Building, Inventing, Team work, Cooperation - FUN!

Every session we utilize our l,500 square feet of space and let the kids really move around. But first, we talk about what they are about to do. This week:

BUILD and PAINT. HELP ONE ANOTHER. PROBLEM SOLVE.

We introduce new topics each week and base it on a book or various examples. A lot of discussion comes about and our project grows. So when you look at these pictures of kids painting boxes, moving boxes and using rollers it doesn't stop there. At the end of the class they have mastered stacking, balancing, painting with adult rollers, working as a team and cooperating. They also learn that they can build beyond paper, crayons and markers.

A transformation occurs and it's Magical!

Recycle...

We want to thank all you wonderful recyclers for filling our storage room up with materials! You will see the results of our hard work during summer camp.

Summer camp is just about full and our regular class schedule will be up soon, I promise!!

Here are a few pictures to hold you off until camp!

Comic Book Drawing

Most of you know that we offer a fantastic Comic Book Drawing class :-) I say that because I get rave reviews from parents and kids alike. I'd like to give credit where credit is due, so I'd like to thank Anne Marie and Robert for their combined efforts in making this class something special for the kids.

Not only do they love to teach comic book drawing, they go beyond the teaching and provide pure joy. They've published a comic book for their students and it was a hit! Imagine seeing your comic in magazine format? Take a look...

Why is it so Magical?

Today I found myself wondering why I take on so much at once. I mean did I really need to open an art studio? My children are still so young and I find myself always juggling things, running around, rushing, rushing, rushing! My life has changed since Magical Minds Studio was born. But really, how can I have regrets when I see all the bright eyes and smiling faces. When I hear the giggles and the "oh wow," "look what I did!" Those words and sounds are so familiar to me, they were first heard at home. My children are my inspiration. Art is helping them nourish who they will be tomorrow. Who they can be if they are confident and secure and above all CREATIVE!

My son is in Kindergarten and was lucky enough to have his school selected to host an artist. I was thrilled when I saw the name on the sheet that came home. Sallie Wolf, a local artist and children's book author. Every time Sallie demonstrated watercolor he would come home and describe in detail how they did it. She read to them and talked about many subjects, he has requested we purchase all her books. This was all wonderful but what really impressed me and warmed my heart was that he wanted to give her something back. "She made me have a really good day and she said she really liked my colors." I don't think we realize how important those words can be for a young child. When my son came home from a public school, sharing his special moment I had new hope. I wish more opportunities like that can be offered to schools. Those experiences are invaluable. Thanks to the Oak Park Educational Foundation for their Art Start Program and understanding the value of art.

We will now be working on a "book of birds" for Sallie along with a bird house since she loves birds (according to my son). I'll post pictures when it's all done. We'll be hand delivering her gifts to Calypso Moon Studio, where her studio resides, right down the street from Magical Minds. He also wants to invite her to his birthday party so she can run a workshop!

Thank you Sallie, for not only inspiring my son to be kind, but for sharing your gift of art and love of literature. We are fans.

Summer Camp

Dare I say "summer" when there is still snow on the ground? Why not, it's something to look forward to right? Spring Break is just around the corner and school will be out by the second week of June. Many of us have started planning already.

We are looking forward to seeing familar faces along with new ones this summer. Make sure to register now for summer camp. You can send me an email at haj@magicalmindsstudio.com or give us a call: 708-948-7934.

Check our website for details on summer camp

Winter Classes are in Session

Wow! This has been an incredible session so far. Classes are filled up to the point where we were turning people away! Could it be that people have realized we are not just an 'art studio' that uses paint, markers, glue and such? Whatever the case, we are happy and pumped to try out more cool lessons with our artists.

We've been experimenting with color and texture, next we'll venture into musical instruments, honing in on our sense of sound. It's all about how we fit into the world and how it works for us. The closer we get children to exploration the better they become at dealing with new situations and experiences.

So when you think about Magical Minds Studio, don't think its the art your kids get at preschool, or elementary school. Because it's not. It's art kids get from the real world, the world they get to embellish and create. We nourish the foundation of our future scientists, mathematicians, architects, doctors, astronauts...this list goes on!

Winter Camp Begins

I can't believe we've already finished our first week of Winter Camp! From building houses to making paper it's been action packed, creative fun. These children really know how to push the bar, and it's always so much fun for us to see them take an idea and run with it (in some cases they really ran with it!) It's hard for them to leave any art behind but we had a few kind souls that were willing. We also have pictures!

Special thanks to Josephine and Jonathan! We all worked so hard and we look forward to next week.

In the picture I have posted, you will notice the house that was built was actually a tribute to Magical Minds Studio. You can imagine this made my day. Thanks A!

Happy Holidays to All!

Winter Camp Sign up!

Greetings to you! Is it cold out there or what? I can't say I'm ready for the cold but I will say I'm ready for Winter Camp! Don't let your kids miss out on our camp this year. We'll have plenty for them to do. Details below.

Art Camp is designed for students 3 to 10 years; children will be grouped according to age, just as summer camp.

Winter art camp will introduce a different medium/project each day with various techniques for each project. In addition, an artist will be discussed and studied with examples of their work provided either from imagery or on our projector. Classes are 3 hours long and cost includes materials. Please send a light snack with your children.

Monday: Fabric Art/Beading

Tuesday: Collage/Paper making

Wednesday: Wood/Building

Thursday: Papermaking/Printing

December 20th – 22nd
Days: Mon-Wed

Hours: 9 am -12 pm

Cost: $78.75 for all 3 days ($5 off 3 day cost for siblings)

$27 per day

December 27th – 30th
Days: Mon-Thur

Hours: 9 am -12 pm

Cost: $105 for all 4 days ($5 off 4 day cost for siblings)

$27 per day

Minimum 8 students/Maximum of 14

Black Friday - November 26th!

Bring the kids to Magical Minds Studio for a creative outlet after Thanksgiving! We'll keep them busy with projects, games and lots of fun.

Details on our website!

Happy Haunting and Happy Anniversary!

We are thrilled to be celebrating our two year anniversary at Magical Minds Studio! Why not help us celebrate with some spooky kid friendly fun?

Come on out Saturday October 30th. 2pm - 6 pm - All Ages
Admission $2 per child, children under 2 and adults are free.

Jennifer Gimpert Photography will be there to photograph your little ones if you so desire. Crafts, games, scavenger hunt, raffle and more...

Enter our raffle for a chance to win a FREE 10 WEEK SESSION!

Register for classes that day and get $30 off your session!

Proceeds from this event will support the Irving Schoolyard Project. Don't miss a chance to support this great project and have fun while you're at it!