
Club Philosophy
Kids between the ages of 8-12 need an environment where they can hold objects in their hands, experiment, manipulate, construct, and de-construct. Spaces like this abound for young children, but as kids get older, parents become busier and less tolerant of clutter. The mess-free draw of screens becomes irresistible, to both parent and child alike.
As I saw my household heading in this direction, I decided to claim the things other people discard and to invite kids to my garage to do with those things as they please.
I take joy in preparing an environment responsive to kids' interests and curiosities and then getting out of their way. The maker-led format of the workshops allows kids to build problem-solving stamina and confidence in their own creative decision-making. It also allows for collaboration, which encourages connection away from school drama, social media, and all of the other anxieties kids this age face.
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Oakland Rd. Art Club is a safe, inspiring space for kids to connect with each other and find their voice as well as a repository for discarded materials that deserve a new life. What could be better than that?
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