Q: What happens when my child seems uninterested and won't stay focused?
A: For one, any child who does not want to be at the table, should not be forced to stay there. Always give them the option to take a break and come back when they're ready. Either way, you should not be disappointed, these things happen, and they should be allowed their space. Be patient and respect their needs. You can't turn on creativity if they're not ready, or having an emotional bad day. I know I can't! Setting up consequences for lack of motivation just sets them up for failure. Just hang in there, sometimes just the act of being there with the collective group is the most important part of the experience, even if just on a pure social level. Creativity can be contagious.
Q: What happens when it rains?
A: The class meets the following week (if weather permits) and just adds on an extra week to the end date. If parents cannot accommodate for the extended dates, I can offer refunds. I send out emails that morning if the class is rained out, usually 2 hours before class time, and if cell phones are provided, I can also send alerts via text.
Q: What if I can't make all the classes in the series?
A: There are no refunds for "no shows" or pro rating if you can't make certain dates, but I usually offer a free make up class at the end of the session, or in the case of class cancellation due to weather.
Q: When and where do the classes meet?
A: The days and times are usually determined from session to session. Schedules and location are confirmed via email.
Q: How long are the classes?
A: Each class meets once a week for one hour. However the child decides to create art within that hour is purely dependent on them.
Q: Are snacks provided?
A: No. I would appreciate it if snacks are eaten away from the art table, during breaks or after class. I encourage everyone to make a day of it, pack a picnic lunch. Most parents bring a blanket to lay down nearby, so when those hungry urges come on, they can easily tuck in with a snack break and not tempt or distract the flow of any busy artists at the table.
Q: My child is almost two, can they still take the class?
A: Based on your own experiences, you will have to be the better judge of their skills and interests. If they show a focused inclination towards art, or have had positive art experiences in the past, I say go for it. Above all else, a positive experience for the child is key. For the most part, many classes are built around simple skills such as applying glue or paint, and assemblage.
Q: What happens if I arrive late?
A: Class will resume as scheduled, I try not to hold class off until all the parents arrive. I just want to make sure that for the parents who arrive on time will be able to leave at the designated end time if they so desire. I will always make sure to catch you up to speed, and most times, I am staying on beyond the class end time, whether it be to clean up or just having extended play with my son. Since everyone is going at their own pace, it is not unusual for children to be coming back and forth to the table, balancing their creativity with play. Just make sure, if you are running late, that your child is ready to do art, and not being rushed into it. If needed, let them adjust to some park play first and then ease them back into the idea of making art when they're ready.
Q: What kind of art will my child experience?
A: Within each session, I typically cover aspects of Painting, Sculpture, Watercolors, Collage, and Printmaking. There are variations on these themes from session to session, to assure that repeat students rarely repeat the same projects.
Q: How do I find out more about MAKE ART or tell friends?
A: Visit my blog at:
www.makeartla.blogspot.com
...or drop me a line at :
Darryl Blood (at) gmail (dot) com
