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 Volusia County there are many kid-friendly art venues and spaces to explore. Here are five to visit soon.
THE HUB ON CANAL
The Hub on Canal offers a wide assortment of creative opportunities at its location in the historic district of New Smyrna Beach. An incubator for more than 70 artists to showcase their work, it’s a great place to walk around with the kids and be inspired.
There’s also a large assortment of classes geared toward budding artists. Recent offerings included Hand-Building with Clay for Ages 9-13, Art from Around the World for Ages 5-8 and Advanced 2-D Art Course for Grades 6-12.
A number of events are held throughout the year, including Chalk It Up! Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition.
The Hub on Canal is at 132 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach. Call 386-957-3924 or visit www.TheHubOnCanal.org
THE CHARLES AND LINDA WILLIAMS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Located in a separate wing of the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach, kids can combine art and science in one venue.
The exhibits are hands-on, with several having an artistic flair. In Pizza Place, kids run a pizzeria with soft sculpture pies they create. In Laser Harp, musical compositions are crafted on a harp strung with laser beams connected to a computer. In Post and Panel, kids use real tools to build something from their imagination using nuts, bolts and various panels.
The Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum is at 352 South Nova Rd., Daytona Beach. Call 386-255-0285 or visit www.MOAS.org
ONE BY ONE DESIGNS
Noted artist Heather L. Pastor of One by One Designs opens her studio offering fun, creative classes to students of all ages.
Kids ages 13-18 can get involved in Art Club to work on projects while learning about the elements of art and completing pieces that they’ll be proud to add to their portfolio. Art Fun 4 Kids lets students ages 6-12 learn about famous artists while experimenting with a variety of mediums. In Mommy & Me Art Experience, ages 2-5 are accompanied by parents, grandparents or another adult while being introduced to elements of art.
One By One Designs is at 120 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach. Call 386-232-8424 or visit www.HeatherPastor.com
ART RAGEOUS
Art Rageous is a family-owned business in the business of helping folks find their creative outlet.
There are many opportunities for kids to get creative here, including in the summer with Art Rageous Kids Camp. Projects include working with canvas, fused glass, mixed media, clay, acrylic paint and wood elements.
Throughout the year classes are held where young artists can work on projects from working on their own painting or glazing a ceramic. There is also Clay Play where kids learn about clay building techniques and make their own one-of-a-kind pieces.
Art Rageous is at 4649 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Port Orange. Call 386-947-7661, artrageousfl.com
MUSEUM OF ART – DELAND
Museum of Art – DeLand is a visual arts museum with an extensive art collection on display and also educational programming.
Some of that programming includes Camp Create for ages 6-12, Teen Arts Academy for ages 12-15, offered seasonally, and events throughout the year.
That includes Family Fun Saturday, scheduled on a select day each month. This includes free gallery admission to each of the museum’s exhibits and galleries. Also offered is a free hands-on art activity for kids.
“This free event is the perfect destination where visitors of all ages can spend time together enjoying outstanding art and artists, discover their creativity and engage their imaginations,” says the museum.
Museum of Art – DeLand is at 100 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. Call 386-279-7534 or visit www.MOArtDeLand.org
