Frequently Asked Questions
If you're considering signing up for one of my art classes, but have a few questions, check out the sections below to help you make the most informed decision.
.jpg)
Itty Bitty Artists
Tuesday mornings, for children ages 2 to 4 years old.
Can I bring their siblings to class?
If you have additional children outside of the age range of the student, yes you may absolutely bring them along! Children under the age of 2 must be able to stay in one place (stroller, lap or car seat during class), and you must still be available to assist your child with their project. Older siblings are welcome to join as well and can occasionally join in on the group project or may sit at the table and work on their own drawings during class.
I have twins, or two children, do we need two caregivers?
Nope. While two caregivers are welcome to come, it is not necessary. You will just need to help both of the children you are responsible for. I'll let you use your discretion, but if you're bringing 4 young children or more, it might be helpful to have a second adult with your group.
Do we get a finished artwork every time?
Not usually. My classes focus more on allowing the children to freely interact with the materials given. This sometimes includes collaborative work, transient art (moveable art), or pieces that end up getting overly saturated with water or paint and are not really salvageable. We incorporate nature into some pieces, and these are not suitable for long time storage. I encourage you to be in the present moment with your child, and witness the joy on their face as they cover their hands in paint, rather than think about what you get to hang on the wall after the class.
Does everyone make the same thing?
This is a common difference between Process and Product art. No, typically my students are not given a prompted lesson where they follow step by step instructions to create the same product. They may be given suggestions, and some children (usually ages 4+) want to follow the instructions closely, so their work might come out similarly to a sample or object. However, if they disregard my direction and are enjoying the medium in their own way (safely) then this is totally OK.
Art Explorers & Homeschool Explorers
For all artists ages 5 to 8.
Can I bring their siblings to class?
I love saying hi to siblings, but no, they cannot stay. This is a drop off style class, so only registered students may remain in the classroom during the session. You're welcome to stay in the building during the session if that makes your child more comfortable, but please do not allow their siblings into the classroom space.
What skills does my child need at this level?
Nothing specific. We are exploring art in this level. For instance, it is common for some students to be familiar with scissors, and paintbrushes, while others aren't that confident yet. This is the opportunity for them to learn! I have both safety scissors and regular scissors for them to work with. I encourage each students to explore at their own ability, we never compare one child's work to another.
Do we get a finished artwork every time?
By the end of each 6 week session, your child should have about 3 to 4 finished pieces. Each project takes multiple steps over a few classes to bring it to completion, so they might not bring home something each week, but they are always working towards a finished product.
Does everyone make the same thing?
Not always. For example, a prompt will be to paint a face, so in that case, everyone would be painting faces, but the colors, techniques and styles will vary drastically between children. In other cases, I will present an unusual approach to drawing or painting, and some children will refuse to try it. That's OK, I can't force anyone in art, but they might choose an alternative activity for that day and therefore their work will be completely different from their peers.
Homeschool Art FUNdamentals
My child is 9 years old or older, what's the right fit for me?
Who attends a FUNdamentals class?
This class is a structured, lesson guided class that runs in 6 week sessions. It is designed for students 9 to 16 years old. This class is the perfect fit for a child looking to learn about various fine art mediums, perhaps a homeschooler who is interested in art history, art movements, and techniques.
What's the difference between FUNdamentals & Open Studio?
Offered to artists ages 13 to 17, Open Studio time is an opportunity for teens to bring their own ideas to the studio. They decide what to work on, and how long to spend on each piece. There are many art materials available for community use, but if your teen works with paint pens, oil paints, clay, or other specialized mediums, they will have to bring their supplies from home. There is no curriculum to follow during open studio, and no requirement to attend consecutive weeks. Fellow artists will be available to mentor or guide them as they work, when they might want a second point of view.
How can we work with clay?
During the school year, I incorporate clay into the curriculum of the FUNdamentals classes. If your child is over age 13 and wants to work independently in clay, they can take an Intro to Clay course at Big Creek Clay, or have an interview with Ms. Abbey to confirm their knowledge of clay basics and safety. All students attending Open Studio and working with clay, must supply their own clay which can be purchased from Big Creek Clay and potentially stored on site between sessions.
Does everyone make the same thing?
Not. At. All. Regardless of what level of class your child attends, I encourage them to explore subject matters and styles that interest them. The restriction might be that we will all work with the same materials (charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, etc) but the product they create will be unique to their interests and tastes.
Let me know your additional questions...
12021 Ravenna Road Suite 8
Chardon, OH 44024
216-224-6493
What is the studio like?
I haven't been to Big Creek Clay yet, and I'm wondering what it's like...
Can you describe the space?
When you enter the building you are greeted by our storefront. Big Creek Clay is a clay supplier, plant store, and art gallery all in one. Feel free to shop around while you're here. Through the door behind the desk you enter the workshop space and our warehouse. There is a bathroom on site, and the building is at ground level and is accessible for all.
How far is it from Chardon Square?
It's only 6 minutes away from Chardon Square. A short jaunt outside of downtown, take 44 South and Big Creek Clay is located just past Walter C Best Park, across from Best Sands quarry. Our unit is the last one in the building, and the main entrance is on the north side where you see a picture window and the front door.
