Teen Time In the Studio (ages 10-16)

Description

Things like social isolation, anxiety, depression, bullying, perfectionism, peer and parental pressure, and over-scheduling are SO COMMON for today’s children. Pair that with a sharp decrease in creative and physical activity and we have a recipe for disaster!

I want to give local teens an opportunity to have a safe, creative space they can go to once a month to unwind, recharge, catch their breaths, show up as they are, be confident in their own skin, and work through some of the social and emotional challenges they are facing in a creative and cathartic way. I am thinking of it as an open studio on a mission!

What Kids Will Love:

• The safe, judgment free environment. We are ALL carrying around some kind of pain or insecurity. The Self Esteem Through Art studio is a protective space to work through those emotions.
• The combination of group discussion, quiet introspective time, and ART. The unique way I present material to children encourages them to identify a specific challenge(s), ask questions, think about it, and then work through it.
• The knowledge that they are not alone. Children (and a lot of adults) go through life isolating because they feel like they are the only ones faced with a specific emotion. The dynamic, peer-based group environment shows them that they are never alone.
• The act of being creative. When we stifle a child’s creative process, we are stifling their ability to problem-solve and think strategically. Art-based activities help the problem-solving and confidence-boosting centers of their brains.
• We don’t make it weird in the studio. Kids can sense when you are uncomfortable discussing something or when it makes you angry and emotional. When they sense that, they hold back—partly because they don’t want additional drama around what they perceive to be an already emotionally charged time in their lives; and partly because they are trying to protect their caregivers.

Fine Print:

• The May and June 2019 classes will be the last classes until September 2019. Choose one or both!
• Class takes place at our 358 Woodland St. studio in Holliston. Children from other local towns are welcome and encouraged to attend.
• This class is age-appropriate and recommended for children ages 10-16.
• If your child has any diagnosed social/emotional, developmental, or medical concerns, I need to know about those BEFORE class. It helps me structure the classes so they are welcoming and fun for ALL participants. If you think your child needs extra 1:1 attention or may be disruptive/uncooperative, I may not be able to accommodate for that, so you should email me before signing up. Sometimes, I am able to hire an assistant to help out, but that is not always possible.
• Class fee includes all art materials and snacks.
  
• You will receive a welcome email with additional information approximately 3-5 days before class starts.
• Registrants to my classes are added to my email newsletter list. You will begin to receive sporadic Self Esteem Through Art emails.
• I take photographs in class and use them on my Web site and social media. if you do not want your child photographed, I need to know in advance.
• We have a lot of children with life-threatening allergies. The studio is a nut-free space. 
• These classes will run with a minimum of eight attendees.
• If you have any additional questions, please reach out to me before signing up. Once you sign up, we have entered into a contract with each other.
• There are no refunds for this class unless I have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, so please be sure you/your child can commit to the session. In the event of weather-related postponement, your child can join us for the rescheduled class (no refunds for weather-related changes). You can view our FAQ page for more info.