Houston Art & Crafts Classes for Children

The following list is compiled from a ParentsPost Survey. They are recommendations made by other Houston area moms and dads.

Beyond the sheer fun of creating a unique piece, there are other benefits from art. Children improve their concentration and fine motor skills. It stimulates creativity. It even encourages risk-taking since the open approach of art celebrates differences. You can stock up on art supplies at Texas Art Supply, Lakeshore Learning and Michael’s. Look for “washable” on the label, many paints, watercolors and glues, even some markers are now available in versions that claim to wash out.

If your budding artists ask for more, or you want to make the beautiful mess outside your home, here are some family favorites.

GLASSEL SCHOOL OF ART

5100 Montrose Boulevard, 713-639-7700

The Glassel Junior School, a part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers classes and workshops year-round for children ages 4 through 18. Examples of the wonderful array of classes include: Sculpture Adventures, Watercolor, Pottery and Prints, Fun with Fashion, Young Architects and Wearable Art.

ART MIX

3701 W. Alabama, Suite 250, 713-552-9028

Pop-in Studios are convenient for families who are not able to plan too far ahead. Kids can swing by and draw, paint or create sculpture and collages for a flat fee of $15 per hour per child. Paint With Me is a “Parent and Me” class designed for 2-year-olds. Studio 3 is the space set aside for artists who are 7-years-old and older.

TREE HOUSE ARTS & CRAFTS

2419 Sunset Boulevard, 832-659-2074

Art classes are offered for kids ages 3 and up. Sessions integrate music, books and crafts. Camps build in time for free draw, dress-up and storybooks. Tree House Arts and Crafts is a Peanut-Free environment.

ART STUDIO ON THE BOULEVARD

1703 Heights Boulevard, 713-863-8988

Naomi Smulian Mendel designed the classes that cover sketching, painting, sculpting, eco-art, multi-media and free-form projects.

After-school classes are divided by age from Pre-K and up. Adult classes and workshops are offered in the evenings.

MONART SCHOOL OF ART

4007 Bellaire Boulevard, Suite FF, 713-218-0000

A wide range of classes are offered for different age groups. Pre-school Monart is tailored to the abilities of 3 and 4-year-olds. Drawing, oil painting, computer and jewelry making classes are also offered. Adults are also welcome to some especially unique classes including Calligraphy and Tanjore painting.

HOME DEPOT

FREE Kids Workshop

Free workshop offered the first Saturday of each month at all Home Depot stores between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Workshops teach do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. All kids keep their craft and receive a free orange Kids Workshop Apron, pins and a certificate.

LOWE’S HOME IMPROVEMENT

FREE Build and Grow Clinic

Every second and fourth Saturday of each month, Lowe’s organizes free wooden project clinics. Each store has 50 spots available, so families are encouraged to register early. The clinics are recommended for kids in Grades 2-5. Each participant receives a free apron, goggles, and a patch. Past projects have included a racecar, a train engine and a dinosaur and castle.

LAKESHORE LEARNING STORE

FREE Crafts for Kids every Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Projects include creating designer mirrors, gardener aprons, bunny baskets and cowboy boot bags.