Carnegie Arts Center Kid’s Classes
By Brandilyn Mitchell
My little and I recently attended the Toddler “Let’s Explore Art!” class offered at the Carnegie Arts Center. It was a four-week long class geared towards littles ages 4-6. It was really fun getting to explore art using play. In this sensory based class taught by Mrs. Alyssa Moon, little ones and their grownups will create mixed media artwork, using processes with clay (week 1 & 2), paint (week 3) & collage (week 4). These sessions are designed for children and their parents/caregivers to use art materials together, learn how to use art tools, and develop their coordination. The class is directed by the teaching artist, but ultimately, it is up to the child to create how they please. The projects are super adaptable and all materials are included. $45 per child-an adult must be present for the duration of the session, but there is no fee for the adult. Upcoming October class is Tuesdays 9:30am until 10:30am from 10/3/2023 until 10/24/2023 and November is the same date and time but will run from 11/7/2023 until 12/5/2023.
The “Art Start” older kids class is for ages 5-7. In this class, you will start your child on the road to creative expression working with the basic elements of art, such as line, shape, space, and color. Your budding artist will gain foundation skills in this delightful intro to art. All materials and supplies included. $65 per child, no fee for attending adults. The October class will be Tuesdays at 3:30pm until 5:00pm from 10/3/2023 until 10/24/2023. There might be a November class if there is interest.
The “Drawing and Painting Masterclass” is for ages 8-11 and is offered both Thursdays. Your child will be inspired by the works of the great masters — from Monet and Van Gogh to O’Keeffe and Kahlo! Learn about the work of important artists and you’ll be making your own masterpieces before you know it. Each class will feature different artists, styles, and projects. All materials included for $75. The October class will be Thursday from 4:00pm until 5:30pm from 10/5/2023 until 10/26/2023.
For ages 5-11, they have a Clay Creations specialty class. Young artists will enjoy building skills in this fun exploration of clay and hand-building techniques. Students will alternate weeks building and glazing. Each project will teach a different hand-building skill such as pinch-pot, slab-building, and coil building. Students will also learn the glaze process to finish their project. This class is introductory and will be carefully guided by the teaching artist. Classes are Wednesday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm from 10/4/2023 until 10/25/2023.
Have a teenager? There are two upcoming clay classes! Young artists will enjoy building skills in this fun exploration of clay and hand-building techniques. Students will alternate weeks building and glazing. Each project will teach a different hand-building skill such as pinch-pot, slab-building, and coil building. Students will also learn the glaze process to finish their project. Additionally, students will learn about the firing processes to create ceramics (the instructor will be the only one working in/with the kiln). This class is introductory and will be carefully guided by the teaching artist. Class is $85 and will run Wednesdays from 4:45pm until 5:45pm from 10/4/2023 until 10/25/2023.
The fee for each class covers the entire month of the class, it is NOT a weekly charge. To register for any of them click here.
At least 25% of all Carnegie programming is dedicated to children and teens. Scholarships for art classes, Family Friday activities, and a robust field trip program for regional elementary and middle schools provide many free or low-cost opportunities for Central Valley youth to explore creatively through the arts.
What is the Carnegie? The historic Carnegie Library opened in 1916, one of more than 1,600 libraries built by Andrew Carnegie across the U.S. It served as the City of Turlock’s library until 1968 and has been used as an arts center since 1979. In November 2005, a fire destroyed everything but its exterior walls. The City of Turlock and the Carnegie Arts Center Foundation soon entered into a partnership to rebuild and expand the facility. Opening in September 2011, the renovated Carnegie Arts Center is now operated entirely by the Foundation, a private, nonprofit corporation. The scorched walls of the original building can be seen from the lobby of the new addition, where they stand as a symbol of community resolve.
With a mission to be the community’s resource for learning and discovering through the arts, the Carnegie’s programs also include classes, programs and activities in artistic genres as diverse as dance, music, poetry, theater and more. Working with regional partners, the Carnegie regularly hosts the Turlock Uke Jamz and Sunshine Strummers music groups, Village Dancers of the Valley folk dancing group, Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center Poetry on Sundays program, and LightBox Theatre Company which produces plays for young audiences.
We sure hope you take advantage of these incredible classes, and don’t let the price deter you-the value is incredible, and you can apply for a scholarship! Your kid will love these classes and YOU will love the time you spend with them making happy memories!
https://www.carnegieartsturlock.org/
Carnegie Arts Center: 250 N. Broadway Turlock, CA 95380 (209)-632-5761
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
