This Fall Season at Art Lab Amsterdam: A Journey of Creativity and Connection

Embracing Color and Imagination

This Fall season at Art Lab Amsterdam is bursting with color, creativity, and connection! Our first three art classes have taken children on an exciting journey filled with action, imagination, and discovery. I am so inspired watching their confidence grow week by week!

We kicked off our adventure with Action Painting, inspired by the American painter Jackson Pollock. Children splattered and spun paint with joy, creating surprising and expressive works. It was a blast to see their faces light up with excitement!

In our next session, we delved into conceptual art through Yoko Ono’s “Wish Tree.” Children wrote their heartfelt wishes and added them to our class tree, layering their voices into a shared artwork. It was a beautiful moment of connection and creativity.

Most recently, we stepped into the world of French illustrator Nico Marlet — the brilliant mind behind Kung Fu Panda. Here, children experimented with 3D drawing using graphite pencils, Chinese ink, and brushes. They discovered new textures and techniques, and their creativity soared!

Building Connections Through Art

Beyond the techniques and materials, one of the most meaningful aspects of these classes is the way the children connect with one another. In our very first session, we played drawing games with marbles to break the ice. It was a fun way to get everyone laughing and engaged!

In the second class, children drew mirrored trees in pairs. This playful activity built trust and laughter while helping them get to know a new friend. As Aristotle wisely said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” At Art Lab Amsterdam, nurturing a warm, heart-centered environment is just as important as the art itself.

I see new friendships forming each week between children from different schools in our neighborhood. It’s wonderful to witness their curiosity, creativity, and courage shining through as they experiment and support one another.

The Power of Art in Child Development

Art plays a crucial role in child development. It fosters creativity, enhances problem-solving skills, and boosts self-confidence. When children engage in artistic activities, they learn to express themselves and explore their emotions. This process is vital for their overall growth.

At Art Lab Amsterdam, we prioritize creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore their artistic abilities. We believe that every child has a unique voice, and our classes help them discover and celebrate that voice.

Upcoming Workshop: A Special Collaboration

✨ Looking ahead: Next week’s workshop will be a special collaboration with exhibiting artist Maas van Duijnhoven. His playful Findlings sculptures, made from recycled bottle caps and found objects, are currently on exhibit at FactorIJ. Maas will join us to guide the children in creating their own imaginative “findlings.”

IJburg children will even get the chance to visit his exhibition and hear Maas share stories about his inspirations from childhood. Children are invited to collect bottle caps and little found treasures this week to bring along to class! How exciting is that?

Join Us This Fall!

If you’d like your child to join our Fall season, there are still a few spots available — and I warmly invite new families to book a free trial lesson. Come and see what makes our classes so special: art-making in a playful, encouraging, and heart-centered environment.

👉 Join the Fall Season of Classes 👉 Book a Free Trial Lesson

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