Maureen Claffy Art Academy
We Create a Universe of Yes
Chicagoland art classes for children of all ages. Afterschool programs at local elementary schools, evening classes at Union Church in Hinsdale, camps at parks and rec facilities, and so much more.
We offer unique curriculums personally developed by Maureen Claffy. These programs teach methods and materials while getting children comfortable with the
principles of art and design. Emotional regulation, focus and mindfulness develop as our students gain confidence in creative expression. We believe that
being fluent in the language of art is a lifelong skill – empowering children to express themselves visually today and in their future careers.
DAPFL is the cornerstone program of Maureen Claffy Art Academy. A STEAM program, it teaches the essential skill of drawing through instruction in geometric shapes. The class develops the creative process through the use of quality materials and explanation of methods, while allowing for freedom of interpretation in the final art. DAPFL creates individuals who will make art their lifetime because they know how to draw and they are confident, curious and courageous in the expression of ideas and the use of materials.
Builders Club was created for the child artist who is an inventor or a builder. These are our future architects, engineers, dreamers and doers. For some children, two-dimensional art in the form of painting and drawing is not fully satisfying. These children come alive while creating three-dimensional forms. This allows them to realize the principles of geometry with their hands as well as their minds. Imagination is encouraged as is full expression of the principles of art and design through decoration and color. We use cool glue guns to support this expression. This is a STEAM program.
Color and Composition is a full-on painting class made unique by the use of a gel gouache paint box set. This experience is art as wellness and as art as education. The painting process is emotionally regulating and improves focus and mindfulness. The goal is to teach methods and materials while highlighting the concepts and the principles of art, color and design. This gives children a sensory experience of creation and develops a verbal vocabulary to discuss their art.
We offer unique curriculums personally developed by Maureen Claffy. These programs teach methods and materials while getting children comfortable with the
principles of art and design. Emotional regulation, focus and mindfulness develop as our students gain confidence in creative expression. We believe that
being fluent in the language of art is a lifelong skill – empowering children to express themselves visually today and in their future careers.
DAPFL is the cornerstone program of Maureen Claffy Art Academy. A STEAM program, it teaches the essential skill of drawing through instruction in geometric shapes. The class develops the creative process through the use of quality materials and explanation of methods, while allowing for freedom of interpretation in the final art. DAPFL creates individuals who will make art their lifetime because they know how to draw and they are confident, curious and courageous in the expression of ideas and the use of materials.
Builders Club was created for the child artist who is an inventor or a builder. These are our future architects, engineers, dreamers and doers. For some children, two-dimensional art in the form of painting and drawing is not fully satisfying. These children come alive while creating three-dimensional forms. This allows them to realize the principles of geometry with their hands as well as their minds. Imagination is encouraged as is full expression of the principles of art and design through decoration and color. We use cool glue guns to support this expression. This is a STEAM program.
Color and Composition is a full-on painting class made unique by the use of a gel gouache paint box set. This experience is art as wellness and as art as education. The painting process is emotionally regulating and improves focus and mindfulness. The goal is to teach methods and materials while highlighting the concepts and the principles of art, color and design. This gives children a sensory experience of creation and develops a verbal vocabulary to discuss their art.
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Art Academy FAQs
If you have questions about a specific class, policy or logistics, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Our programming is diverse and continues to evolve. Our core classes include:
- Draw and Paint for Life
- Builders Club
- Color + Composition
- Friday Night Open Art Studio
- Semi Private Lessons
- Summer Camps
Our classes offer the opportunity to hone drawing and painting skills, create large canvas work, build three dimensional objects, and much more. If you're not sure which class is right for your child, please get in touch.
You can view our payment, refund and class change policies here. We do everything possible to offer excellent programming at a fair price and accommodate each family's needs.
We run classes available to all children out of Union Church in Hinsdale. We are also at a wide range of schools and parks and recreation facilities across the southwest and west Chicago suburbs, including but not limited to District 181, District 101, District 95, District 60, District 58, District 53, several private schools, Glen Ellyn Parks District, Riverside Parks and Rec (District 96), the Community House. We are continually expanding our class reach - if you would like to bring Art Club Kids to your child's school, I would love to learn more.
We are always expanding to new schools and I welcome creative, loving individuals interested in supporting the children's ideas. You can reach out to me here.