After-School Art for Ages 8-12

Join us for inspiring art classes designed to spark imagination, build skills, and boost confidence in young artists!

Each week, students will explore an exciting theme while experimenting with a wide range of materials and techniques. Drawing inspiration from well-known artists and design styles, young artists will be supported in discovering their own unique creative voice in a fun, nurturing, studio-like setting. These classes are designed to foster a love of the arts through hands-on exploration, age-appropriate projects, and a focus on the joy of the creative process.

Please note: We may adjust or adapt art projects as needed to best accommodate the group’s interests, and skill levels.

2025 FALL SEMESTER SCHEDULE:

Wednesdays, 3:15–4:45pm
Cora Annex, 145N Cora St, Ridgway

• Session 1 (4 weeks • $85): September 10 – October 1
• Session 2 (5 weeks • $100): October 15 – November 12
• Session 3 (3 weeks • $70): December 3 – 17

Sign up for multiple sessions and receive $10 off each session! To access the discount, please email lexi@weehawkenarts.org to register. In the event of low enrollment, you’ll be issued a full refund for the affected session.

Registration: https://weehawkenarts.org/education/youth-art-classes/ridgway-youth-art-classes/

The 12-week fall session will conclude with a special student art reception and gallery show at Ridgway’s Noel Night in December. Students will take home their collected works in the days following the event—and may choose to sell their artwork or simply share it with pride.

Additional Notes:

* Special needs: If your child has any specific needs, please contact Claudia in advance at claudia@weehawkenarts.org so we can ensure the best experience for your child.
* Later arrivals: Students arriving later from the secondary school are welcome—we’re happy to accommodate them! (Alternative art classes for ages 12–16 are also available on Fridays).

Session 1 (September): “Chalk Pastels & Mixed Media“

Use chalk pastels to create colorful, stylized landscapes inspired by Paul Klee, focusing on color theory, composition, bold patterns, blending, and form.

Dive into mixed media as you layer paint and collage to create richly textured aspen trees in the style of local artist Kellie Day.

Session 2: (October–November):  “Collographs, Collage & Cats”

Create large, layered collagraph prints with a landscape theme, exploring shape, texture, and basic printmaking processes like inking, pressing, and plate building.

Design bold and playful bird collages inspired by Pete Cromer, exploring cut paper techniques., composition, shape construction, layering, and color blocking. 

Wrap up with a fun and expressive painting project inspired by Laurel Burch, focusing on pattern design, stylization, expressive brushwork, and harmonious color palettes to create their own colorful, whimsical cats full of personality and pattern!

Session 3 (December): “Prints, Pen & Patterned Animals”

Learn pen and ink illustration techniques like hatching, stippling, and scrubbing to create woodland animals—dressed in creative holiday sweaters inspired by Indi Maverick!

Explore pattern and printmaking by designing your own vibrant owl prints on black paper in the style of Claire Youngs.