Class Descriptions & Fees
Weekly Classes for ages 22 months to 5 years (pre-K)
Side by Side Adult/Child class
Our goal is to orient children through an exploratory process. Parents/caregivers observe their children and gain insight into the benefits of artmaking in early childhood development.
Just for Twos
For children who are ready to make the transition into attending a class independently. Our focus is on a process-oriented art experience.
Art Studio 1 1/2 or 2 hours
In a teacher-guided open studio format, children are introduced to a wide range of art materials. They are encouraged to discover various media including painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking.
Big Kid Topic Classes & Workshops for children in grades K-5
Browse topics...
For children in elementary school who are ready to delve deeper into artistic techniques, classes for this age group may focus on a particular medium or theme, but students make their own choices about the content and complexity of their work. As well as promoting artistic development, these classes enhance the development of perceptual skills, creative problem solving, critical thinking and visual language skills.
*Materials fee applied to some classes
Big Kid Topic Classes and Weekly Workshops
Architectural Sculpture
Build 3-D strucures and settings using foamcore, wire, wood, paper and recycled materials.
Art and Science
Approach art through a scientific lens with painting, drawing, and sculpture. Working in the studio and outside, students will also keep a journal as they observe their world.
Art in the Garden
Inspired by nature, develop your visual thinking and experiment with charcoal, pastels, pen and ink, as well as acrylic and water-color paints while visiting the garden.
Book Arts
You won't find these books in a bookstore! Experiment with paper, fabric and recycled materials to create books of all different shapes, textures, and sizes. CloseArchitectural Sculpture
Build 3-D structures and settings using foamcore, wire, wood, paper and recycled materials.
Clay Time
Learn about coil and slab construction, surface textures, sculpting and glazing. Students will use both air-dry and kiln-fired clay. We recommend two consecutive drop-ins for this class! (firing fee: $25)
Light and Shadow: Using a variety of materials and tools, including an overhead projector, we will explore the interplay of light, shadow and color.
Miniatures
Build miniature sculptures and 3-D dioramas using a variety of materials, including foam core wire, Sculpey, and shrink art.
Outdoor Adventures: Exploring the unique environment of Fort Mason – the flora nd fauna of the Bay, architectural landmarks, and Exploratorium Outdoor Exhibits – we will work in and out of the studio using a wide range of media. CloseArchitectural Sculpture
Build 3-D structures and settings using foamcore, wire, wood, paper and recycled materials.
Painting and Drawing
In the studio children develop their observational and technical skills while experimenting with charcoal, pen and ink, watercolor and acrylic paints on canvas and paper.
Paper Sculpture: Explore the many possibilities and techniques of handmade paper, such as embossing, pulp, and 3-dimensional paper casting.
People, Places, and Things: Create dioramas and miniature stage sets, combining indoor and outdoor scenes. Explore painting, drawing, printmaking and self-hardening clay in this class.
Photography Mixed Media
Using Polaroids, digital images and sun prints, students explore the combination of photographic images with various media.
Pictures and Words
Explore how pictures and words relate to each other. Find out how images, graphics, and 2-D found objects can inspire characters, story, and literary imagery.
Posters that Pop: Using traditional printmaking techniques such as silkscreen and block printing, we will explore the relationship between text, color and imagery in the world of posters. Then, we will design and create our own imaginative posters.
Printmaking: Create a variety of images and patterns with collographs, stencils, stamps, block and transfer print techniques. Combine collage, painting, and printmaking to create richly textured imagery.
Puppet Theatre: All the world's a stage, and you can help put on the show! Create miniature puppet theatres and masks using 2- and 3-dimensional media.
Sculpture: Use various media including foamcore, wire, cardboard, wood, paper, recyclable materials and clay to construct 3-D works of art.