Submitted by Barbara Nair
(August 27, 2025) — A new series of art classes and workshops for children will be held in September and October 2025 at Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street in Centerbrook. For more information on tuition and registration, visit spectrumartgallery.org or call (860) 767-0742.
Falling Into Fall through Drawing for Ages 7-11
Over four sessions, children discover the Seven Lines of Design to observe and create patterns from their environment. They’ll explore Zentangle by learning 12–15 “tangles” with a reference book provided, then move on to a still life project inspired by Picasso, Matisse and Cézanne. In the final class, students study Van Gogh’s Starry Night, using their knowledge of line and movement to design a festive fall scene with moons, stars, ghosts and pumpkins. All materials provided. Wednesdays: September 3, 10, 17, 24. 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Register at www.spectrumartgallery.org
The Fun of Painting on Silk
Children ages 7-11 years old learn dyeing techniques, including how to mix and use colorful dyes to design their own beautiful silk scarves to give as gifts or to keep for themselves. No previous experience necessary. Thursdays: September 4, 11, 18, and 25. 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Register at www.spectrumartgallery.org
Timeless Craft of Felting for Children
In this five-session class, children ages 7-11 years old create felted jewelry, animals, flowers and hair clips using wet and needle-feeling techniques. All materials included. No experience is necessary. Thursdays: October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Register at www.spectrumartgallery.org
Seasonal Painting for Children ages 7-11
Children ages 7-11 years old paint a landscape inspired by Shel Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree, create an African collage and alphabet art as they learn to use watercolor, tempura and acrylic paint. Learn the work of artists Stuart Davis and Yayoi Kusama. As they study African patterns from Ghana, they learn the types of collage used in these art forms. Other fun 3-D projects are designing Kindness Rocks, each with a positive saying or wish and the seasonal pumpkin with a variety of polka dot patterns in the style of Kusama. No experience necessary. All materials included. Wednesdays: October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Register at www.spectrumartgallery.org
New! Portfolio Development for Art Schools
Students! 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. For more information and to schedule sessions call (860)767-0742.
