The Estevan Arts Council wrapped up its Kids Create Arts Classes on Thursday evening at the arts council’s craft room.
The classes started back in March, and featured weekly sessions to teach kids about paper maché, acrylic painting and pastel oils.
Maria Ibarra, who led the sessions, said she was pleased with the progress the youths made in each technique.
“In my classes, they can do whatever they want,” said Ibarra. “I teach them how to use the material, but I don’t put my hand on their work. They do what they want. That’s the idea of my classes, so they can imagine, or they can do whatever they want. They don’t have to do the same thing.”
She believes Kids Create is a great program because it allows kids to learn different art forms.
The paper machéclass was full with nine kids turning out each week. Acrylic painting had eight and pastel oils had four. The same children attended each week.
“The thing that was really nice was that the range of age that I accept in my classes is between eight and 12, but I have had kids who are six who really love it,” she said.
Ibarra also offered classes in plasticine last year, and looks forward to offering more Kids Create classes this summer. They will be for two hours, and the activities will be different each week, and inspired by Pinterest.
