"Inspired By": Art Discussion & Art-Making (Monthly Subscription)

In what ways can the art of others inspire us? What is the nature of inspiration?

• THE NITTY-GRITTY

  • For Who: Ages 7-11 (class size: minimum 3, maximum 9)

  • When:

    • September 2025–May 2026:

      • Thursdays, 11:00-11:50am EST

  • Where: Online via Zoom + Google Classroom

  • Cost: $70 per month (subscription; auto-charged monthly — cancel anytime)

  • Join anytime during the Sept-May school year! See the class rotations under the Art Supplies section to see what we’re covering at any point.

    ⚠️ Important: This class requires at least 3 students to run. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be notified one week prior and receive a full refund.

  
  

WHAT IS THIS CLASS?

This class is about exploring how art sparks inspiration!

I’ve worked as a contractual museum educator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the past 24 years — I love discussing art with kids and seeing where their observations lead.

Each session begins like a museum visit: we gather around a featured work or group of related artworks, and engage in a lively, interactive discussion. Kids share their observations and ideas, and we explore the art's connections to bigger themes, techniques, or emotions. After after about 10–15 minutes, we dive into making our own artwork inspired by what we’ve seen — but where that inspiration leads is up to each student!

Some kids spend the whole class working on a detailed sketch of one piece, or combining elements from multiple pieces; others create something loosely inspired by a small detail, or even branch off entirely. There’s no single outcome expected: the focus is on creativity, curiosity, and student agency.

WHAT HAPPENS IN CLASS?

• 10-20 minutes: discussion and sketching, which transitions into

• 20–25 minutes: open work time, where kids apply techniques we discuss, or follow their own ideas

• 5–10 minutes: wrap-up and optional sharing* (never forced!)

  *I understand some kids are more shy than others! I strive to create an environment where learners feel brave/comfortable enough to share when they feel ready.
  

I will sometimes offer specific ideas for branching off in their own direction - eg,

• Trying out a material or technique inspired by the art (e.g., oil pastels for impressionist styles)

• Following a derivative idea (e.g., designing their own pet portrait after seeing royal pet paintings)

• Exploring abstract or playful themes inspired by artists like Paul Klee or Joan Miró

However, quite often, I'll leave how they choose to create open-ended. Many students end up sketching for almost the whole session - and if they do, I'm happy to offer advice on how to add shading or different drawing techniques.

Whether kids stick closely to the theme or wander creatively — I welcome both! My goal is to foster a space where kids feel free to follow their own artistic impulses.

WHAT ART SUPPLIES DO LEARNERS NEED?

• Keep these handy:

  • Drawing materials (eg pencils, colored pencils, markers, crayons)

  • Drawing or construction paper: I suggest keeping a sketchbook, at least 9x12, as it’s easier than having a lot of loose drawings

  • For occasional classes: oil pastels, watercolors (you’ll be notified in advance if I’m focusing on these or any other simple art materials - and all are optional)

  • Any other favorite / preferred art materials

CLASS POLICIES

• Cameras on: Must be on at start for verification; encouraged to stay on during class

• One enrollment per student: Siblings register individually

• Monthly subscription: Auto-renews until you cancel

• Subscription cancellation: Refund if canceled 7+ days before next month’s start

• Missed classes: No makeups or credits; recordings provided upon request if I’ve already met your learner
  

View full class policies before registering.