If Bob Ross taught an art class, it might have looked something like the scene at Carley Nielsen’s art studio. On April 6, she held her first children’s art class.
“I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time, but we didn’t have the space,” Nielsen said. “Once we learned everyone was moving on to bigger and better spaces with their companies, we were given the opportunity to expand, so we couldn’t pass that up.”
Bird’s Creations and The Elizabeth Collection moved out leaving Creative Gifts & More and Carley Nielsen Art Gallery space to expand. Nielsen moved in some long tables and chairs to create a classroom. She then opened her gallery to weekly classes for children ages 10 and under, as well as for people to drop-in and paint during open hours.
Each Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Nielsen will feature a painting or fun craft. With expertise in drawing, sculpture, and graphic design, Nielsen is hoping to offer classes in a variety of mediums. She’s also looking for local artists, who can paint, sew, or even make jewelry, to teach classes.
Having to accommodate children with a wide range of skill, Nielsen’s first lesson was something simple – painting a cupcake.
At the front of the room she had a blank canvas standing next to a completed painting to serve as a reference. She then took the eight person class on a step-by-step process to a finished product.
Rather than using a ruler to give accurate measurements, she had the kids use their hands. For example, the width of the table on which the cupcake rested had to be half a finger length from the bottom of the canvas. Nielsen also used simple shapes to guide the students toward their finished creation.
Designs don’t have to be perfect, Nielsen said. The goal is to have fun. “I want this to be a place they can go to have fun and be creative,” Nielsen said thinking back to when she was in elementary school.
Such an opportunity didn’t exist, but rather she’d go home and complete artwork with her grandmother, a former professor at Manhattanville College.
Nielsen said she’s open to hosting birthday parties, private events, as well as sip ‘n paint events with adults. Drop-ins are welcome during open business hours when classes are not in progress.
Space for classes is limited, so parents are encouraged to bring their children early. Participants pay as they go. There’s no charge if a child misses a class.
For updates on upcoming projects, visit facebook.com/carleynielsenartist.
