Art Schools for Your Little Artists

Looking for a little more guidance for your pint-size art enthusiast than a fresh sketchbook and some fun pencils? We discovered this list of worthy art classes for kids, whether it’s drawing and painting or ceramics, sculpture, or good old crafting. From large institutions like the Corcoran and the Torpedo Factory to local teachers giving workshops in their homes, we’ve got it covered.

D.C.

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW)
CHAW has a huge variety (for adults as well as kids): courses include printmaking and 3D installations. This center also hosts a slew of cool events, including family friendly concerts and cookie decorating.

545 7th St., SE (Capitol Hill)
202-543-1723
Online: chaw.org

Corcoran College of Art and Design
The art-school wing of the Corcoran Gallery offers classes for ages 8 and up with a decidedly serious bent. Occasional family workshops offer younger kids a more casual chance to get creative. Access to the Corcoran museum—some classes include visits to its galleries—is an obvious bonus.

500 7th St., SE (Eastern Market)
202-639-1800
Online: corcoran.org/youth-family

Little Loft
Little Loft calls itself a “neighborhood art space,” and its mission is to encourage families with children to make art together.  Now, that’s an art studio after our own heart. Little Loft also hosts birthday parties with themes like “Parisian Atelier” and “Monster Mash.”

511 11th St., SE (Eastern Market)
202-656-3808
Online: littleloftdc.com

Anna Banana Arts and Crafts
Art dealer turned art teacher Anne Freeman owns and operates this Georgetown school, which earns raves for its classes for toddlers to tweens. Freeman has also taught at area preschools, where teachers and parents are impressed by her enthusiasm and energy.

3270 S Street, NW (Georgetown)
202-248-0661
Online: annabananaartsandcrafts.com 

Maryland

VisArts at Rockville
This art center tucked away in Rockville Town Center has both single workshops and ongoing classes on themes like clay ornaments and Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” The site is also a gallery, hosting exhibits of local artists’ work for in-house inspiration.

155 Gibbs St. (Rockville, Md)
301-315-8200
Online: visartsatrockville.org

Studio Neptune
Artist Elyse Harrison teaches small classes in her own studio (in a historic Bethesda building that her architect husband redesigned). Sessions are divided into drawing, painting, mixed media, and 3D art; her popular summer-camp sessions partner with local restaurants for extra inspiration. Each session she holds has a very official-feeling “opening” of the kids’ work in her studio space, complete with cheese and fruit.

5001 Wilson Ln. (Bethesda, Md)
301-718-0809
Online: studioneptune.com 

Heitzi Epstein
Artist/teacher Epstein inspires longterm devotion in her students. Her classes, taught in her home, emphasize crafts like jewelry and ceramics. Epstein has even picked up students for classes herself from a nearby elementary school. (Bradley Hills, in case you’re wondering).

Online: heitzi.com

Kidville Bethesda
For the youngest crew (10 months to 5 years), Kidville offers classes like “My Big Messy Art Class” and “Construction Junction.” If your little one like a little music or play with their art, there’s that here too.

4825 Bethesda Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
301-656-5030
Online: kidville.com/bethesda

Northern Virginia

Workhouse Arts Center
Talk about rehabilitation: In the former Lorton prison, Workhouse gives classes in ceramics, glass, photography, and textile design. Seasonal special events include concerts, comedy performances, and art exhibits.

9601 Ox Rd. (Lorton, Va)
703-584-2900
Online: workhousearts.org

Artwork Studio B
Artist/educator Sue Bikoff runs this McLean school, which focuses on boosting kids’ own unique artistic vision and natural talent. Everything form drawing and painting, to art methods and bookbinding are taught here.

1825 MacArthur Dr. (McLean, Va)
7013-790-0671
Online: artworkstudiob.com

Olivos Art Studio
Run by a husband-and-wife artist couple, Olivos offers kiddie classes as well as portfolio building for art-school-bound teenagers. Sergio and Claudia Olivos give students first-hand inspiration with their own exuberant artwork.

1830 N. Quintana St. (Arlington, Va)
Online: olivosartstudio.com

Torpedo Factory (The Art League)
In this beloved factory turned studio space on the Potomac River in Old Town Alexandria, the Art League runs classes for all ages. Most of the studios are open to the public, and the artists who work there love meeting the next generation of creatives.

105 N. Union St. (Alexandria, Va)
703-838-4565
Online: torpedofactory.org

Did we miss any? Tell us about your kids’ favorite spot to get creative in the Comments section below.

—Nadya Sagner

Photos courtesy of Capitol Hill Arts Workshop via Facebook, VisArts at Rockville via Facebook, Workhouse Arts Center via Facebook