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Art classes to be offered for elementary children

by Minden Press-Herald

Art classes for elementary aged children will be offered at The Farm beginning in March.

Davidson

Davidson

Lauren Davidson, an art major going for her master’s degree in counseling, will be offering the classes from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

“My grandmother was an artist and she started teaching me at a young age,” she said. “I always found the need for children to be exposed to the arts because it sets a really good foundation for them to learn creative thinking and ways to express themselves. Those who might not know how to verbally express themselves might be able to do so artistically.”

She says there is a need for arts education at the elementary level, but at some point she will offer art classes for older children as well.

Right now, she will focus on Impressionist Art as it will show kids their art does not have to be perfect to be beautiful.

“It focuses on the use of color and the freestyle art form,” she said. “It really focuses on expression and it shows the kids their imperfect art is beautiful. This is a style that I really enjoy a lot.”

The Impressionist Period was during the 19th century and originated in Paris during the 1870s and 1880s. Some of the artists she will cover during her classes will include Degas, Monet and Freelon.

Davidson will also expose the children to abstract art to continue the theme of imperfect art is beautiful, she said.

During the classes, she will expose them to the basics of colors and color mixtures.

“I want them to be able to describe what they’ve created and my main goal is for them to enjoy it,” she said.

She will incorporate a little art history into the classes as they progress in art styles, she said.

She will receive her bachelor of arts degree over the summer and will begin seeking her master’s in counseling in the fall. Once she gets closer to obtaining her masters, she says she may begin incorporating the things she’s learned into her art classes.

She chose art therapy as her profession because during a dark time in her life, she says art was her outlet for expressing her feelings.

“I went through some pretty difficult times, and art was always one of my outlets,” she said.

“It was very helpful, and I had a wonderful counselor who knew my love of art. She encouraged me to look into art therapy, because she knew I wanted to help kids, teens and adults. I looked into it and it’s exactly how I want to help others.”

When she graduates, she wants to use her profession here, as the state does currently does not offer a state-funded art therapy program; however, the state is researching the licensing process for art therapy certification, she said. She will be certified as a counselor in Louisiana.

Classes begin March 1 and are $15 per class or $50 per month. To learn more, or to sign up for a class, contact Davidson at 318-349-9505.

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