Art Classes & Camps for Toddlers 2008

I have been looking for a local art class for my son Trevor for some time now. I wanted a summer class/camp that offered a few different types of art activities, such as drawing, ceramics, and painting. He really enjoys all types of art activities, so I thought it would be a good activity to expand his creative development. After a search, I finally found a few unique programs and summer camps.

Studio 4 Art on Wheels works the way it sounds: they come to you for to teach art to children and adults. This program is run by Kebby Neugebauer, who has been teaching children art for the last 9 years and has her BFA in painting from Sonoma State University. Kebby previously was the Education Coordinator for doodlebug in San Anselmo. Her approach in teaching is to develop the creativity and curiosity that children display naturally. Kebby’s personal art instruction includes, drawing, painting, clay/pottery and sculpture. The summer camps include 2 to 3 hour sessions for 2 to 5 times a week at $180 or $255 per day for up to 5 children. You choose morning or afternoon, project, and location. She also offers classes throughout the year on a weekly or biweekly basis for 45 minutes to 2 hours at $100 per hour for up to 5 children, as well as private lessons, afterschool enrichment programs, parent/child classes, and more. So gather your friends with toddlers or your playgroup and plan an art session or camp today. See a full list of summer classes. For more information, go to www.studio4art.net. You can also email Kebby at studio4artmarin@yahoo.com or call her at (415) 596-5546.

Corte Madera:

Masterworks Children's Art Studio in Corte Madera is offering six weeks of half-day art camps for ages 4–14. Each week students will be introduced to a unique topic or medium and will explore these topics via a series of fine art projects. A wide range of art material and subject matter will be covered. At the end of the week, each child will proudly present a portfolio of his or her own artwork. Some of the weekly themes include, Portraits, Illustration, Impressionists and Mosaics camp to name a few. Camps are Monday thru Friday 9:30 am–1 pm or 2–5:30 pm. Prices range from $200–$265 depending on the camp you choose. Camp sessions begin June 23 and run through August 1. For more info, go to www.masterworkskidsart.com.

Busy Little Hands in Larkspur Landing offers nine weeks of Arts & Crafts Camps with a different theme for ages 4–11.  The camps takes place Monday-Friday from 10 am to 12:30 pm for the younger ages and 1 to 4 pm for the older kids. Some of the themes include, Royalty, Earth First and In the Garden to name a few. A wide range of mixed media will be used each week including paint, crayons/markers/pencils, different papers & textures, sculpture using wire/paper/clay, printmaking, and collage, mosaic, and wood design. The prices range from  $25–$30 for a drop-in to $110–$135 a week. To register or for more info, go to www.busylittlehands.biz.

Novato:

Camp Krazy Daze in downtown Novato will be offering a ceramic and scrapbooking crafts. Weekly camps from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Five four-day sessions will take place from June 16 through Aug. 17, for children ages 8 and above. The cost is $300 per session. The camp will take place at both Glazy Daze at 1133 Grand Avenue and Krazy Kreations at 1122 Grand Avenue. For more info, go to www.krazykreations.com

Fireflies Young Artists is a summer art workshop for kids ages 5-10 that will take place at Playtime Safari in Novato. There will be six weeks of fun-filled creative expression with two sessions available. Session1: Tuesdays, June 24-July 29 from 10 am to 11:30 am for ages 5-7. Session 2: Tuesdays, June 24-July 29 from noon to 1:30 pm for ages 8-10. Children will spend their time exploring various art techniques using a variety of materials. There will be drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, and clay mediums. Cost per session is $150. For questions or to register, contact Tori at (415) 465-2126 or torihead@yahoo.com. Tori Berghoff is a mom, professional artist, and Novato resident with several years of experience teaching art to children. To see some of her work please visit www.tori-art.com.

San Anselmo:

Doodlebug ceramics studio in San Anselmo is offering a summer camp for ages 4–15. They offer a weekly Monday-Friday summer camp.The times vary depending on which camp you choose. The prices range from $80–$150 for the week.  Some of this year's themes include: Art Adventures, Pottery, Clay, Mosaic & Recycling Art, and Sewing & Fashion just to name a few. Doodlebugs also offers toddler art classes throughout year. For more about the summer camps or other art classes, go to www.doodlebugmarin.com.

San Rafael:

Color Me Mine, a unique cermic studio is offering a summer camp for children that offers a combination of art and academics for boys and girls ages 4-12. Each week long session will focus on a different theme and our creative staff will teach a different lesson and incorporate a different painting technique each day. Some of the weekly themes include, Earth, Sea, Space and Paint Like the Masters to name a few. The camps are Monday-Friday from 10:30 am–noon for ages 4–7 and 1 to 3:30 pm for ages 8–12. The prices range from $125–$150 a week. Sessions begin June 16 and run through August 15. For more info, go to www.sanrafael.colormemine.com.

If you know of any other cool toddler art programs, please post a comment and let us know.