Top Arts & Crafts Classes And Activities For Kids In Detroit
Kids love arts and crafts. Aside from the fun element, engaging in craft-making and art helps children develop creativity, self-confidence, coordination and fine motor skills. Depending on age, structured courses can also help teach social skills, sharing and interpersonal communication. Classes that encourage the involvement of parents or caregivers strengthens their bond with the child and provides happy memories for years to come. Here are Detroit's best best for arts and crafts classes.
All Mixed Up!
Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 994-8004
www.annarborartcenter.org
Price: $108 members/$120 non-members for 10-week course, plus $20 lab fee
Hours: Sat – 10:30 a.m to 12 p.m.
Click here for additional course and workshop information
All Mixed Up! offers kids ages 9 through 12 the opportunity to experiment with and learn about various artistic techniques in both 2-D and 3-D works. In addition to traditional and recycled materials, students will also learn to create with items found in nature. Coursework covers painting and drawing, as well as collage and assemblage techniques. Sketchbooks are used to encourage the development of creativity and a personal artistic style.
Creative Tots: Art Exploration
Northville Art House
215 W. Cady
Northville, MI 48167
(248) 344-0497
www.ci.northville.mi.us
Price: $54 members/$60 non-members for six-week course, plus $12 materials fee
Hours: Mon – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Click here for full course schedule
In this class, kids ages 3 1/2 to 5 will work with paint, paper, clay and glue to expand their imagination and self-expression skills. Creating works of art with these media also encourages creativity and helps children develop fine motor skills. Classes at the Northville Art House are limited in size to ensure each child has the opportunity to learn.
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Kids Canvas Painting
Creative Arts Studios
114 W. 4th St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 544-2234
creativeartssudios.com
Price: $235 for 12-week course
Hours: Wed - 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Click here for details and other courses offered
Creative Arts Studio offers walk-in, do-it-yourself art in pottery, glass, beading and other craft media. In addition, Creative Arts Studio also holds birthday parties, bridal showers, corporate events, fundraisers and classes for youth and adults. In the "Kids Canvas Painting" class, children ages 7 to 14 years old will explore different techniques using acrylic paint on canvas. Subject matter will include still lifes, portraits and landscapes.
Scrap Junction
Arts & Scraps
16135 Harper
Detroit, MI 48334
(313) 640-4411
www.artsandscraps.org
Price: $3 per person per drop-in session
Hours: Tues and Thurs – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Click here for additional programs
Arts & Scraps is an innovative nonprofit organization that use recycled industrial materials to teach creativity, art, science, math and sustainability. Scrap Junction consists of six interactive stations where adults and kids can play, create and learn together. Activities include a xylophone, scientific classification wall, create-a-person station, loom, inclined plane wall and puzzle map of Michigan. Some stations include small parts, so may not be appropriate for very young children.
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You and Me Kid Explorations in Clay
Sugar Hill Studios
71 Garfield
Detroit, MI 48201
pewabic.org
Price: $300 for an 8-week course/$150 per additional child
Hours: Sat – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Click here for current course schedule
Pewabic Pottery, a National Historic Landmark, is dedicated to providing educational experiences to adults and youth, focusing on contemporary ceramic art and artists. In addition to school outreach and after-school programs, community involvement and curriculum development, Pewabic also offers hands-on classes for youth and adults. The "You and Me Kid" course is for both parent and child. Students learn the basics of working with and glazing clay, and create hand-made keepsakes.
Jennifer Walker is a freelance writer living in Detroit. She earned her Bachelor's degree in animal science from Michigan State University. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
