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 Flagler County and nearby, there are many kid-friendly art venues and spaces to explore. Here are several to visit soon.
DOWN TO EARTH POTTERY
Located in Flagler Beach, Down to Earth Pottery is a working pottery studio that offers classes and also has studio hours available. Owner Heather Wales has more than 30 years of experience in clay.
Older kids, from 16 years old and up, will enjoy wheel-throwing pottery classes. Down to Earth Pottery says that all classes are multilevel, open to beginners and experienced students alike.
The pottery studio also offers classes for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, showcasing a variety of different projects covering several different techniques in hand building and glazing.
The studio is also available for custom parties.
Down to Earth is at 805 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach. Call 973-768-6158 or visit www.PotteryFlaglerBeach.com
VIVO ART STUDIO
This artist’s workroom offers budding artists, both adults and kids, an opportunity to explore a wide variety of art, like painting, drawing, sketching, sculpture and more. There are workshops, private lessons and group art sessions at Vivo Art Studio.
Art lessons in a group are open to students starting at age 5. Here, experiences include watercolor, acrylic and tempera media, in addition to pastel pencils and charcoal.
Art courses in a group are open beginning at age 6. Courses include painting and drawing while learning about specific art themes of the student’s choosing.
Vivo Art Studio is at 29 Old Kings Rd., Palm Coast. Call 386-338-1408 or visit www.VivoArtStudio.com
Worth the Drive:
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
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 artists alike.
St. Augustine Art Association is at 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. Call 904-824-2310 or visit artrageousfl.com
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
