Children's Art Classes

Children's Art Classes offers Tiny Hands for ages 3 and 4, with drawing, painting, clay, printmaking, collage, design, and more. It also offers Introduction to Art for ages 5 and 6, Beginning Art for ages 7 and 8, Art 1 for first-year students age 9 and up, Art 2 for students who have completed Art 1, Art 3 for students who have completed Art 2, and Advanced Art, also described as Art 4 & Up.

Programs

• Tiny Hands (3-4 year olds) — 3 & 4 · Two-year program introducing drawing, painting, clay, printmaking, collage, design, and more. Prerequisites: None.
• Introduction to Art (5-6 year olds) — 5 & 6 · Two-year program introducing beginning art skills, tools, and basic vocabulary. Prerequisites: None.
• Beginning Art (7-8 year olds) — 7 & 8 · Two-year program appropriate for seven- and eight-year-old students. Prerequisites: None.
• Art 1 — 9 & up · For first-year students at CAC. The purpose of this class is to maximize and maintain art interest as students develop a higher level of skills and knowledge. Prerequisites: None.
• Art 2 — For students who have completed the Art 1 level.
• Art 3 — For students who have completed the Art 2 level.
• Advanced Art — Also described as Art 4 & Up. Students work under the direct guidance of an Art Instructor to create an Independent Art Work contract.
• Homeschool Art Curriculum — 5 & up · Intro to Art, Beginning Art, Art 1 and up are offered during this single class time for homeschooled students. Prerequisites: None.
• Drawing Foundations — 9+ Year Olds
• Drawing Foundations and Clay — 9+ Year Olds

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: Nine-month programs of study; summer workshops meet daily, Monday to Friday for the week.

About the provider

The business started in 1997, and the Jacksonville community has been served since 2009. The program says its mission is to provide a comprehensive art education program that enriches lives, raises self-esteem, and improves the academic performance of students. It is described as an award-winning program. Founder Barbara Gay used 30 plus years of teaching art in public schools.

• Birthday Parties — 3 & up

Free trial class offered on select days and times. No classes on holidays: Nov. 22-28, Dec. 20-Jan. 4, Mar. 14-20, Mar. 26-27. Classes begin Sept. 8.

What families say

“Bailey would not be in art school today if he had not attended classes with you for those 6 years. You instilled confidence and creativity in Bailey. It is his art portfolio that he built through you that got him there!! I don't know how we can ever repay you!” — Teri W.

“My daughter (9) has benefitted from both the homeschool art class and the summer camp programming. Lots of work on building technique in a creative, supportive environment. She has enjoyed the range of projects--clay, pencil, and pastels so far. Thank you!” — Rachel M.

Last updated September 9, 2026.