FAQs
What is Art Stars?
Art Stars is a new after-school art club for kids in the Kentish Town area of London. Who can join? Right now, we have classes for school-age children aged 4-6 years old (Art Stars 1) and aged 6-9 (Art Stars 2) Please contact us if you'd like to be kept updated about new classes as they are added. Do I have to be good at art? Not at all! You don't have to be "good" at art to come to Art Stars, in fact you don't need to have any experience at all. The most important thing is to have lots of enthusiasm - be ready to have fun, get messy, express your ideas and try something new! |
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself and your ideas! All materials, aprons, drinks and snacks are provided.
Will I get to paint?
Absolutely! At Art Stars you'll have plenty of opportunities to paint, but you'll also get to work with lots of different media and materials
These will change from week to week but they might include: clay, pastels, paper, charcoal, chalk, dye, pencils, pixels, collage, fabric, ink and much, much more!
What happens during a session?
A session normally begins with the group coming together to discuss the theme/activity for the week. There might be demonstration of how to use a new material. We'll seek to find inspiration and a starting point for our amazing creations. Then it's time to get making!
Most weeks there will be a new activity to try (perhaps tie-dying, marbling, printing etc.) alongside the usual array of media and materials for free play. You can stay with one activity or move freely between them - it's up to you! We'll help you to stay focussed while having fun.
At the end of the session, we have a quick tidy up time before having a drink and a snack. Being creative is hard work! Tidying up is a really important part of the creative process - Artists need to respect their tools, materials and workspace. It's also a great way to wind down after all that crazy creating!
If there's time at the end, we might come together again to share our work with each other before parents and carers arrive. We always try to be kind and supportive in our comments.
Just yourself and your ideas! All materials, aprons, drinks and snacks are provided.
Will I get to paint?
Absolutely! At Art Stars you'll have plenty of opportunities to paint, but you'll also get to work with lots of different media and materials
These will change from week to week but they might include: clay, pastels, paper, charcoal, chalk, dye, pencils, pixels, collage, fabric, ink and much, much more!
What happens during a session?
A session normally begins with the group coming together to discuss the theme/activity for the week. There might be demonstration of how to use a new material. We'll seek to find inspiration and a starting point for our amazing creations. Then it's time to get making!
Most weeks there will be a new activity to try (perhaps tie-dying, marbling, printing etc.) alongside the usual array of media and materials for free play. You can stay with one activity or move freely between them - it's up to you! We'll help you to stay focussed while having fun.
At the end of the session, we have a quick tidy up time before having a drink and a snack. Being creative is hard work! Tidying up is a really important part of the creative process - Artists need to respect their tools, materials and workspace. It's also a great way to wind down after all that crazy creating!
If there's time at the end, we might come together again to share our work with each other before parents and carers arrive. We always try to be kind and supportive in our comments.
Who teaches at Art Stars?
Art Stars is led by Jan Dunning, a practising fine artist and experienced kids' workshop leader. Jan has worked as a freelance artist educator for 9 years and her clients include Tate Modern, Tate Britain, The British Library and The Photographer's Gallery in London, as well as many universities, schools and nurseries. She is also a parent to two young children. Jan is passionate about helping children to express themselves through art. Her approach is to guide rather than to teach - by letting children's interests and ideas shape the classes, she encourages learning through games, play and exploration. Jan is CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked and has full public liability insurance. |
Can I take my work home?
Of course you are welcome to take home anything that you make in a session - it belongs to you, the artist!
However, we don't really worry about producing something nice for the wall at home. It doesn't matter if you don't finish your picture - you can leave it, or carry on next week. And there's no such thing as a mistake; we learn from everything we try.
At Art Stars we think the artistic process is just as important as the final product, if not more. We've noticed that when kids are not under pressure to make something that adults find "acceptable" they start to relax and have fun with the materials. What better way to boost confidence and creativity!
When does Art Stars take place?
Art Stars classes currently happen on Mondays in Kentish Town.
Art Stars 1 (for younger children) runs from 3.45pm - 4.30pm.
Art Stars 2 (for older children) runs from 4.30pm - 5.30pm.
Each term comprises of 10 sessions. The next start date will be Monday 24th September 2012.
It is essential to book in advance as space is limited.
Where is it?
At Our Lady Help of Christians Church Hall, 4 Lady Margaret Road, Kentish Town, NW5 2XT. Nearest Tube: Kentish Town.
Find us on Street Map
How much does it cost?
Art Stars 1 (45 mins) costs £60 per term including all materials and snacks.
Art Stars 2 (1 hour) costs £79 per term including all materials and snacks.
Ask about reduced rates for second siblings.
How can I book a place?
You can book by clicking HERE and filling in our Contact Form. Alternatively email:
[email protected]
Lastly, for more information on the benefits of messy play for young children, read THIS interesting report.
Of course you are welcome to take home anything that you make in a session - it belongs to you, the artist!
However, we don't really worry about producing something nice for the wall at home. It doesn't matter if you don't finish your picture - you can leave it, or carry on next week. And there's no such thing as a mistake; we learn from everything we try.
At Art Stars we think the artistic process is just as important as the final product, if not more. We've noticed that when kids are not under pressure to make something that adults find "acceptable" they start to relax and have fun with the materials. What better way to boost confidence and creativity!
When does Art Stars take place?
Art Stars classes currently happen on Mondays in Kentish Town.
Art Stars 1 (for younger children) runs from 3.45pm - 4.30pm.
Art Stars 2 (for older children) runs from 4.30pm - 5.30pm.
Each term comprises of 10 sessions. The next start date will be Monday 24th September 2012.
It is essential to book in advance as space is limited.
Where is it?
At Our Lady Help of Christians Church Hall, 4 Lady Margaret Road, Kentish Town, NW5 2XT. Nearest Tube: Kentish Town.
Find us on Street Map
How much does it cost?
Art Stars 1 (45 mins) costs £60 per term including all materials and snacks.
Art Stars 2 (1 hour) costs £79 per term including all materials and snacks.
Ask about reduced rates for second siblings.
How can I book a place?
You can book by clicking HERE and filling in our Contact Form. Alternatively email:
[email protected]
Lastly, for more information on the benefits of messy play for young children, read THIS interesting report.