A Drawing Room Without Walls

Children experiencing typical mid-summer boredom and who have a knack for art finally have a unique opportunity at The Drawing Room in Midland Park.

During one of the four-day art classes, young artists can make connections between art, music and nature as a professional flutist performs in the Wyckoff Gardens and students learn watercolor painting, figure drawing and motion figure painting techniques. 

“There’s something about music and art that makes kid so much more creative,” Owner Christine Zaccardi said.

Flutist Carla Auld will play everything from Bach to Broadway, posing eloquently, while students receive one-on-one instruction from teachers Nancy Diehl, Patty Spinnler and Zaccardi.

“She starts off playing quietly, and then hits loud, erratic notes,” Zaccardi said. “We ask the kids to close their eyes and paint. It’s called abstract expressionism.”

Using charcoal as well as craypas, markers and watercolors, students will “illustrate what they see and feel from the rhythm and tonality of a specific piece of music.”

“We strive to make students work outside of the box,” Zaccardi said. “We give them the themes and have them come up with their own ideas and concepts, rather than have them copy something.”

They are then engaged in discussion about music and art, in terms of how students felt during their artistic experiences as Auld hit high and low notes.

“Art comes from the heart, and music stirs a person’s emotions,” Zaccardi said.

By the end of class, they will learn how to paint trees with branches and leaves and water lilies similar to those of Monet, according to Zaccardi.

The Drawing Room was created 12 years ago, offers classes from September to June to children of all ages. Classes are $45 per session, which includes art supplies. For more information, check out Drawingroomllc.com or call 201-447-7272.