Follow us on Facebook!Saturday Afternoon Children's Art Classes
Smith Studio has been the Geneseo Park District Children’s Art Classes for over 12 years.
2025 SUMMER Schedule
SATURDAY CHILDREN'S ART CLASSES
Grades 1st – 6th • 1:00 – 3:00
Cost: $20 / child
All materials are included in the cost.
Smith Studio partners with the Geneseo Park District to bring you quality art classes for children. You can register for Children’s Saturday Art Classes in person at the Smith Studio or register in person or line at the Geneseo Park District Community Center. www.geneseoparkdistrict.org. Payment is due when you register.
There are NO scheduled art classes in May 2025
Saturday, June 28th 2025
Painting a Firework Surprise
Painting an image of fireworks can be very difficult as it is an action image that depends on capturing explosive light. In this special class we will be painting on canvas board and using different paint applications to capture an ethereal Fourth-of-July image. After matting our paintings we will then allow for the fireworks to explode out of the frame . . . What a SURPRISE!
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 13020-11
Saturday, July 12th 2025
Totem Stick
“Totem Sticks” have always been a fun and exciting project at the Smith Studio. Each participant creates a unique 3-D art piece that helps to express who they are. Using a mixed media approach these expressive objects seem to grow as the artist realizes that their art piece tells a story. Each creative story then grows as the artist identifies ways to expand on their original idea.
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 13021-21
Saturday, July 26th 2025
Painting on a Square Canvas
One of our most popular activities is painting on a stretched canvas. This class will emphasize the creation of an abstract painting. Instruction focuses on composition principles, different ways to apply paint to the canvas surface and finishing with attention to detail and the emotion that the painting relays.
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 13022-21
Saturday, August 9th 2025
Clay Beasties
“Clay Beasties” are a special project that was created at the Smith Studio. We start with an armature made from recycled materials. We then use air-dried clay to build our unique 3-D creations on our armatures. These unique artworks are reminiscent of the special creations of Dr. Seuss or Tim Burton.
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 13023-31
Saturday, August 23rd 2025
Yarn Painting
The Huichol are an indigenous people of Mexico. They are well known for the vibrant beauty of their art and weavings. In this unique class we will look at Huichol yarn painting and then create our own unique image in yarn. Each participant will be encouraged to include personal symbols into their overall design.
GRADES 1 – 6 TIME 1:00 – 3:00 COST $20/child Geneseo Park Dist # 13024-41
When you visit Smith Studio and Gallery you will realize teaching art to others is a very important part of our business plan. We have dedicated a large portion of our main floor gallery to setting up a classroom complete with large hard wood tables, good lighting, kid/adult height sinks and a public restroom on the main floor.
David Smith, owner and Illinois licensed art teacher, teaches all the scheduled and private art class at Smith Studio and Gallery. For over 37 years David has taught in both private and public schools at all levels; elementary though college. He has been recognized by the National Art Education Association as the “1994 Illinois Art Educator of the Year”; the Illinois Art Education Association as the “2011 Elementary Art Educator of the Year”, and in 2014 he was recognized as an IAEA Distinguished Member. On occasion you can find David teaching art workshops at the Geneseo Public Library and Geneseo Child Care; and Smith Studio is the official children’s art classes for the Geneseo Park District. David Smith did not retire from teaching art . . . he moved it into the Smith Studio and Gallery.
Can’t make our scheduled art classes . . . consider planning your own private art class or art party that best fits your schedule and group's interests.
Plan a Private Art Class with Family and/or Friends
Plan a Private "ART PARTY" with refreshments, great for Girls Night Out or Office Holiday Party
Children's Art Birthday Party, you can choose from a variety of age-appropriate art activities. Parents bring the cake and drinks. We set up party area, run art activity, and clean up the mess.
Girl Scout Troop Art Badge, art materials and instruction are provided to complete the various art badge requirements.