Raphael had already entered his apprenticeship at the age of 11. Michelangelo created his earliest known work around age 12. And Salvador Dalí, whose melting clocks and insect-legged elephants are beloved the world over? That precocious Spaniard painted his first landscape when he was only six years old.
Great artists, it would appear, start young.
Am I suggesting that your kid could be the next van Gogh? Absolutely I am. (In terms of artistic ability, of course – not happiness.) But even if they never progress beyond finger painting, your child will love going to Kidcreate Studio. Their 19 locations across 11 states offer fun and edifying weekly classes, private classes, summer camps, workshops, and of course birthday parties to all the aspiring little Cézannes and Kandinskys among us.
Kidcreate Studio was founded in Eden Prairie by Lara Olson. Her inaugural student was her son, whose enthusiasm for art was too great to be fully expressed during his school’s weekly 45-minute classes. After seeking local art studios which could accommodate children and finding none, Lara resolved to create her own.
“An art studio for children must only be for children,” said Lara. “The tables and sinks both have to be kid-friendly, and the walls have to be alive with the color of all the kids’ artwork. Our Eden Prairie studio is home to two little parakeets named Artsy and Craftsy. They are our class mascots, and they are so popular that many kids stop by just to visit them, even when class isn’t in session.
“Our curriculum is specially tailored for children as well, and that is where Kidcreate Studio shines best. Every lesson contains what we call a ‘kid bit’ – a simple lesson in art, whether it’s something interesting about one of the Old Masters, a concept like primary colors, or a certain technique like impasto or papier-mâché. In that sense we offer real education as much as we do a really fun pastime.
“We love giving kids access to art supplies which they would normally never get at school or at home. All of our studios have canvas boards, three or four different kinds of paint, and multiple varieties of air-dry clay to try out. Most of our projects take about an hour, but I’ve watched many children who would struggle to sit through a single math class become totally absorbed during a three-hour studio session.
“We’re not afraid to get silly here. Kids adore anyplace where they’re allowed to make a mess – encouraged, even, when we’re doing something like making slime or playing with shaving cream – and they always look forward to ‘ta-da time’ when everyone in the class shows off their hard work. The kids get to yell and scream as loud as they want!
“Great art classes call for great art teachers. When we decide to add a new teacher to our team, we look for someone who has a certain sparkle about them: outgoing, chatty, and naturally able to put a child at ease – and keep them entertained. We have an expansive curriculum library, which our teachers study as they prepare to conduct new classes. Really, with education and training we can teach anyone how to teach art. It’s a flair for connecting with children that we want most.
“I love my job. I know we’re doing great things for the community, both for children who deserve a hands-on education in the visual arts and their parents who look forward to a little break sometimes. Watching little ones run up to their parents to show off their art projects at the end of each class is heartwarming. That is the magic moment.”
The Kidcreate Studio experience isn’t limited to their location at 7918 Mitchell Rd in Eden Prairie. So long as you provide the children and a location that can contain their limitless energy, they’ll bring the teachers and art supplies. And if you’re planning a birthday party, why not make it a creative one? You can learn more about everything this local success story has to offer by visiting kidcreate.com.