Over two million students nationwide currently have zero access to arts education. The consequence of denying kids access to art goes beyond missing out on a fun activity—social and emotional wellbeing suffers, cognitive development is stunted, and academic performance isn’t as strong as it could be.

There’s no denying art is essential for all of us, but it’s especially the case for children wanting and needing creative outlets to not only fuel brain development, but foster self-expression and confidence—skillsets that serve young people well for life.

“Art allows us to communicate with each other and express our emotions,” Jennifer Lloyd, owner of Children’s Art Classes, says. “Sometimes with greater ease than speaking. I have always had an appreciation and respect for art of all kinds because there is beauty in all of it—the final result and the process.”

Children’s Art Classes (CAC) is a lively art studio located in Powell offering fun, structured art classes for kids ages three and up. From “Tiny Hands” and “Beginning Art” to more advanced courses and specific workshops, the overarching goal of the program is to help kids find an art community that supports and celebrates their passion.

Children's Art Classes began in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1997, when Barbara Gay—single mom of two and public high school art teacher of 25 years—needed a way to earn more income to support her daughters. She took her experience of teaching high school art and designed a comprehensive curriculum that would grow with each student year after year. The business that started in her home's garage is now in 27 states, with over 45 studios open! Barbara's daughter Stephanie Larsen is the President of CAC Franchising. Larsen helps franchisees open their own Children's Art Classes studios, providing art education that benefits everyone who attends Children's Art Classes. 

When Lloyd met Larsen, she felt compelled to bring Children’s Art Classes to Ohio.

“My appreciation for and practice of art have existed throughout my life,” Lloyd says. “There are many outlets here for children to explore other interests that exist in abundance [namely, sports], but I saw a real need for art education to supplement what kids are learning in school.”

Through CAC’s nine-month program, students attend weekly classes and follow a curriculum that introduces a variety of art mediums including paint, design, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and more. By regularly attending classes, students are able to develop their skills and really learn the principles and elements of art, building community with their peers while trying new things and building confidence in their abilities to express themselves.

“With three young kids, my home is covered in drawings, paintings, lumpy clay pots and bedazzled crafts,” Lloyd says. “Each one was accompanied by, ‘Mommy, look what I made!’ Their faces beam with pride every time they make something new, and that joy is something I want all children to feel. Everyone is an artist, but not everyone is given the opportunity—that’s why I wanted to bring CAC to the community. We need more spaces for kids of all ages to experiment, get messy, and make something that didn’t exist before.”

Lloyd continues. “While I’m far from a professional, I am proud of the pieces I’ve created over the years because they carry meaning from various points in my life,” Lloyd says. “In fact, my interpretation of Van Gogh’s Starry Night is hanging in our studio lobby, and I still vividly remember the hours I spent during high school covered in paint and clay. It isn’t perfect, but that’s the unique thing about art—it doesn’t have to be perfect to be appreciated.”

The studio’s weekly classes coincide with the calendar for the Olentangy school district. The fall semester will run from August 31 to May 22, and students can join at any time. In addition, workshops are offered during the summer months, as well as birthday parties and private events on the weekends.

WEBSITE: childrensartclasses.com

LOCATION: 4002 W Powell Rd.