KidzArt Draws Out Artistic Side for Little Ones

Acrylics. Watercolor. Charcoal.

They're mediums for artistic expression, but not just for adults. At KidzArt in Hyde Park Village, elementary school-aged children who never thought they could draw are encouraged to improve their craft while junior Picasso's can make their mark, too.

The art enrichment program is a franchise that opened a few summers ago in Hyde Park Village.

We recently talked to Christy Clement, owner of KidzArt, about what the program entails and how it benefits local kids.

Tell us about KidzArt. "It is a drawing-based art enrichment program. We teach classes for kids starting at age 2 and up. The main premise of KidzArt is that we want to build self esteem. Our main rule is that there's no mistakes. We always draw with Sharpies. One of the rules is, if you do something we don’t like, we don’t get angry. Have fun. It doesn’t have to be perfect."

On how she got involved with KidzArt: "I have a degree in social work, but didn’t want to do social work. I have two kids. I was teaching preschool. When my son was getting ready to go to kindergarten, I was going to get a degree in teaching or try to do something on my own. I found KidzArt. I've always been crafty, and I like working with kids."

Why art is important for kids: "I think it's important for kids to be able to express their creativity. A lot of kids don’t get art at all in school. It improves handwriting, self-esteem and concentration. Kids love art."

On how KidzArt differs from other drawing programs in Tampa Bay: "I think a lot of art teachers or programs, they think if the house is supposed to be brown, it should be brown. The freedom we give kids is to make it their own."

For more information and pricing, call (813) 872-7603 or email Christy at cclement@kidzart.com.

Click here for a recent story on the new shops that opened in Hyde Park Village.

What do you think of KidzArt? Do you plan to sign your kids up? Tell us in the comments.