Interview by Kelly Postiglione. Photograph by Schulyer Johnson.
This week, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Dani Forster, a local mom and owner of Children’s Art Classes – Mamaroneck. The program offers art education for kids starting at age 3, with trained instructors, small class sizes, and an evolving curriculum that never repeats projects. Dani believes in the power of art to build confidence and spark joy! Learn more about their programs, trial classes, and seasonal workshops on their website.
Use the code SOUNDSHOREMOMS at checkout to receive a $40 discount, making your fall registration free! This offer is valid only for fall programs and expires on August 31st.
Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?
I grew up in Bronxville and attended Bronxville School from K-12. I am now raising my family in Harrison!
How many children do you have, and what are their ages?
3 girls – ages 6, 4, and 3!
What is your professional background?
I’ve been in Financial Services for my entire career.
Can you tell us a little more about Children’s Art Classes?
Children’s Art Classes offers art education to ages 3 and up. This age-based curriculum focuses on teaching technique while introducing students to a wide range of mediums and artistic applications. Your child can continue their classes at Children’s Art Classes year after year without repeating a project!
Photograph provided by Dani Forster
Why do you believe art education is so important, especially for young children?
I have seen firsthand how art instills pride and confidence in children of all ages. Not all children feel their best on a sports field or on a stage. Art education allows children the opportunity to challenge themselves and grow through a skill that they can carry with them for their entire lives.
For local moms who aren’t familiar, how is Children’s Art Classes different from a typical art class or camp?
Children’s Art Classes is not your typical art class in many ways! One glance through our look book, you will see that the projects the children are working on are far and away beyond what you might expect from a traditional art program. Our instructors are trained art educators with years of teaching experience. Their passion for art is palpable, and the children instantly pick up on this excitement. We have a wide range of projects within our curriculum, many of which will take 2 or more weeks to complete. This in turn leads to very high-quality artwork that the children will proudly display for years to come! Additionally, with a maximum class size of 12 students, children will receive the guidance and instruction necessary to build on their skills year after year.
Photograph provided by Dani Forster
Can you walk us through what a typical class looks like for different age groups?
- Tiny Hands (ages 3-4): Small group activities that encourage community, collaboration, and relationships. This class introduces your children to drawing, painting, clay, printmaking, collage, design, and more. In Tiny Hands, the class size is capped at 6 children, allowing for each child to receive extra dedicated focus and attention from our instructors.
- Introduction to Art (ages 5-6): Introduction to Art introduces your children to beginning art skills, tools, and basic vocabulary. At this level, students are encouraged to learn new skills and express interest in different art mediums. Your children will create projects with clay, printmaking, charcoal drawing, painting, design, montage, watercolors, sculpture, stained glass, and more.
- Beginning Art (ages 7-8): In Beginning Art, children will experience the next level of art vocabulary and utilize knowledge of color theory. They will learn about design principles as they create and explore. This curriculum offers opportunities for students to utilize charcoal, mono printing, clay, ink, color design, collage, self-portrait, watercolors, balsa wood carving, sculpture, and much more. At this level, students will develop skills and become more familiarized with a variety of art tools.
- Art 1+ (ages 9+): The purpose of this class is to maximize and maintain your child’s art interest as they develop a higher level of skills and knowledge. This class will also enable each student to begin building their portfolio. Art 1 is the foundation class of our overall four-year curriculum. Your Art 1 student will complete classes of monochromatic work, developing an increased understanding of line, value, and texture, and will study color theory in-depth. They will utilize this knowledge to succeed in color design projects that will ensue. Art 1 also includes work in hand building with clay.
What ages do you serve, and when is the best time to enroll?
We serve artists ages 3-99+! Our age-based curriculum offers programs for everyone! Enrollment is now open for our Summer Workshops and the Fall Semester! Special pricing for Fall is available through July 31st!
How do the classes evolve as children grow older or return year after year?
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to fit the interests and skills of each age group. Each of our classes consists of 2 years of projects, thereby ensuring that no student will ever repeat an activity.
Photograph provided by Dani Forster
For moms who aren’t sure if their child is “into” art, how do you help spark that creative interest?
Give us a try! With a variety of mediums (including clay!), the possibilities are endless in terms of what your child can create. Your animal lover can create a clay animal mask, your sports star can create a watercolor painting of their favorite field or stadium, your foodie can use vegetables as paintbrushes! Our instructors encourage the students to bring their interests and inspirations into the classroom, which thereby can promote a newfound interest in art.
How do you support kids who may be shy or lack confidence in their abilities?
One of the many beautiful things about art is that there is no such thing as perfect. “Mistakes” are “Happy Accidents.” Our instructors have decades of experience working with children across all skill and ability levels and are experts in helping children bring out a confidence they may not have otherwise known they had.
Do you offer trial classes, seasonal workshops, or summer camps?
Yes, we would love for your child to join us for a trial class to learn more about our programs! Additionally, we also offer seasonal & school break workshops, summer camps, and Scout badge days!
Where can families find you online or on social media to stay connected?
Please follow us on Instagram (@cac_westchester) or Facebook (Children’s Art Classes – Westchester). Or, check out our website at https://childrensartclasses.com/location/westchester-county-ny/
We love to support local businesses! What are some of your favorite spots here in the Sound Shore area?
Oh gosh, there are so many to choose from! Some of my personal favorites are Dabney Lee, Café Deux, Bobby Pop, The Beauty Box and Moms4Mahj! Also, while technically not in the Sound Shore area, a very special shout out to Village Design Studio in Bronxville and Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Scarsdale!
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in Westchester? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!