Class Descriptions
Weekly Classes for ages 22 months to 5 years (pre-K)
If you are interested in a prorated partial session, please contact us at sfcac@childrensartcenter.org.
Side by Side Adult/Child class
Our goal is to orient children through an exploratory process. Parents/caregivers observe their children and gain insight into the benefits of artmaking in early childhood development.
$22 drop-in, $105 for 5-weeks, $205 for full session (10 weeks). If you are interested in a prorated partial session, please contact the office.
Just for Twos
For children who are ready to make the transition into attending a class independently. Our focus is on a process-oriented art experience.
$22 drop-in, $205 for full session (10 weeks).
Art Studio 1 1/2 or 2 hours
In a teacher-guided open studio format, children are introduced to a wide range of art materials. They are encouraged to discover various media including painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking.
1 1/2 hour class
$27 drop-in, $225 for full session (10 weeks).
2 hour class
$30 drop-in, $275 for full session (10 weeks).
Prorated tuition is available for partial sessions. Must be arranged through the office, (415) 771-0292.
Big Kid Topic Classes & Workshops for children in grades K-5
For children in elementary school who are ready to delve deeper into artistic techniques, classes for this age group may focus on a particular medium or theme, but students make their own choices about the content and complexity of their work. As well as promoting artistic development, these classes enhance the development of perceptual skills, creative problem solving, critical thinking and visual language skills.
1 1/2 hours: $27 drop-in, $225 for full session (10 weeks).
2 hours: $30 drop-in, $275 for full session (10 weeks).
*$30 Materials/firing fee applied to Clay Time and Photography Mixed Media classes
View current class schedule to see which classes are being offered this session. Full list of topic classes below (not all are offered each session).
Big Kid Topic Classes and Weekly Workshops
Architectural Sculpture
Build 3-D strucures and settings using foamcore, wire, wood, paper and recycled materials.
Art in the Garden
Inspired by nature, develop your visual thinking and experiment with charcoal, pastels, pen and ink, as well as acrylic and water-color paints while visiting the garden.
Bookmaking
Characters, scenery and events come to life! Create books of different shapes, sizes and textures as you develop imaginative plots and illustrations to tell your stories.
Clay Time
Learn about coil and slab construction, surface textures, sculpting and glazing. Students will use both air-dry and kiln-fired clay.
Gallery Adventures
Explore the galleries of the Fort Mason museusms, and return to the studio to create projects inspired by our visits.
Land, Sea, and City: Fort Mason is all three! The community garden, Exploratorium Outdoor Exhibits, historical landmarks, and National Park wildlife will be our inspiration for sketches, paintings and prints. CloseArchitectural Sculpture
Build 3-D structures and settings using foamcore, wire, wood, paper and recycled materials.
Light and Shadow: Using a variety of materials and tools, including an overhead projector, we will explore the interplay of light, shadow and color.
Miniatures
Build miniature sculptures and 3-D dioramas using a variety of materials, including foam core wire, Sculpey, and shrink art.
Observational Drawing
Working in the studio and outdoors, the emphasis will be on sharpening and strengthening students' drawing skills by closely examining a range of subjects.
Painting and Drawing
In the studio children develop their observational and technical skills while experimenting with charcoal, pen and ink, watercolor and acrylic paints on canvas and paper.
Paper Sculpture: Explore the many possibilities and techniques of handmade paper, such as embossing, pulp, and 3-dimensional paper casting.
People, Places, and Things: Create dioramas and miniature stage sets, combining indoor and outdoor scenes. Explore painting, drawing, printmaking and self-hardening clay in this class.
Photography Mixed Media
Using digital cameras, computers, and sun prints, students explore the combination of photographic images with various media.
Pictures and Words
Explore how pictures and words relate to each other. Find out how images, graphics, and 2-D found objects can inspire characters, story, and literary imagery.
Printmaking: Create a variety of images and patterns with collographs, stencils, stamps, block and transfer print techniques. Combine collage, painting, and printmaking to create richly textured imagery.
Puppet Theatre: All the world's a stage, and you can help put on the show! Create miniature puppet theatres and masks using 2- and 3-dimensional materials.
Sculpture: Use various media including foamcore, wire, cardboard, wood, paper, recyclable materials and clay to construct 3-D works of art.
The Science of Art
Can I make a sculpture that moves in the wind? Where do colors come from? Why is glue sticky? In this class, we will create unique drawings, paintings and sculptures as we explore the close relationship between science and art.