Kids Get "Artsy Fartsy" in Natick

There will be a new after school and extended day art program starting in the fall called Artsy Fartsy, which will be held after hours at the in Natick.

Natick resident Dianne Sullivan, art director of Artsy Fartsy said that the program will provide “art enrichment and nurture a positive social environment for children.”

Sullivan has many years of experience teaching art in public and private settings, including a tenured art position at Westwood High School, and teaching art at in Natick.

She has a bachelor’s degree in art and a masters degree in art education and is licensed to teach art to children from pre-K to grade 12. She is also a certified Early Education Childcare (EEC) teacher.

Artsy Fartsy will run Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. with a 6:30 pick-up option. 

According to a statement, “children who participate in the program will be picked up from school, have an afternoon snack, have some outdoor time and downtime, and then choose between art stations where they will have individualized instruction by Art Educator Dianne Sullivan.”

The program will provide art opportunities for elementary and middle school children, as well as high school students who are looking for extracurricular after school activities.

There will be art lessons in: collages and scrap-booking, art journals, multi-cultural arts and crafts, still-life painting and drawing, watercolor, sculpture, and free-drawing. Older students interested in art competitions and applying to art colleges will be able to take a portfolio development class.

Programming for early release days will include off-site field trips to do outdoor painting or drawing, or to local art museums.

The rate for the after school program is $18 an hour. Art materials are included.

Extended day and after school options are available for Dover, Sherborn, Natick, and Wellesley residents.

Interested parents are invited to attend an open house at the from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 21 and Tuesday August 2. Sullivan will explain the program, and provide an information packet.  Parents may stop by anytime from 5 to 8 p.m., but she requests that you call or email in advance, to let her know you are coming.

For more information about Artsy Fartsy, contact Dianne Sullivan by e-mail, by calling 508-808-9191, or visiting the program's website.