Our classes aim to develop children’s skills and confidence in a supportive environment, where they can express themselves and enjoy art with the support of a trained educator.

Children will discover different forms of mark making and develop skills in a range of media, while working to a topic, or on a self-motivated project, individually and as a group. We’ll cover painting and drawing over the course of the term, with an emphasis on self-expression rather than drawing skill. We’ll look at 3D work, printing and puppet making. We’ll help your child experiment and extend their ideas, opening up their critical appreciation of art. Our work will draw on art in current exhibitions and topical events.

The Children’s Art Exhibition takes place each term and is an integral part of the Conservatoire’s art programme for children. Children have an immediacy with the work produced in the class and often want to take it home, but hopefully can be persuaded to leave it to be displayed in our Victorian Art studio. Those attending the classes are encouraged to think of themselves as young artists, and through displaying their own work, feel a huge sense of pride and begin to develop the skills and vocabulary to discuss their work and that of others. The exhibition enables the children to see their work in a gallery context, and to perceive that art galleries are open to them, making more of their connection with the artistic world in the sessions.