An art class for children between the ages of 6 and 14 will begin Jan. 26 and last for six weeks.

Sponsored by the NIU Student Chapter of National Art Education in co-operation with the Art Education Faculty, the classes run on Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A fee of $25 is required to cover the costs of art supplies.

During the 90-minute sessions, the children are taught about master works of art and are then allowed to put their own imagination and creativity to work. Some of the projects include making shoebox dioramas and sculptures.

This spring art education students, who are in charge of running the classes, will be directing their efforts toward encouraging children to develop their imaginations, said Elisabeth Bond, director of the art classes. The theme focuses on the world of fantasy and is based on the Binney & Smith Crayola Dream-makers program.

Each year Binney & Smith, Inc. develop a nationwide program that supports instruction in the visual arts for elementary children. A packet of information containing suggestions for art activities is sent out to participating universities.

The NIU Art Education Faculty does not adhere strictly to the Dream-makers guide, however. Because art education students are given the opportunity to instruct these classes, they are also given the freedom to develop their own curriculum. Bond notes that the classes are a “wonderful opportunity for both art education students and the children since both can learn from each other.”

The excitement and enthusiasm about art does not end when the six-week class instruction is over. On the last day of class, the children and their parents are invited to attend an art exhibit where their talents are displayed.

Sometimes certain artworks consequently are selected to appear in a national conference. As a reward for outstanding performance, the child might receive a plaque with a photograph of a smaller version of their artwork on it, Bond said.

“This can be a very exciting experience for the child,” Bond added.