Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, (A) and I attended a free trial, which is available to all. All opinions expressed are my own.
(A) and I had the extreme pleasure of checking out a class at Art Adventure on Saturday Morning. What an awesome experience! I have been looking for an art class to take (A) to for quite some time. I was very excited at the idea of the studio. My expectations were far surpassed by what my son and I experienced! Art Adventure offers children’s classes, as well as classes for older kids, parents’ night out opportunities, “sip and paint” for grown-ups and also birthday parties. It’s safe to say they offer it all. The thing is, they aren’t just doing “activities” with your kids. They are really teaching them bits of art at each turn. Oh my, the fun they had while doing it! There is a freedom at Art Adventure, a great safe feeling, children are encouraged to try and create, with few limitations.
As someone who spends insane amounts of time researching and “Pinning” crafts to do with children, there are many that I have wanted to try, but have not because I cannot fathom taking care of the mess afterwards. Here was an opportunity to do all of those things, and not pay the price at the end!! Even though parents stayed, there wasn’t really much for us to do. The kids who take the class often knew the drill, and newcomers fit right in. The class that we attended had 12 students in attendance varying in age from about 2-4, each accompanied by an adult. There was still plenty of room, even with a few strollers. Upon arrival there were 8 stations set up around the room for the students to experience. The theme of the day was “Secondary Colors”. I didn’t even know what these were until after class (purple, green, and orange). Long-sleeved smocks are provided (if you have ever had a child come home from school wearing paint you are very happy about this), or you can bring your own. Eric Stormes (certified art teacher with extensive background) and Super Eileen (who disclosed that she was also a super hero after (A) introduced himself as one), jumped right in with the secondary color explanation and the students were off. All students began at the same station, where they painted tape-resist color fields’ art. Each student had a paper that was pre-taped for them in different shapes, no two were the same.
After the initial painting there were several different stations to visit, all with the same color scheme, but using various different tactile mediums. The kids were allowed to move freely, at their own pace and experience each of the stations. The teachers floated around the room helping the students, refilling supplies when needed, and asking questions of them about their projects. Names were written on art pieces and put aside to dry for later, and then we hit the fun mother-load. The last station that the kids all participate in was by far the most fun I have seen kids have in a long time. They got to smear secondary colored shaving cream all over a table, and then of course on themselves. It was no-holds-barred entertainment for both adults and children. Their joy was genuine. Definitely not something I would have let (A) do at home, but I am sure glad that I got to see him do it.
Cleanup was easy, with a large wash basin and a step stool readily accessible. (A) was sad to go, I had to convince him that everyone was leaving (although no one was pushing us out the door). I have to admit that I kept trying to clean up and had to be told that I did not have to several times. I felt extremely guilty that I came, made a mess, and was leaving it. It was kind of nice though. He was even able to repeat to me what secondary colors were on the way home (I guess he really was listening).
I would not hesitate to recommend Art Adventure to anyone. It was clean, fun, educational and safe. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The kids had a blast and still took away a little bit of learning in addition to their new masterpieces which (A) was very proud of.
Super Eileen helps (A) put on his smock.
Eric shows (A) how to paint fields’ resist.
(A) balloon paints at another station. 
(A) and some classmates work in the free paint area with different textured rollers. 
GLOOP! This stuff is so cool!!! It is a liquid until you touch it then it turns into a solid!
Eric brings the fun up to a whole new level with shaving cream!
No holds-barred fun, they were loving it!
For more information on Art Adventure and the classes that they offer visit their webpage: http://www.artadventureny.com/ and like them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/artadventureny1
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