If your child is artistically inclined, Children’s Art Classes (which opened back in October at 752 West End Avenue and 97th Street) is offering up an environment where they can hone their skills and thrive in a relaxed, supportive setting. Let’s get one thing straight: This is far beyond your run-of-the-mill arts and crafts destination. Owner Susan Buffolino is an art aficionado, and prides the programs offered at CAC as technical and enriching, with the ultimate goal of creating incredibly talented artists as young as three.
The summer workshops will take place between July 7 and August 29 from Monday through Friday. The flexibility is a true benefit for those with vacations planned or other summer activities. In fact, you can sign up for multiple workshops in the same week to create a half-day camp program. Best of all, there’s an automatic 10% discount at checkout if you sign up for two or more workshops.
Class size and duration is based on age, and they have built in an overlap with ages to allow ample flexibility when selecting workshops. There are plenty to choose from — some standouts include Tiny Painters (ages three-five), Painting for Young Artists (ages five-eight), Beginning Painting — Impressionist Self-Portraits (ages seven-17), Clay for Tiny Ages (ages three-five) and A Brush with Nature: A Watercolor Landscape (ages seven-17). There’s truly something for every kid (see all information about individual workshops here)! From a logistical standpoint, this is as turn-key as it gets for busy parents: all supplies are included, and T-shirts are even provided to protect clothing from any spills.
It should come as no surprise that the team Buffolino has assembled are top notch. Emma Hapner, a New York Academy of Art graduate, believes art is a form of self-expression and finds empowering children through the medium to be particularly inspiring for all. Meanwhile, Allin Sosa uses art to bring people together and share her culture as a Dominican Afro-Latina. Lastly, Atara Sragow has degrees in studio art and illustration design, and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with students. You can find out more about the CAC team here.
Outside of the summer schedule, CAC offers nine-month programs of study including painting, drawing, design, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and more. Art is not just a way to pass the time — it’s a powerful tool that can shape the way your child engages with the world. Numerous studies have revealed how art can improve fine motor skills, cognitive development, math skills, language skills and more. And of course, it’s fun for all involved.
Oh, as an exciting side-note, CAC can even create classes for adults. Just reach out to Susan via email (sueb@childrensartclasses.com) or phone ((516) 643-9319) to inquire. Sign up for CAC’s summer workshops here!
