I don't know about you, but there's something about this time of year that just makes me want to paint. Enter our community's visual artists offering art boxes, pop-up lessons, and yes, group classes at great rates for all ages this season. Whether your kids need an intro to art concepts, or are ready to break out some masterpieces, these awesome opportunities offer the boost they need.
Check out these six artful activities for kids coming up this fall.
1. Momoski Art Boxes
You might be familiar with her murals around town, or hung out with her at her grownup “Paint and Drink” events at Bar Louie, but local artist Morgan Huffman is putting art in the hands of kiddos through her fabulous monthly themed art boxes. Each box contains instructions on creating a mini-masterpieces: an 8 x10 canvas, four bottles of paint, two paint brushes, pencil, and mat, all shipped right to your door! Cost is $39.99, with subscriptions available. momoskiart.com
2. Paint Night at SOAC
The Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center is helping kids level up their creativity. On October 16, ages 5-15 at SOAC will try some spooky painting on pumpkins, and all supplies will be provided. Time is 6-8pm, and cost is $10. Registration REQUIRED through Community Pass Contact alex.lempin@townofsmyrna.org for more information.
3. Cultural Arts Popups at Gateway Island Reception Center
Preschoolers can get an hour of art fun at 9am the second Wednesday of the month. Participants will create a craft and learn something new with a different surprise activity each month. Class size is limited, so it is best to sign up early. You can also take a chance and just show up (class size is limited to 6, with room for an adult to stay with each child). Older kids ages 7 and up, can get their own class following at 11am or 1pm. For each, the cost is $5 per participant. Contact Deb Hunter for registration and additional info, at 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.
4. Paper Sculpting Class
Perfect for gifts or just bringing that enchanted idea to life, this two-part workshop will teach participants ages 10 and up to mold 3D figures with Creative PaperClay under the guidance of artist Dawn Magliacano. Held Mondays, November 2 and 9, from 6-9pm at Patterson Park Community Center. Cost is $80. Contact Deb Hunter for registration.
5. Monoprinting Class
Illustrators can take their skills to the next level at this special creative class led by Dawn Magliacano. This printmaking workshop will utilize gelli plates to create free-form printed images. Workshop will be held Monday, December 7 at Patterson Park. Cost is $64. Open to ages 16 and up. Contact Deb Hunter for registration.
6. Art Smart Kids painting kits
Artist Melissa created Art Smart Kids in the Nashville area to provide art studio offering classes, custom commissions, and to-go art kits for kids and kids at heart. Classes are offered seasonally in sessions with additional workshops added throughout the year. She offers a variety of art kits (for pickup in West Brentwood or mailing at extra cost) for families to paint at home. Kits come with all you need to create and have fun including detailed instructions. Prices start at $25. artsmartkidstn.com/artkits.
Looking for more family fun? Check out these events coming up this weekend:
Friday, Oct. 2- Sunday, Oct. 4, 2-9 p.m.
Corn Maze at the Farm
The Farm at Route 8 Shady Lane
thefarmroute8.com
Friday, Oct. 2- Sunday, Oct. 4
Romeo and Juliet: Live from Tucker Theater
Online streaming performance
mtsu.edu/live
FREE
Friday, Oct. 2
1st Friday Start Party Online Hosted by MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences
6:30-8:30pm
https://bit.ly/2GiOUW6
FREE
Friday, Oct. 2
Barfield Park Trail Cleanup
10 a.m.-noon
https://bit.ly/34kLUAq
FREE
Saturday, Oct. 3
Yoga at the Island (ages 13+)
9 a.m.
https://bit.ly/2GmsvXP
FREE
Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama and Murfreesboro native who lives in the Blackman community with her husband and two children. Follow her at @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram. Got a column idea? Email her at laurabethpayne@gmail.com.
