Submitted by Barbara Nair
(February 22, 2025) — Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook has announced a series of children’s programs. There may be fees associated with some of these offerings. Contact Spectrum Gallery for fee information, 860-767-0742 or email barbara@spectrumartgallery.org Details are as follows:
New! Yoga and Movement for Ages 7-11. This dynamic class blends playful yoga, breathing techniques, and mindfulness to help children develop strength, flexibility, and focus while promoting a calm and centered mind. Led by an experienced instructor, sessions include creative movement and relaxation exercises that build body awareness, balance, and coordination. These skills support dance, sports, and overall well-being, helping kids improve concentration, emotional regulation, and confidence. By learning mindfulness early, children gain lifelong tools for self-care and resilience. Fridays, April 4, 11, 18, 25. 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. (More children’s programs coming soon to Spectrum!).
Tales and Treasures: Creative Writing for Storytellers Ages 9-12. Get ready to embark on a four-week creative writing journey where imaginations run wild, words come to life, and stories leap off the page! Interactive workshop blends storytelling, character creation, and hands-on artistic fun, helping young writers build confidence and sharpen creative skills in an exciting and supportive space. Each week, children explore a new element: crafting characters, building worlds, shaping plots, and bringing it together in a final piece. With journals, art supplies, and creativity, children will also illustrate, design, and share their works in a group showcase. (Bring lined journal to first class.) April 10, 17, 24; May 1. 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
July Fashion Weeks. Get ready to design, illustrate, and sew this summer at Spectrum Gallery’s July Fashion Weeks. Fashion One runs from July 14, 2025 to July 18, 2025 (ages 10–12), and Fashion Two, July 21, 2025 to July 25, 2025 (ages 13–15). In the mornings, learn to illustrate fashion silhouettes as live models pose for your sketches, resulting in a “portfolio-ready” piece by week’s end. Afternoons, sew with professional seamstresses who teach you how to read, pin, and cut a pattern of your choice. Construct and finish your garment, adding accessories to bring your vision to life. At the end of the week, professional hair and makeup stylists prepare you for a photo shoot and a fashion show as you model your creations for friends and family!
Both Fashion Weeks are at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook and run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. No experience necessary. Material lists for illustration and sewing upon registration. For a jump start, join the Pre-Camp Workshop: “Make Friends with Your Sewing Machine,” to learn to troubleshoot the machine and stitch with confidence. Two sessions available: Friday, July 11, 2025 (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or Saturday, July 12, 2025 (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon). Participants must bring their own machines. Spaces fill quickly, so register early.
New! Portfolio Development for Art Schools. Want to get into art school? These one-on-one, two-hour sessions will guide you in crafting portfolios tailored to your target art schools. With instructor support, refine problem-solving, shading, coloring, composition, and design skills while developing ten strong portfolio pieces showcasing your versatility. Sessions emphasize sketch-to-final work progression and school-specific requirements. Three to five sessions are recommended, based on individual needs. Email barbara@spectrumartgallery to set up appointments.
