Children's Classes
Children's Classes and Workshops
Spring 2012 Session
8 Weeks: April 9 - June 3, 2012
There will be no classes on May 26 - 28. Makeups for canceled classes will be held the weeks of June 4, 11 and 18.
Classes are arranged by day of the week, beginning with Monday. Click here to search for classes by age group, or scroll to the bottom of this page.
Studio classes limited to 15 students, Digital Media classes are limited to 12, and Ceramics classes are limited to 12.
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 download a registration form.
Children's Classes and Workshops
Spring 2012 Session
8 Weeks: April 9 - June 3, 2012
There will be no classes on May 26 - 28. Makeups for canceled classes will be held the weeks of June 4, 11 and 18.
Classes are arranged by day of the week, beginning with Monday. Click here to search for classes by age group, or scroll to the bottom of this page.
Studio classes limited to 15 students, Digital Media classes are limited to 12, and Ceramics classes are limited to 12.
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 download a registration form.
In this section you can search classes by age group. When you have found your class, please find it above in order to add it to your cart.
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 9 - 14 Ages 10 - 13
Ages 3 - 5
100KB My Buddy and Me
Mondays, 1 - 2 p.m.
$210 members, $230 Nonmembers
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.
$210 members, $230 Nonmembers
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.
NEW! 102KE Artful Animals
Thursdays, 4 – 4:45 p.m.
$210 members, $230 Nonmembers
Nanci Iovino
For our littlest animal lovers, this class will explore all kinds of species from our favorite pets to exotic creatures from all over the world. Using fine art materials, as well as mixed media, students will create two- and three-dimensional artwork inspired by the animal kingdom and the wildness of the imagination.
Ages 5 -7
NEW! 201KM Masks and More
Tuesdays, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
$210 members, $230 Nonmembers
Peg Kenselaar
This class will travel the past, explore the present and look into the future to create historical, contemporary and imaginative headdresses and masks. Projects will cover a range of subjects such as the animal kingdom, African, medieval, and Native American art, as well as futuristic creations that are out of this world. Two- and three-dimensional masks will be made with the use of mixed media, found objects, and fine art materials. Projects can be worn for fun, or hung on your wall at home!
NEW! 101KC Creature Cups
Tuesdays, 4 – 5 p.m.
$250 members, $280 Nonmembers
Evan Wagman
For young potters who love animals, this course will teach the basics of creating cups and vessels out of clay that are both functional and fanciful! Each lcass the students will create a new cup, based on an animal of their choice. With lots of individual attention, students will design and create their own personalized series of colorful creature cups!
202KM Art Safari
Wednesdays, 4 – 5 p.m.
$210 Members, $230 Nonmembers
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. Animals, nature, and people will provide subject matter for the two- and three-dimensional projects.
103KB Creatures and Animals
Fridays, 4 – 5 p.m.
$210 Members, $230 Nonmembers
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.
$210 Members, $230 Nonmembers
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 – 5 p.m.
$210 Members, $230 Nonmembers
Peg Kenselaar
This class introduces young artists to building, design, color and drawing. 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 to create unique and memorable works of art.
106KB Art as Personal Expression
Tuesdays, 4 - 5 p.m.
$210 Members, $230 Nonmembers
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.
NEW! 100KD Beyond the Sketchbook
Thursdays, 5 - 6 p.m.
$210 Members, $230 Nonmembers
Nanci Iovino
Fun yet focused, this course is for young artists who have a passion for drawing. Explore basic and essential drawing and rendering techniques, including shading, perspective, form, line, and composition through a series of fun and challenging projects. Using a variety of fine art drawing mediums, this course will develop a set of skills for students who are serious about sketching.
103KC Universe of Clay
Thursdays, 4 - 5 p.m.
$250 Members, $280 Nonmembers
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.
$250 Members, $280 Nonmembers
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
NEW! 200KDM Digital Painting
Fridays, 4 - 5 p.m.
$230 Members, $250 Nonmembers
Matthew Kean
For young artists in the digital age, this is a focused painting class without the mess! Learn how the computer can be a gateway to art! Using programs like Photoshop, students will learn to use digital tools that create the same effects as paint. Working on subjects such as landscapes, animals, and portraits, students will explore the color wheel, learn how digital color is different than print color, and experiment with drawing using a tablet. With an emphasis on personal expression, this class is where the journey begins for young digital artists.
Ages 8 - 12
103KW Pottery on the Wheel
- 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
$265 Members, $295 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.
$210 Members, $230 Nonmembers
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
Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
$265 Members, $295 Nonmembers
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.
$265 Members, $295 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.
$220 Members, $240 Nonmembers
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!
200DP Digital Photography
Saturdays, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
$220 Members, $240 Nonmembers
Ellen Denuto
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)
$230 Members, $250 Nonmembers
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.
$220 Members, $240 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.
205KM Draw, Paint, Create (Ages 8-11)
Two sessions offered:
• Mondays, 5:15 - 6:45 p.m.
• Fridays, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
$220 Members, $240 Nonmembers
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.
Ages 9 - 12
300KP Easel Painting
Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
$220 Members, $240 Nonmembers
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.
301KA 2D Animation
Tuesdays, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
$220 Members, $240 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.
$220 members, $240 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.
$220 members, $240 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 9 - 14
NEW! 300FI Fashion For All (Ages 9 - 14)
Mondays, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
$220 members, $240 nonmembers
Nanci Iovino
Calling all fashionistas to explore what's hot in fashion now! Students will work at their own individual level while learning about sketching the exaggerated fashion figure, clothing design, and basic sewing. Find your own sense of style as you turn fashion into art.
Ages 10 - 13
300VG Video Game Design
Wednesdays, 4 - 5 p.m.
$230 Members, $250 Nonmembers
Matthew Kean
Game design is a creative challenge that combines art, storytelling, and technical design. This class will introduce participants to the elements and tools of game design and provide an opportunity to produce original games. Using Adobe Flash and other user-friendly programs, students will learn the basics of interactivity for video game design.
NEW! 100YT Art of the Tween
Wednesdays, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
$210 Members, $230 Nonmembers
Nanci Iovino
An art class that is as unique as you are! Using today's trends as inspiration, with topics such as music and entertainment, sports, food, and pop culture, students will create a variety of two- and three-dimensional art projects that are infused with their own creative choices and personal voice. With fine art materials, mixed media, and imagination, the art of the next generation is limitless.
Feathered Friends: Make Your Own Birdhouse (Ages 6-12)
Sunday, April 29
1 – 3 p.m.
$50 Members, $75 nonmembers
Peg Kenselaar
Create a one of a kind birdhouse. Students will learn how to roll a slab of clay, use stamping, make patterns, molds, and hand-building techniques to create a unique home for feathered friends. After completing the sculpture, colorful glaze will be painted before the piece is high-fired in the kiln. The instructor will add rope so that your birdhouse will be ready to hang from your favorite tree.
Digital Music Production (Ages 12+)
Sunday, May 6
Noon – 4 p.m.
$60 Members, $80 nonmembers
Spencer Frohwirth
This one-day class will introduce teens to Reason, a computer software used by amateur musicians and major recording studios alike for professional music production. This program makes composing music accessible to everyone, even those without any previous experience. Teens will learn how to use pre-recorded loops and sequencers to produce and layer the beats, rhythms, and melodies of their own original songs. By the end of the class, students will get a copy of their song on CD and as an MP3 to take home.
Parent and Child Ceramic Tile Making
Sunday, May 6
10 a.m. – Noon
$75 Members, $100 nonmembers, per parent/child pair
$30 for each additional child
Evan Wagman
For parents and their child aged 6+, this workshop is designed for you to explore your creative side by making tiles individually and collaboratively. The tiles can be square or a new creative shape that can be used as a coaster, trivet, or wall hanging to adorn your home for years to come. Our instructor will give you a detailed understanding of creating tiles that are decorated with a stamp, carved, or have added relief. This is a wonderful opportunity to share something with your child that will give you a lifetime of memories. Please call 973-259-5139 if you wish to register more than one child.
