Art Lab- The Favorite Class of All- Explained!

We have offered Art Lab since we opened our doors in 2017 and it continues to be the all time favorite! Why is this class so great? Let's take a look behind the scenes of what goes on in this unique class that only Yellow Bird Studio offers!

What Is Art Lab?

Art Lab is exactly what it sounds like: a class where the studio becomes a laboratory for creative exploration with different art materials, media and subject matter. You would think that all art teachers and studios do this, but what makes Art Lab at Yellow Bird Studio different is CHOICE.

Why is CHOICE Important?

Giving children the freedom to choose what they want to create and with which materials makes the creative process more meaningful. When art becomes meaningful, children engage in it more deeply and for more time, increasing their capacity for focused attention and perseverance. We often see projects extend over multiple days, even weeks!

If you think about it, children are not given a lot of freedom of choice in their lives: schools tell them what to study, families tell them what they can and cannot do, and even the media tells children what they "should" be doing or thinking. Having real choice, the kind they have in Art Lab, relieves the pressure many kids have to comply and conform to someone else's idea and become more self aware of themselves.

In Art Lab they are allowed to have original ideas, work out thoughts and feelings and explore new ones. They are allowed to not finish something if they want and try something else. They are allowed to fail in a safe way and learn that perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. They learn that they are powerful in their own right and that their ideas and processes matter.

What Do Kids Do in Art Lab?

Children can choose from one of four ways to create in Art Lab. They can create a Make and Take, which is usually done in the same day. The creation usually is a gift they want to give, a decorative item for their house/room, or just something they have been wanting to make. They can also Explore and Experiment, which is when they try a new material or medium or techniques that is available in the studio. They can do a Skill Builder Project, where they work on getting better at some kind of art they enjoy, such as sewing or drawing. Then, there is a WOW Project, which is one that often takes multiple days to do and is a real sense of accomplishment and pride.

How Does Art Lab Work?

When children arrive, they are asked, "What is your plan today?" Some come in and definitely know exactly what they want to do and how they are going to create it. Others need a bit more time to transition from school, so they may choose to draw or socialize for a little bit before starting something. The children choose their own materials and the instructor becomes more of a facilitator, helping some gather materials, instructing others on new ideas or approaches they may not know, and encouraging others in their exploration and creativity.

The children work on their creations for about an hour, and then it is time to clean-up and have about a 5 minute time for group sharing. Sharing with the group encourages children to think about their creations and their processes more deeply, which makes them reflective and self-aware of themselves as creators.

When Should Kids Take Art Lab?

We suggest that children who have never been to the studio before begin with an Art Lab class. The ages are flexible, so if you see a class you like but are unsure of the ages, please reach out to us to discuss enrollment. When children start with Art Lab, they are allowed to engage in lots of different media, and over time, find the one or two that they really love, and it gives them exposure to art materials they may not have the ability to try elsewhere.

We have children who move from Art Lab onto Stitch Club or Draw and Paint Club or Imagination Club because those classes dig a little deeper into specific techniques to improve their skills in a type of art that they really enjoy. But, some kids love to stay in Art Lab year after year because they love to have the flexibility to do different things when they want, just like professional artists do in their own studios!

Art Lab: Everyone's Favorite

We've asked the kids over the years "Why do you like Art Lab?" and every time they say, "Because you can do what you want!" If you want to see if your child would like Art Lab, contact the studio of your choice for a free trial class. We have a lot of returning students, so spots are limited and classes start this week!

In our next newsletter, we will talk about Stitch Club and Crochet Club and the value of hand crafts!