As the school year begins, it is important to remember that a well-rounded education is essential for young children to develop the skills they need to succeed. In our technologically-driven world, STEM education seems to be at the forefront of our collective conversations, but what about STEAM? Why leave out the Art? A quick Google search will return thousands of articles that contain statistic after statistic proving that visual arts education helps children develop skills in dexterity, language, decision making, creativity, and cultural awareness.

Many children living on the Main Line do have exemplary art programming at their schools, but immersive, informal learning experiences are sometimes hard to come by. Luckily, living on the Main Line also puts us minutes away from world class museums, galleries, art centers, and cultural organizations that provide opportunities outside of the classroom for kids to experience and interact with visual art.

If you are looking for art classes close to home, Main Line Art Center in Haverford offers a wide range of classes for kids, teens, and adults. Their Saturday Family Drop-Ins for ages 3-10 allow children to create alongside their parent or guardian. Materials vary weekly and projects are designed for a large age range. Adults are also encouraged to get their hands dirty! The Center’s Creating Together class on Monday afternoons also gives children and adults a chance to make art together in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Young Classics–after school and weekend classes offered in the fall, winter, and spring–allow budding artists to flex their creative muscles in clay, drawing, painting, pastels, mixed media, and more. Young artists with special needs can participate in Exceptional Art classes, which help students build cognitive, physical, and social skills that extend far beyond their time in the studio. Main Line Art Center has been offering accessible arts programming for over 50 years.

And don’t forget, when summer rolls around again, kids can enjoy summer art camp and teen studios.

Of course, kids can’t have all of the fun! Main Line Art Center also offers adult classes for beginning and well-practiced artists in a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, jewelry, printmaking, ceramics and more!

Photographs courtesy of Main Line Art Center.