activities with your kids

Category Archives: discounts, art, kids

January Wishes and Colorful Wonders

January is always thrilling and exciting as we cast our sites on new things ahead! Here’s a few art projects to keep your kids dreaming, wishing and motivated to continue new art projects through the end of January!

Wishing Wand
Supplies: Cardstock Contact paper, Scissors, Assorted Sequins and Glitter, Lours, Marker, Stick/Dowel, Pencil, Ribbon or Wired Garland

Cut out two stars with Cardstock Paper, then take the contact paper and cut it out two times. Make them the size of the star. ****Leave enough room so that the contact paper can be glued to the star later. Decorate one of the contact paper with assorted sequins and glitter lours. Then glue the edges of the contact paper together. Finally, glue the contact paper to the edges of the star. If you have any edges of the contact paper that extends outside of the star then just cut around and re-glue the edges. Last but not least, Set Goals and Resolutions: Write around the outside of the star goals and things to look forward to. 
For example:“FRONT: In 2021, I want to create, earn a new belt, go to the beach. BACK: Learn to read, illustrate, start eating dessert after breakfast.”
-New Years Centerpiece and Wishing Wand, Dancers4Life

Alcohol Ink Coasters  

  • 4 tile coasters (the non-porous and shiny kind :)  
  • Ranger Alcohol Inks ( several colors of choice)  
  • Rubbing Alcohol  
  • Felt  
  • Black Paint  
  • Mod Podge Glue ( or glue of choice)  
  • Paint brushes  
  • Wax paper or something to protect you work surface ( these inks stain…trust me – I learned the hard way !)   
  • Spray Sealer 

First, lay down wax paper on the table, then place the coasters on top. The wax paper will protect the table from spilled paint staining the table. Second, use a paint brush to rub the alcohol on the coasters. Third, place the colors in order of what you want to use first. Then start dropping the paint on the coasters. If you have any white spots then just add more color to it. Fourth, paint the sides black or any color of your choosing. Fifth, cut squares out of black felt. Leave it until you coat the bottom of the coaster with mod podge or glue. Then you can stick the felt to the bottom. Finally, use the spray seal over the paint side and allow it to dry overnight. Enjoy your finished colorful art project!  

-PC and Project: Instructables Living 

Fun Facts about Alcohol Ink!

“Alcohol inks are an exciting new medium in the art world that allow a free flow of expression with a variety of techniques. Artists who specialize in alcohol inks have developed styles that range, from representational art that captures the natural world, to abstract art specializing in serene and gilded designs.“

“The powerful punches of color, use of non-absorbent surfaces, and ability to maintain a clean seal with resin have allowed alcohol ink art to captivate a wide range of art enthusiasts. This artwork is a beautiful way to decorate your walls, as well as all manner of household objects. Alcohol ink artists are famous for their versatility in substrates, as they paint glass vases, jewelry and metals, and functional wooden pieces. No matter what substrate they drop their ink onto, the pieces always come out looking stunning.”

“Louise Christian uses alcohol inks to paint natural scenes, such as forests, trees, flowers, and mushrooms. Her painting range from impressionistic to realistic. Her techniques make use of bold, bright colors and unique textures. To create her full desired vision, she mixes the media by drawing over her paintings with ink pens.”

-PC and Article: Artists Who are Famous for Using Alcohol Ink, Smart Art Box, 2019

Contact us about our art classes to keep your kids busy throughout the year!

Art + Electronics=Fun

Dear Parents, 

With CCA, screen time in 2021 may surprise you! Videos which encourages Imagination and exercise + Quality Art Materials, for your ‘At-Home’ Art Studio!  Weekly live engagement classes (optional) will keep your kids active and inspired to work each week…OFFLINE!   

Meeting and drawing our favorite penguin, Sweet Scarlett and the animals she encounters, travelling the world. Building icy coves & igloos in the South Pole  Even make-your-own snow STEM activities! Kids draw each animal family, various scenes, landscapes, igloos and lots, lots more! Each week is filled with new ideas to start them off running and creating, even after class- all week long. They’ll love using their hands, brains and bodies in Story Adventures: An interactive 3-D Art Adventure kids watch, learn to create & build themselves while reading and hearing stories of friendship adventures across many countries and cultures. 

This class takes off February 1, 2021. Virtual Live & In-Person classes begin February 4 @ All Souls Church, 1157 Lexington Avenue on the UES of NYC!

Register ASAP: Click Here to receive your Art Kit in time for virtual classes!

 Try the 1st week and recieve your Wk. 1 Art Kit, including all art tools below!

Story Adventures Programming

What is it? A Social Emotional Learning program based in visual arts,cultural exploration, literature and dance!

What will my child be doing? Diving into a new story adventure every month. Creating the characters and sets in the story through visual art classes. Moving their body and developing a love of movement and coordination through dance technique videos. Building confidence through art, theater and musical games. 


What will I gain? Art heals and unites. The Story Adventures program builds the language of resilience, empowers kids with character, gains conflict resolution problem-solving skills along with a love for literature, art skills, fantasy and travel!


How do I access the program? Create a schedule that works best for your family’s needs. Live zoom classes are available once a week for students to create it together!  All pre-recorded drawing videos are available through Google classroom, accessible anytime. Exercise is also included through story-related movement and dance videos!

Watch your child’s eyes light up as they receive exciting CCA Art Kits,filled with art studio materials that will last for years. Hearts will soar as your child creates amazing art projects. Share joy in your entire household when you have an alternative to screen time. If you need to make a call or get work done, put on a Story Adventures video to keep your child moving and creating!

Sign up and Register Now!

“She seriously loves it all… the art and the dancing! This is a great program. She is dancing all over the house.” Theresa’s mom Alison“Lilah’s “favorites” are; getting the boxes delivered, unpacking all the art supplies, Using watercolor pencils, I really know how to draw penguins and whales now and all the characters in the book.” –Lilah’s mom Brina 

Happy New Year! The Best has yet to come in 2021!

For those days when it’s too cold for kids to play outside, I’ve amassed a hyper-creative library of activities that will keep students entertained and educated.  Claire and CCA want to spend time with your children this winter in the arts & literacy series Story Adventures!  They’ll find a renewed sense of excitement for learning in 2021 through arts and crafts, imaginary travel and even physical activities that give that (seemingly endless) energy a place to go.  I’ll be sure to include some activities for parents to do as well – after all, we all need a creative and physical activity break!

Your child will be an active participant!   I’m sure it has been reassuring to you to know you were able to enjoy your own time while they were with me in class – doing what you need to do so you can come together as a family later.  Each week, a new Story Adventure will provide that time for you- by keeping your child interested, occupied and intrigued as the stories unfold.  In the first book, Claire will introduce your children to the Empire Penguins in the South Pole, where two very different friends, a penguin named Scarlett and a polar bear named Polie first meet.  

Literacy meets art in an interactive 3-D Art Adventure kids create and build themselves while reading along with (or being read to) stories of friendship, adventure and different cultures.   We journey along with 1 illustrated book per month, plus CCA’s fun-filled Art Kits providing everything for your child. 

With so many materials and choices provided, they can only be successful! Your child will be occupied and intrigued while spending up to 3 hours per week, learning new fine and gross body skills, memory exercises, languages and cultures while expanding important artistic horizons this year.  Older students become illustrators and inventive craftsmen, while younger students create willingly and freely whatever they choose to make.  

Work at your own pace and time of day convenient for your family. We have a suggested time schedule to help frame your week’s activities. All materials are mailed out to you prior to start. Virtual Fun is provided through Google Classroom and one optional 45 minute online live-stream session each week (recorded and uploaded for busy schedules.)  We even provide administrative assistance, so that your child’s experience is first class.

CCA will release these new live and online classes January 18th. Claire will engage and interact with your children both online and @ All Souls Church. Kids ages 3.5- 9 years will be stimulated by creative new ideas and achievements that they will be excited to share with their family and friends!

JOIN US FOR AN INCREDIBLE YEAR; START YOUR 1ST WEEK TRIAL BEFORE JAN. 16TH AND SEE FOR YOURSELF:)

Click Here to Learn More!

Favorite 2020 Kid’s Activities & Highlights? We did it… Together.

The past year has been challenging but we have been able to grow in so many new ways.  Congratulate yourself for making it through this year! We couldn’t have made it without you, extraordinary parents! 

Thank you for continuing to enrich our community with your remarkable dedication to CCA’s mission and values. A year-in-review of some of our favorite moments helps us to focus on the positive, during this up & down rollercoaster of a year! Enjoy!


Making a Jeff Koons with plasterwrap and balloons

Favorite 2020 Kid’s Activities & Highlights @ Claire’s Creative Adventures?  

–Toured the Metropolitan Museum of Art with all classes (2.5-10’s) to see the amazing exhibit Making Marvels, the Science and Splendor at the Courts of Europe and making clocks (pre-Covid19) 

-In March, smoothly transferred all programs online without missing a class, keeping sane with empowerment and humor… starting with creating the virus as a Pac-Man & a Crunch Berry! “Crunchatize me Captain!” 

-Age-appropriated ART KITS grew to include all of the unique materials we would have used at school, shipped to each new home… including STEAM projects, like how to make your own Lava Lamps and snow!

–Jonathan Lev was a visiting artist to our Art Adventures STUDIO Online Class where students 8-15 years learned how to draw landsccapes, architecture, perspecitve and portraits, including virtual studio tours of contemporary artists!

-Partnered with Central Studios (STL) to bring to life Penguins, Polar Bears, and Mermaids with 2D drawings, 3D set constructions, movement and dance for summer’s debut of DanceArt Camp (via Zoom) with fully-packed, weekly art kits

–Built our famous snow globes  

–Explored Chinese Art using new art materials: Bamboo brushes, ink and rice paper

-Celebrated Holi week and created our own colored paints 

 -Dove into color mixing with transclucent vellum and Elmer the Elephant in Mini-Art Adventures

-Created a stain glass mosaic for Mother’s Day 

–Made our very own 2D-3D FROZEN translucent collage posters in Art Adventure Class

-Made haunted houses, painted foam skulls and bones, and created spooky necklaces in our FREE Halloween Kids Art Event! (in collaboration with Blue Bus Project held at the Culture Lab in Long Island City)

-Designed and Celebrated a 5 and 3 year old unicorn and construction birthday party during Covid-19

-Toured the newly-opened Metropolitan Museum of Art this fall with families:  2 boys, ages 8 & 11 with their grandparents, metal embossing + projects exploring Impressionism and color theory!

Be ready 2021, we are coming for you with new joy and inspiration in our hearts!  

Quarantine Shmorenteen

The pandemic has provided for more “home time” than ever before… which has lended new emerging artists (+ kids!) to “think outside of the box” as they have been “inside a box” (house) for way too long. See below to use household items in drawings & papier-mâché:)

An example is the “Ode to Helen Rosner’s Roast Chicken” by Agnes Barton, 39 from Corvallis, Oregon. She has been crafting with the things around her house during the pandemic. Barton-Sabo used “flour, water, masking tape, two issues of the New Yorker and acrylic paint” to share the joys of Helen Rosner’s viral video of “drying chicken skin with a hair dryer.” She wants her artwork during this time to evoke emotions of laughter by her ridiculous imagery (Cavna, 2020).

Another young man, Kristián Mensa in 2016 (before the pandemic), also reimagined “every day objects” to talented pieces of artwork! “To create these whimsical compositions, Mensa pairs…items with minimalist drawings that incorporate the 3D elements among bold lines.” He takes half of an orange (peeled) to use for the back of a turtle or a row of paintbrushes and draws a man mowing over them (Barnes, 2016).

Thankfully, we have outlandish artwork like these due to the work of the impressionists in the 19th century who wanted to go against the “rigid and carefully finished images of the Académies des Beaux-Arts (historical subjects, realistic themes and portraits)” and instead pushed for color, emotion, personality, and imagination in landscape and still life. It also opened the way, for a new modern medium, photography– which at first impressionists thought it “devalued their art skill” until they curved their perception and “sought to express nature and modern city life” in their own pieces (Lumen Learning, N/A) 

Here is a painting from Dina D’ Argo, 56, from Springfield, Tennessee, whom used acrylic paints to paint “In the Void.” The painting shares the emotion of “stepping into the unknown.” As humans, we can’t see what is up ahead and so we move with uncertainty into the future. “The veil symbolizes not only the unwillingness to accept reality, but also our cultural preoccupation with covering or uncovering one’s face, and what it represents or says about who we are as a society…” The floating finally reminds the viewer that we must accept the chaos and go with the flow of life (Cavna, 2020). 

How creative have your kids been during quarantine? Share with us! Email your images of artwork: claire@clairescreativeadventures.com with the subject line reading, “Quarentine Artwork” or tag your artwork on your social media accounts: Instagram: @clairescreative OR Facebook: @clairescreativeadventures and send us a quick instant message saying that you sent your artwork.

Works Cited

Barnes, Sara (2016). Teenage Artist Playfully Adds Everyday Objects to Complete Clever Illustrations. Website retrieved from https://mymodernmet.com/kristian-mensa-real-object-illustrations/?fbclid=IwAR1efUkHEHqKjhQb40u4MV81atm4KcyaZCArfqOJsDbTxX_A_CZsYy4cGPw

Cavna, Michael (2020). The best art created by Washington Post readers during the Pandemic. Website retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/07/06/art-pandemic-readers/?arc404=true

Lumen Learning (Unknown). Impressionism. Website retrieved from 

Impressionism

Memory Lane

Rad Surf GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Let’s surf down memory lane in preparation for an artistically exciting upcoming season! 

Here are some favorites of our past fall art adventures!  #throwbacksunday

Studio Art Adventures: Plein Air Pastel Drawing exploration 

Art Adventures (Ages 4-5) Thanksgiving Mural Fun 

Art Adventures. Modern Art Tour at Metropolitan Museum of Art 

Studio Art Adventures: Kinetic Magnet Metal Sculptures 

Art Adventures (Age 3-4) Eye Spy… Art AND Science 

Rendez Vous Art Adventures (Ages 4-5): Mosaic Art 

Art Adventures. The Night Before Christmas wink 

Mini’s Art Adventures (Age 2-3): Slime Making

Art Adventures. Faith Ringgold Storyquilts

 

Art Adventures. Jackson Pollock Drip Paint Pants 

Studio Art Adventures: Value Study Charcoal Winter Landscapes 

Art Adventures: Picasso inspired Cubist Wood Sculptures 

Visiting Artist Series- Silkscreen Printmaking 

Inquire Now about our Fall Classes! 

Fall Renditions 2020

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JOIN US  this Fall as we continue to provide our arts enrichment programming 

which brings  JOY & EMPOWERS  our youth… 

…to develop their  creativity,  curiosity , and  skills  to succeed 

Not sure?  Still figuring out your little Artist’s schedule? 

Check out what we’re all about! Contact us &   Sign up  for a Trial Class TODAY. 

Read more about our Growing Class Offerings:  

Art Adventure (Ages 3 to 8), Rendezvous: (Art, French and Lunch): (Ages 3 to 5), Art Adventures Studio: (Ages 9 and up), DanceArt Expression: (Ages: 3-8), Drawing Adventures: (with Jonathan Lex and various professional local artists): (Ages 9-12) & (Ages: 13-15), Music Adventures (Ages: 2-3), Music & Art Adventures (Ages: 2-3), Global Adventures (Ages: 5 and up), Social Justice Art History Class: (Ages: 10-15), Digital Photography and Social Media Class with Social Justice (Ages: 10 to 15), Monthly Art Workshops for Parents & Children (Featuring Visiting Artists), Bubbs Ross: Painting (and tasting) for Adults. 

Inspirations for Fall

Art classes inspire and give new meaning to life!

We are able to express joy and pain about life experiences and events through artwork. For example, Autumn de Forest, 13 years old, “created a painting commemorating the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings” which she showcased at the Park West Gallery VIP Event at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston in 2005. She took the dark and painful event of the Boston Bombing and created a piece to remember those lost.  She started painting when she was five years old and since has created beautiful masterpieces inspired by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

Read more about Autumn de Forest in the “Autumn de Forest wows collectors in Boston” article.

And

Watch a short interview: 17-year-old prodigy Autumn de Forest’s amazing career- New Day Northwest 

Inquire more about our Art Adventure Classes for Fall 2020 today!