Follow us on Facebook!Saturday Afternoon Children's Art Classes
Smith Studio has been the Geneseo Park District Children’s Art Classes for over 12 years.
2025 Winter/Spring Schedule
SATURDAY CHILDREN'S ART CLASSES
Grades 1st – 6th • 1:00 – 3:00
Cost: $20 / child
All materials are included in the cost.
Smith Studio partners with the Geneseo Park District to bring you quality art classes for children. You can register for Children’s Saturday Art Classes in person at the Smith Studio or register in person or line at the Geneseo Park District Community Center. www.geneseoparkdistrict.org. Payment is due when you register.
Saturday, January 18th 2024
Painting Snow-People
One of our most popular activities is painting on a canvas board.
During this winter season we will put into practice some special painting techniques that contribute to the illusion of snow. In painting a “portrait” of a snow person our students can demonstrate advanced techniques in blending, shading and texture. All student work will be matted at the end of the lesson.
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 33021-11
Saturday, February 1st 2024
Special Occasion Printmaking
As Valentine’s Day approaches we will focus on printmaking that will inspire our participants to create their own unique Valentine greetings.
Both “Relief” and “Planographic” techniques will be practiced. We will then look into ways in which our artwork can be used as a fine art print or as the basis of card making. There is great fun as students discover more ways in which to use their creative energy.
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 33022-21
Saturday, February 15th 2024
Mardi Gras Mask
We are going to take a look at Mardi Gras and the mysterious tradition of creating a special mask.
Mardi Gras float riders always wear a mask. Our students will assemble their own special masks with a wide variety of materials. They will need to pay special attention to art notions such as theme, balance, color, texture, detail …and more!
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 33023-21
Saturday, March 1st 2024
Irish Dragon Meets Japan
The first Oil Pastels were created in Japan 100 years ago. They were used to encourage children to use more color in their artwork.
Oil Pastels look a lot like crayons, but there are ways to use Oil Pastel that give the artist a unique result that cannot be achieved in any other way. On this special Saturday we will create a unique Dragon picture that captures the power and serpentine form of a serious Celtic Dragon.
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 33025-31
Saturday, March 29th 2024
Cottontail’s Spring Home
Spring is in the air as we challenge our students to build an environment suitable for a fairytale.
The resident of the location will be a character made out of air-dried clay. This critter (bunny or other fairytale resident) will need a home with furnishings, gardens and outdoor areas. All of this miniature work will be constructed out of a wide variety of materials, including an origami structure.
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 33026-31
Saturday, April 12th 2024
Colored Pencil Still Life with eggs
The Colored Pencil Society of America was founded in 1990 with a growing national enthusiasm for this unique media.
In this special class we will look into colored pencil’s ability to create a distinctive landscape through blending, shading and other techniques. Our landscapes will include a secret of hidden Easter eggs. These seasonal elements will add a special mystery to our spring garden illustration.
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 43021-11
No Open Studio in May 2025
We will be updating our Summer Saturday Afternoon Children's Art Class Schedule will first appear on the Geneseo Park District Website. www.geneseoparkdistrict.org.
When you visit Smith Studio and Gallery you will realize teaching art to others is a very important part of our business plan. We have dedicated a large portion of our main floor gallery to setting up a classroom complete with large hard wood tables, good lighting, kid/adult height sinks and a public restroom on the main floor.
David Smith, owner and Illinois licensed art teacher, teaches all the scheduled and private art class at Smith Studio and Gallery. For over 37 years David has taught in both private and public schools at all levels; elementary though college. He has been recognized by the National Art Education Association as the “1994 Illinois Art Educator of the Year”; the Illinois Art Education Association as the “2011 Elementary Art Educator of the Year”, and in 2014 he was recognized as an IAEA Distinguished Member. On occasion you can find David teaching art workshops at the Geneseo Public Library and Geneseo Child Care; and Smith Studio is the official children’s art classes for the Geneseo Park District. David Smith did not retire from teaching art . . . he moved it into the Smith Studio and Gallery.
Can’t make our scheduled art classes . . . consider planning your own private art class or art party that best fits your schedule and group's interests.
Plan a Private Art Class with Family and/or Friends
Plan a Private "ART PARTY" with refreshments, great for Girls Night Out or Office Holiday Party
Children's Art Birthday Party, you can choose from a variety of age-appropriate art activities. Parents bring the cake and drinks. We set up party area, run art activity, and clean up the mess.
Girl Scout Troop Art Badge, art materials and instruction are provided to complete the various art badge requirements.