Arts scene for children and teens

TWO local artists are looking to cultivate their own creative community with the launch of their new children’s art class program starting this school term.

Called The Art Club Hub, the initiative has been spearheaded by creatives Leah Haynes and Erin Robinson from Mia and Talbot Candles and Gifts, and Artbrush respectively.

The pair met about six years ago while showcasing their works at the Creswick Market, and Haynes said both had wanted to pursue an arts club since they were kids.

“For me as a kid who was interested in art and not sport and other things, I had to go to adult art classes to get my fix,” she said.

“We’re trying to create that environment for kids but also teach people that you can turn art into something, and to look at their work subjectively and communicate it.”

Robinson became a full-time artist about six years ago after years working primarily as a teacher, while Haynes started designing cards and labels through her Mia and Talbot business in 2012.

Classes will take place at the Eastwood Leisure Complex, with the aim to later incorporate adult lessons.

Robinson said the first aim with Art Club Hub will be to teach children the basics behind making art.

“We really want to give kids a good foundation in learning art while making it fun,” she said.

“We want them to learn real art concepts and ideas and good techniques right from the start from an early age so they can really develop that as they go along.”

With lessons to begin from the first day of May, junior classes for kids aged six to nine will run on Mondays and Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm.

Classes for nine-to-12-year-olds will also run on Mondays and Thursdays from 5.15pm to 6.15pm.

Primary club classes for students aged seven to 12 will be held on Saturdays from 10am to 11am.

Bookings are now open for term two classes, and can be made at the Art Club Hub website.