The Studio Arc class schedule is bursting with classes that welcome our youngest artists, including a STEAM class series for teens and an after-school printmaking class for elementary-aged children.

For the STEAM classes, teenage participants have engaged in a variety of fun and educational activities, solving problems with peers through science, technology, engineering and design, art, and math. Starting on February 10 and running through March 2, the classes have included Art Creation (making paper and art supplies, including homemade watercolors, scented play doughs, and glue); Heart Health (making a plastic-bag heart pump, building a stethoscope, and creating a clay circulatory pathway); and Gravity, Speed, and Drag (with gravity experiments and paper airplane and parachute challenges). On March 2, the theme is Maker Space, where participants will be button making and printing and using materials in new and creative ways.

Younger artists had the chance to create colorful block prints—carving their own stamps and printing pictures and patterns together—at the first Studio Arc after-school art session for ages 6 to 12, which took place from 4 to 5:30 on Thursday, February 22. More programming for this age group will be scheduled in the weeks ahead, either during after-school hours or on the weekends.

In addition, Communi-Play communication parties for children ages 2.5 to 5 have continued twice a month on Saturdays, sometimes with art classes immediately following. Upcoming dates include March 9 and 23, April 13 and 27, May 4 and 18, and June 8 and 22. Registration is required at bit.ly/communi-play.

These classes are offered at no cost to families thanks to generous grants from the Partnership for Children of Essex and the Blue Foundry Foundation.

The Arc of Essex County’s newest program center, Studio Arc provides visitors with opportunities to engage in a wide range of visual and creative arts classes. If you are interested in learning more about the exciting and fun activities offered at Studio Arc, contact Director of Day Services Creative Programming Angela LoSapio at (973)535-1181 ext. 1231 or alosapio@arcessex.org.