So many parents spend time wishing they were the creative kind – the kind that sees Mister Maker as a kindred spirit rather than a smarty pants.

The truth is, it takes time and effort and not a small amount of talent to be constantly creative. If you’re challenged in any of those areas, you’re going to love Toddler Art, casual and term based kids art classes for ages 9 months – 5-years old held at Footscray Community Arts.

Art classes encourage toddlers to explore their creativity and imagination. Through various art materials and activities, kids have the opportunity to express themselves freely, which is essential for their cognitive and emotional development.

The Toddler Art class revels in the messy, glorious joy of the creative process. Each week children and their adults are invited to explore a theme and use a variety of techniques and implements to express it.

Kate Golding is an artist and mum bringing a gentle, playful fun to the sessions. She offers encouragement and ideas while allowing participants complete freedom to explore, create and get messy.

This learning art experience nurtures creativity, cognitive development, social skills, and emotional expression, all while being enjoyable and fun for the little ones.

Kate brings a mix of art and craft equipment to each class so there is plenty of drawing, pasting, painting, cutting and sticking alongside a different main project or theme each week.

On our recent visit we decorated masks and future classes will include activities such as collaborative collage, colouring-in photographs and making cyanotype sun prints.

With a supportive and creative environment, we saw every toddler in the room feeling a sense of accomplishment for their efforts.

It’s also an excellent opportunity for parents and caregivers to bond with their children.

Toddler Art is all about the inner child and the endless possibilities of art. No two classes will be the same – and that makes it even more exciting.

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HOT Tips:

• Sessions are held during school term at 10.30am Wednesday and run for 45 minutes long
• Wear old clothes and shoes – just in case!
• Classes are for 0-5 year olds;
• Stop by Myrtle Cafe for a coffee or meal afterwards;
• Limited free parking on site and paid parking on street;
• 5 minutes walk from Footscray station.