An Art Club for Children

Life can be busy, confusing and stressful, even (maybe especially) for kids, which is why it’s important for children to engage in activities that bring joy and expression into their lives.   

On Monday nights, at the Birchip Neighbourhood House Kristie Dean has started “Art Club” where children can partake in art for enjoyment rather than being too fixated on results. 

The activity runs from 4.30 to 6 p.m. at the Shamrock, for children aged between ten and eighteen and it is just $5 per week.

The Buloke Shire, through their VicHealth Strong People grant program, has provided funding for Kristie to purchase a range of paints, brushes, painting knives,  palette knives, oil paint, watercolour oil acrylic paint, painting palettes, air dry clay, 82 colours oven bake modelling clay, with 19 clay tools and 16 kinds of accessories, canvas panels, drawing paper, watercolour paint sets in 48 vivid colours, acrylic paint sets in 50 colours, art markers and sketching pencils as well as drawing sets  and pens for rock painting, glass, stone and wood painting.

There is literally something for everyone to explore and get creative in a fun and relaxed atmosphere under the tutelage of Kristie, who is volunteering her time and expertise to encourage greater participation in the arts space, which is a love of Kristie’s.

Childhood is an opportune time to learn and explore different ideas and perceptions of the world around us, and art is an incredibly valuable way to do just that.  Children learn to plan, visualise outcomes, and make decisions about colours, shapes, and textures, enhancing cognitive development.

Kristie said “Art club will give the children and teens an opportunity to find different ways of expressing their own feelings, perceptions and insights.  

“Learning how to explore new ideas and express them creatively is a valuable skill they can take through life .”

Many kids find that art gives them a way to express feelings and frustrations that they may not even have words for, and the process of creating can therefore be extremely therapeutic.

In formal art classes children are used to being told to do things, focus on tasks, and complete set projects, but at art club the children will be free to create and express themselves as they desire.

Most of all “Art Club” is designed to be fun and a good way to relax and unwind, doing something you love. Register with Simone at the Birchip Neighbourhood House 0429 922735.