February Art Camps

Beat the Winter Blues with Youth Art Classes

flannel, snow, mountains

Youth Art Camps: February 23-25, 2026

10:00am to 2:00pm. Sign up by the day, or for all three from Monday to Wednesday.

Please pack a bag lunch, and a large water bottle or drink.

Art Camp: Paint/Clay

Monday, 2/23/26

gnome figurines

Ages 7 and up.

Use air-dry clay and make a clay figurine and paint it. Or, work with foam clay to make a fairy or magic wand, and do a small painting.

Art Camp: Sewing

Tuesday, 2/24/26

Ages 8 and up (or age 7 with previous sewing experience.)

Kids will learn how sew on a sewing machine. They will be making pajama pants with an elastic waist. Please bring in 1 yard of 1/2″ elastic and 2 yards of their favorite flannel fabric. Please make sure to wash and dry the fabric first. (I have supplies here for an extra $10 fee, payable on the day of).

Art Camp: Paint/Mosaic

Wednesday, 2/25/26

heart-shaped mosaic 4" x 4"

Ages 7 and up.

We’ll make a painting and also make a cute 4″x4″ square, circle or heart mosaic.

Sign Up for the Last-of-the-Year Holiday Classes

Let’s get the holiday spirit going!

Family Holiday Paint Along: Birds

Friday, 12/26/25

Ages 6 to Adult. I’ll have templates for birds if you’d like to trace them. If you’d like to paint this on a piece of slate, you can, extra $10 charge you can pay here.

Family Holiday Paint Along: Gnome

Saturday, 12/27/25

Age 5 to Adult. You’ll all be painting along with me to do this fun layout. All supplies included to paint either on thick stock paper 9×12 (easy for framing).


Youth Art Camps: December 29-31, 2025

10:00am to 2:00pm. Sign up by the day, or for all three from Monday to Wednesday.

Please pack a bag lunch, and a large water bottle or drink.

Art Camp: Draw/Paint

Monday, 12/29/25

Ages 7 and up.

Drop off at 10:00am. Pickup at 2:00pm

Draw/Paint Along and make an Epoxy art project. Students will paint along as a group with me. We’ll paint an anime character. After lunch, kids will follow along with me on an epoxy project.

Art Camp: Sewing

Tuesday, 12/30/25

sewing avocado

Ages 8 and up.

Learn to hand sew details, and sew on a sewing machine.

Art Camp: Clay

Wednesday, 12/31/25

gnome figurines

Ages 7 and up.

Follow along with me to make a cute gnome. We’ll be using air-dry clay, then painting with acrylic paint.

Art Gallery Showcase: Works by Denise Thompson at The Generations Gallery

On Monday, November 17, 2025 from 3:00-5:00pm, I’ll be showing artwork at The Residence on Freeman Lake, 4 Technology Drive, Chelmsford MA.

Lots of works will be on display, and available for purchase at affordable prices. Stop by and start your holiday shopping! Open to all. Snacks and beverages will be available, and there is free parking on site.

Please RSVP to jhayes@residencefreemanlake.com


Veteran’s Day Classes in Session

I’ll also be having two different art sessions on Tuesday, November 11th for kids and adults on Veteran’s Day.

10:30-12:30: Clay Hand Building to make a cute gnome using clay (or equivalent), I’ll show you how.

1:00-3:00: Paint a Painting of a Gnome (or equivalent).

Sign up for both and pack them a lunch so they can stay til 3:00!

Visit the Calendar and click on November 11th to register. 

Why Art Classes Are More Than Just Fun for Kids

In today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world, finding a space where kids can slow down, explore, and just be is more important than ever. That’s exactly what art classes offer—a place to unplug, focus, and grow.

Research shows that engaging in creative activities helps children develop focus and concentration.1 When kids are painting, sculpting, or drawing, they’re practicing attention to detail, patience, and problem-solving—all skills that translate to school and life. A few hours spent in the studio can be a welcome break from the constant notifications and scrolling, giving their minds space to breathe and refocus.

But the benefits go beyond just mental skills. Art classes create a safe, supportive environment where children can express themselves freely. They can experiment without fear of failure, try new techniques, and discover their own voices. It’s a place where curiosity is encouraged, mistakes are celebrated as learning opportunities, and creativity is the goal, not a grade.

Weekdays after school or weekend mornings, Express It Art becomes a haven where kids can relax, make friends, and explore their imagination under the guidance of an experienced instructor. They learn that the process of creating is just as important as the finished piece—and that lesson in itself builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.

Express It Art believes that art is a powerful tool for growth. Every brushstroke, every sketch, and every sculpture is a step toward building focus, emotional intelligence, and joy. Enrolling your child in art classes isn’t just an activity; it’s an investment in their development, their creativity, and their happiness.

Come visit our studio, and see how a few hours of art can make a big difference in a child’s life.

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/parenting/parentology/study-smart/10-proven-activities-to-improve-attention-span-boost-focus-in-pre-schoolers/articleshow/123379544.cms ↩︎