Move Over Picasso: Arts Center Welcoming a New Generation of Artists

WHAT CHILD doesn't love to build, color and roll up their sleeves (or not) to create slimy masterpieces? Whether your little one is already showing talent or could use some artistic direction, the in the classic brick on Market Street has a program to bring out the budding artist.

Local artists banded together 49 years ago to save a historic building and create space for local artists. Today, that space – the Kirkland Arts Center – is a gem in our community, offering a wide range of classes to students of all ages and levels.

“One of the main things we look for,” says Eileen Herbert, KAC education director, “is for professional artists with not only the talent and expertise, but also experience with the age groups they will be teaching. The youth classes are not paint by numbers. Our teachers are artists who want to help students explore their own creativity and build a foundation of skills."

This fall, the center is resurrecting its Toddler Arts Studio, a drop-in class for children one to three with an adult. The workshop is open from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and provides toddlers and their caregiver opportunities to have fun together while participating in a variety of projects designed to help develop natural talents, teach basic art skills and practice fine motor skills.

Projects include painting, coloring, gluing and constructing. Participants also enjoy listening to classical music and exploring the “world of art corner,” a visually stimulating part of the studio that includes books and artwork from around the world.

Unlike the toddler drop-in class, other classes require advance registration for the entire season. Class sizes are typically five to 10 students and last eight to 10 weeks. Most classes start in the next week, so now is the time to get registered.

YOUTH CLASSES offered this quarter include:

• Preschool Picasso (ages 3-5), Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m.      

• Animals in Watercolor (ages 6-9), Saturdays from 10-12 a.m.

• Holiday Studio (ages 6-10), Monday-Wednesday, 12/19-21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Clay Creations (ages 6-12), Wednesdays 4-5:30 p.m.

• Prints and Books (ages 8-12), Tuesdays 4-5:30 p.m.

•  Global Art (ages 8-12), Thursdays 4:30-6:30 p.m.

•  Drawing in to Painting (ages 8-12), Wednesdays 4:30-6:30 p.m.

•  Wheel World (ages 10-16), Thursdays 4-6:30 p.m.

•  Drawing the Figure and Portrait for Teens (ages 13-18), Mondays 4-6 p.m.

• Introduction to Block Painting for Teens (ages 13-18), Saturdays 10/8-10/15 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dozens of additional classes, including classes in their popular ceramics studio, are offered for adults, providing parents a great opportunity to indulge in a personal interest or explore their own untapped creativity, or simply to get out of the house.

And whether or not you or your children take a whirl at your own creative potential, you can enjoy viewing art at the center’s Art Gallery located on the ground floor. The gallery is free and features a variety of work created by local artists. Additional pieces are available for purchase at the Kirkland Arts Center store in Parkplace.

To register or for more information about classes, becoming a KAC member or more, call Eileen Herbert at 425-822-7161 est. 105 or check out the website at www.kirklandartscenter.org.