Little Picassos in Training

I recently read that Pablo Picasso created one of his most well-known pieces of artwork, The Picador, when he was only 8 years old. He began exhibiting his art at just 15.  While most of us don’t have a child prodigy on our hands, it’s never too early to introduce little ones to art.

One great place to start is the Foundry Art Center in St. Charles. On the third Saturday of the month, little Picassos can get their paintbrushes wet at the Center’s Mini-Masters Preschool Art Classes. Each hour-long program uses stories, instructions and hands-on activities to teach children about art. Every class is different, so kids can show up just for one or take them all. No experience is necessary and all materials are provided. This class is best suited for 3-to-5 year olds. Classes will be held on Saturday, November 20, December 18, January 15 and February 19 from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. The cost is $8 per class or $39 for 5 classes for Foundry members and $10 per class or $46 for 5 classes for non-members. Class size is limited, so visit the Foundry’s website or call them at (636) 255-0270 to register.

Celebrate the arts as a family at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ Kids ArtStart program. Held at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the first Saturday of the month, Kids ArtStart is a series of free family events focused on art, dancing, singing, music and theater.

Check out the lineup for the next few months:

• Saturday, November 6, 2010
— Community Music School of Webster's Suzuki Strings Program and Grupo Atlantico

• Saturday, December 4, 2010 — Kindermusik with Lori Burkhardt and The Clark Academy of Irish Dance

• Saturday, January 1, 2011
— McGhee's Miniatures and To the Pointe Studio of Dance

• Saturday, March 5, 2011
Dances of India, Webster Community Arts Foundation, Yucandu Art Studio and Betsy's Storytelling Fantasy

• Saturday, February 5, 2011
— Art Saint Louis, Bob Kramer Marionnettes and Masterpeace Studios

• Saturday, April 2, 2011
— Diva La Tap, Krueger Pottery, and St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society

All events are free and open to the public. For more information about Kids ArtStart programs, visit the Rep’s website or call (314) 968-7340.

 By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting