org
ART GALLERIES OF ST. AUGUSTINE
The Art Galleries of St. Augustine is a collection of diverse art galleys, museums and art-leased businesses in the city. Here families can explore a wide variety of art for enjoyment and inspiration.
Classes and other events geared toward kids are offered throughout the year. In addition to a summer art camp, there are also shows offered in-gallery and online. The St. Augustine Art Association partners with St. Johns County School system to host student art exhibits where art teachers select pieces for exhibits and awards are presented for outstanding artistic achievement.
These shows are an excellent opportunity to celebrate student art and an inspiration for budding artist alike.
St. Augustine Art Association is at 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. Call 904-824-2310 or visit www.staaa.org
VILANO BEACH ARTISAN MARKET WALK
Kids will enjoy walking along the sidewalks of Vilano Road, where there is buzz and excitement in the air monthly at the Vilano Beach Artisan Market. More than 20 art and other vendors line the stretch, showcasing local paintings, pottery and more amid a backdrop of live music.
It’s all on the third Saturday of each month from 4 until 8 p.m. The event is presented by Vilano Beach Main Street.
Vilano Beach Main Street is at 190 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine. Visit www.VilanoBeachFl.com
ST. JOHNS KIDZART
Open to students aged 2 to adult, St. Johns KidzArt offers a creative outlet for crafting artwork in a number of mediums.
Offered are summer camps, birthday parties and after-school art clubs. The after-school art clubs are held in a classroom on campus at many schools in St. Johns County for students from kindergarten through the fifth grade. They are offered immediately after the end of the school day and last for an hour.
Projects include abstract creations, space-themed art and glow-in-the-dark works.
St. Johns Kidz Art is at 150 Hilden Rd., St. Johns. Call 904-287-8603 or visit www.KidzArt.com/franchise/st-johns
