kids Fall Art CLASSES
The West Hartford Art League holds year round instruction for students ages 5 - 16 in the form of weekly daytime and evening art classes Monday - Saturday in the fall, winter, and spring, and a daytime art camp during the summer.
Our Fall 2026 session of classes will begin the week of September 8th.
Registration will open Wednesday, July 15th for members. Non-member registration will open on Wednesday, July 22nd.
The West Hartford Art League holds year round art instruction for adults and youths in the form of weekly daytime and evening classes Monday - Saturday in the fall, winter and spring. Special weekend and one time workshops are held throughout the year taught by a varied group of instructors.
Membership is $35 for one-year Junior membership, ($75 for a family) and entitles you to a discount on classes, as well as early registration privileges.
Join HERE
Fall CLASSES for children
Graphic Memoir
Fridays, September 11 - October 30 (8 Weeks)
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Ages 14-18
March Grabber
Graphic Memoir invites teens ages 14–18 to tell their own stories through the powerful combination of words and images. Students will explore character design, visual storytelling, page composition, and comic techniques while transforming personal memories, experiences, or moments of imagination into compelling illustrated narratives. Whether you're an experienced artist or just love to draw and write, this class will help you develop your unique voice and create a meaningful graphic memoir.
Stained Glass
Thursdays, September 10 - November 12 (10 Weeks)
4:30 - 5:45 pm, Ages 10-15
Kelly Kelly
Join instructor Kelly Kelly in this fun stained glass class for kids. Create pieces of stained glass art using techniques that Louis Tiffany himself used. Students will have a choice of patterns with varied difficulties and will be guided through the entire process, from start to finish. This class is perfect for both beginners and those who may have taken a class before.
Art Club
Saturdays, September 12 - October 31 (8 Weeks)
9:00 - 10:15 am, Ages 7-9
Elena Gibson
In this weekly class, young artists will enjoy creating through painting, drawing, printmaking, collage and more. Activities are designed to encourage individual expression and inspire creativity while providing the child with an opportunity to explore a wide range of art media. Returning students are welcome, as each session of Art Club offers new projects for them to create.
Saturday Wheel Throwing for Kids
Saturdays, September 12 - November 14 (10 Weeks)
11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Ages 10+
Beth Reynolds
This course offers an introduction to basic wheel techniques. Through demonstration and practice, students will learn how to center clay and throw simple shapes on the wheel. Students may also choose to use hand building techniques to create their own pieces. Different methods will be used to decorate the pieces and all will be finished by glazing.
Art For Young Children
Tuesdays, September 8 - October 27 (8 weeks)
4:15 - 5:15 pm, Ages 5-7
Elena Gibson
This class is for the young child who loves art. This class will introduce children to a variety of art materials and techniques while encouraging them to use their imagination as they explore the basic concepts of line, shape, color and design through colorful collage, tempera and watercolor paints, crayons, pastels, and air-dry clay.
Friday Wheel Throwing for Kids
Fridays, September 11 - November 13 (10 Weeks)
4:00 - 6:00 pm, Ages 10+
Beth Reynolds
This course offers an introduction to basic wheel techniques. Through demonstration and practice, students will learn how to center clay and throw simple shapes on the wheel. Hand building is also offered as an addition or alternative to the wheel. Students may choose hand building techniques of pinch, coil and slab to create their own pieces. Different methods will be used to decorate the pieces before and after a bisque firing. All pieces will be finished by glazing.
Art for Young Children Saturdays
Saturdays, September 12 - October 31 (8 Weeks)
10:30 - 11:30 am, Ages 5-7
Elena Gibson
For the young child who loves art. This class will introduce children to a variety of art materials and techniques while encouraging them to use their imagination as they explore the basic concepts of line, shape, color and design through colorful collage, tempera, watercolor paints, crayons, pastels, and air-dry clay.
Sunday Comics for Younger Cartoonists
Sundays, September 13 - November 15 (10 Weeks)
9:00 - 10:15 am, Ages 7-10
Sam Ferri
Comics offer a means of storytelling accessible to all ages and skill levels. In this class for our younger cartoonists, students will learn how to draw a variety of characters, have them interact, express emotions, place them in a scene, and most importantly, shape a narrative. Taught by a working cartoonist (MAD Magazine, Time Out NY, The NY Observer, Funny Times and others…), students will engage in fun exercises meant to help them hone their skills, participate in group drawing activities and create their very own finished comics.
Wednesday Wheel Throwing for Kids
Wednesdays, September 9 - November 11 (10 weeks)
2:30 - 4:30 pm, Ages 10+
Beth Reynolds
This course offers an introduction to basic wheel techniques. Through demonstration and practice, students will learn how to center clay and throw simple shapes on the wheel. Students may also choose to use hand building techniques to create their own pieces. Different methods will be used to decorate the pieces and all will be finished by glazing.
Kids Hand Building
Saturdays, September 12 - November 14 (10 Weeks)
9:00 - 10:30 am, Ages 6-9
Beth Reynolds
A good introduction to clay is the hand building technique. Explore the versatility of clay as you experiment using the hand building techniques of pinching, coiling and slab. Each week, individual creativity is encouraged, as students bring their own ideas to life. Different methods will be used to decorate the pieces, and all pieces will be finished by glazing.
New Art Explorers: A Creative Adventure for Young Artists (Bilingual Class)
Saturdays, October 3 - October 24 (4 Weeks)
2:00 - 4:00 PM, Ages 7-12
Eduardo Arias Cruz
Designed for young artists with little or no prior art experience, this beginner-friendly bilingual course (English and Spanish support available as needed) is taught by Nicaraguan artist and educator Eduardo Arias Cruz. Through engaging art activities and accessible techniques, students will discover the joy of creative expression while exploring drawing, painting, and mixed-media art. Along the way, they will build fine motor skills, strengthen cognitive development, and gain confidence in their creative abilities. Using pencils, paper, paint, and other art materials, students will observe the natural world around them and transform their ideas into an original work of art.
Intro to Digital Drawing
Mondays, September 14 - October 19 (6 Weeks)
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Rowan Collins
Ages 13+
In this class, you’ll learn how to use digital programs like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint as tools for drawing, painting, and mixed media art. Included in this class will be a mix of drawing lessons, digital tool demonstrations, and how the two can blend together. You’ll be given the tips and tricks needed to expand your learning far beyond the duration of this class.
This class will primarily focus on Procreate and Clip Studio Paint, but lessons can be adjusted and adapted to similar free programs such as Krita, Ibis Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
A drawing tablet, touchscreen device, or computer with stylus support is required and are not supplied by West Hartford Art League.