Calling all parents of mini makers and crafters! LA’s best art and design studios for kids are offering online classes, take-home kits and private, at-home sessions for budding artists. Little ones can learn to build their own art robot, create their own cardboard sculpture, and transform everyday objects into works of art. Read on for all the details.
Purple Twig
Purple Twig offers both online and small in-studio classes (schedule for in-studio classes are TBD). Zoom-based classes are for kids ages 6 and up, and include themes like Soft Sculpture and Cardboard Creations. In-studio classes are designed for younger kids, ages 3 to 6, and their caregiver. Purple Twig has two large tables to accommodate social distancing, and masks or shields must be worn at all times in the studio.
You can also sign up for private in-studio workshops for up to eight kids (all part of the same "quaranteam"). As with other in-studio classes, social distancing and masks are still a must.
Cost: Online classes, $250 for 8 sessions; private, in-person classes start at $150 per 1-hour session; small group classes start at $27 per class.
2038 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock
323-363-7924
Online: purpletwig.com
Meri Cherry
Meri Cherry Art Studio has something for everyone. To start, check out the Virtual Art Studio, with Zoom sessions for kids ages 3 to 5, along with ones for kids ages 6 and up. Once you enroll, you'll get a confirmation email with a link to your class page, which includes full material lists for each class project, a link to the studio's Amazon Storefront to purchase supplies, your weekly Zoom login and more.
In addition to live Zoom classes, Meri Cherry also offers downloadable classes that you and your little one can do at home. You'll get a list of supplies you will need for this project, including suggestions and options for customization, introduction to one of Meri Cherry Art Studio's teachers, and the exact language we use in class with our students, and a step-by-step teaching video.
Want to have a Meri Cherry Art Studio expert come to your home? You can get on the waitlist to host a session of small-group, private mobile classes in your own backyard. Mobile Teachers bring all the art materials, tools and expertise for an amazing at-home experience, for up to 6 kids.
But wait, there's more. Meri Cherry also offers Camp in a Box art boxes, complete with everything you need for hours of creative fun. Choose between the popular Dollhouse Camp in a Box and I AM AN ARTIST Camp in a Box. Get more info here.
Cost: Virtual Art Classes, $35 per class (typically 5 classes in total; students must enroll for all classes in session); downloadable classes, $18; private, mobile classes, from $40 per child per class.
17060 Ventura Blvd.
Encino
818-609-0470
Online: mericherry.com
Design Hive
Art and technology come together at this LA studio, which typically offers a wide range of workshops, camps, and birthday parties for kids. For now, in-person workshops and classes have moved online. Upcoming 90-minute workshops include "LED Embroidery" (where kids learn circuitry and embroidery!), and "Build an Artbot" (an actual drawing robot with a switch and motor). Check out Design Hive's full list of workshops.
Design Hive's latest online classes start up at the beginning of January, with iFashion + Design Camp and iToy Design Workshop, both for kids ages 7-15.
Design Hive also offers DIY Makers Kits, like the Smart House Kit, which allows kids to design, build and program their own mini light-up house; and Sensory Kits, including a dinosaur-themed one for prehistoric-obsesses kiddos.
Cost: 90-minute workshops, $50 (sibling discounts available); online classes, $175 for four 1-hour session; kit prices vary depending on materials included
5368 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles
323-379-3399
Online: designhivela.com
Art Camp LA
With Art Camp LA, you can choose to attend live classes via Zoom or watch at home whenever you want. Check out Art Camp online for classes on how to make a scrap art wall hanging, musical mixed media collage and more.
For something more robust, kids can also sign up for eight 1-hour classes, like Mini Makers. Art Camp sends the supplies and leads a class each week to help foster creative curiosity and experimentation.
Art Camp LA also offers Art Boxes 10 brand new boxed art experiences to explore, with themes including unicorns, fairies, dinosaur pop art and more. Each box is filled with fun and unexpected art materials that are sure to engage your mini makers. Boxes are created for two, so you and your kiddo can enjoy a crafternoon together!
Don't want to commit to an entire box? Art Camp's printable packs and templates, starting at $3.99, provide plenty of creative fun.
Costs: Single video classes, $20; virtual classes, $275 for 8 weeks; Art Camp Boxes, $50; contact for pricing on private pod classes
Online: artcampla.com
–Shannan Rouss
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