Finally
Grownups Can Be Young At Art
For 25 years, Westchester youngsters have had one place to go where they
are more than welcome to get messy. At Young At Art Workshop in Scarsdale,
the mission has always been to encourage kids to be creative in their
own way. Soon their parents will be able to enjoy the same no-holds-barred
opportunity.
"Here there's no right or wrong in art -- it's a rarefied place,"
says YAA administrator and co-founder Donna Wiener. "Children feel
supported in expressing themselves in their own way through art, creative
movement, singing, and storytelling. We simply provide them with carefully
prepared materials, stimulate them with concepts, and teach them the skills
they need to realize their ideas." YAA takes place in a large open
room that is free of furniture. There are shelves floor to ceiling around
the room with boxes filled with enticing art materials just waiting to
be cut, glued or painted.
"Nothing is held up as an example of what the children are 'supposed'
to do," adds Wiener. "The emphasis is on learning by doing --kids
learn about mixing colors by mixing colors. They do collaging, constructions,
puppetry and puppet stages. They make giant road maps and vehicles. Older
children learn how to draw and paint a still life and self-portraits among
many other projects." Students are encouraged to work with abandon.
Getting messy is expected when children are immersed in the art making
process. Paint spills and glue drips are simply wiped up.
Wiener and YAA co-founder Marsha Mendel got their inspiration 25 years
ago, when the two art lovers wanted a quality art experience for their
own toddlers. They found it in a highly respected program at Manhattan's
92nd Street Y. Delighted that their kids left each two-hour class proud
of themselves and their creative projects, the two moms soon joined a
training workshop themselves on how to teach art-making to children.
In 1980 they began the Young At Art Workshop in one room at a local synagogue.
From that modest beginning with one weekly class for three-year olds,
today YAA serves over 200 children each week in 17 classes taught by 11
gifted teachers. Over the years the Workshop has twice moved to larger
quarters to accommodate the growing demand for classes. Students range
from 2 to 10, but the upper age limit is about to change.
"For years parents who brought their kids to YAA have expressed their
own yearning to create in this type of environment," says Wiener.
"So this spring we'll be offering a series of workshops for adults
for the first time."
On May 15th, the YAA will celebrate its Silver Anniversary with a gala
event, including an art show featuring the work of current and former
students, as well as a slide show of the children in action at YAA, and
music and food including edible art making.
The Young At Art Workshop is located at 1088 Central Avenue, Scarsdale
and is open 7 days a week Print and television correspondents are welcome
to make arrangements to visit any of the current classes.
