FAQ’s
Click on a specific question to be directed to the answer or scroll down to read all of the answers:
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE CLASS?
WHAT KIND OF ART DO THEY DO?
WHAT AGES DO YOU TEACH AND ARE CAREGIVERS PRESENT?
IS MY ONE-YEAR-OLD CHILD READY FOR MESSY MAKERS?
WHERE IS THE CLASS LOCATED?
HOW OFTEN DOES IT MEET?
WHAT ARE YOUR COVID PRECAUTIONS?
ARE CLASSES HELD IN THE RAIN OR OTHER INCLEMENT WEATHER?
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE CLASS?
Messy Makers is a 45 minute class that consists of three parts:
Part 1: Art Stations
When you walk into Messy Makers, your child can choose between playdough, drawing with dot markers and painting on an easel. At the end, we tidy up together and move onto the art project of the day.
Part 2: Art Project
Every week is a different art project that can be finished within that class time. Every session has a different set of projects. We try our best to keep things new, interesting and fun.
Part 3: Snack and Story Time
At story time we meet on the rug outside. Each child gets a graham cracker and listens while we read a picture book. This is a great time for everyone to settle down and reflect upon all the fun things that we’ve done in the class that day.
And Then…
When class is over, kids can stay and play in the garden on our trampoline or slide. Sometimes we even have bubbles to pop!
WHAT KIND OF ART DO THEY DO?
All kinds! We paint, sculpt, build, draw and generally make a mess! Messy Makers is a process art class, meaning it’s about the process and not the product. In other words, it’s an open ended art experience where the child is in control of what is created instead of you giving them step by step directions and assistance.
We encourage movement, curiosity, and imagination through child-directed sensory based art-making. So don’t be surprised or disappointed if your child does not come out with the result that you expect. Sometimes, they don’t come out with any”THING” at all! Process art is not about teaching children how to do art. It’s about creating a space for them to discover it for themselves.
WHAT AGES DO YOU TEACH AND ARE CAREGIVERS PRESENT?
Right now we are holding classes for ages 1-4 with caregivers. In January of 2023, we are will have our Big Little Makers class for children ages 4-5 without adult caregivers.
IS MY ONE-YEAR-OLD CHILD READY FOR MESSY MAKERS?
Many people who bring one-year-olds participate side by side with their toddler. As the child gets used to the materials and the class environment, they become more independent in the class.
All of the materials that we provide are kid-friendly and non-toxic. During the main project, small items such as googley eyes or beads are handed to the adults in individual cups if they feel their child is ready. Or if a child is prone to putting things in their mouth, they and their caregiver have the option of sitting at a separate table that has developmentally-appropriate materials.
Also, know that your child does not need to do the project as it is given to them. Our “Projects” are more like “Invitations to Create”. If your child chooses to do something different with the materials, then as long as what they are doing is safe, it’s totally ok! And if they prefer not to use the materials given to them and would rather draw with chalk on the ground instead, that’s ok too! At Messy Makers we embrace experimentation and independent thinking.
If you are unsure if our program is right for your child, you can also come for a drop-in class to to test the class out for your child.
WHERE IS THE CLASS LOCATED?
Messy Makers is located on the east side of Alameda, known as the Fernside. Situated behind Amy’s house and through the gate is a “former garage-turned-magical-art-studio” in a backyard garden setting, surrounded by blackberry bushes, purple salvia and hanging wisteria. There is an indoor and outdoor area for artmaking and a lawn with a trampoline and a small slide for kids to play on when the class is done. You will be given the address at registration.
HOW OFTEN DOES IT MEET?
Messy Makers meets once a week. You choose the day that works best for you and your child.
WHAT ARE YOUR COVID PRECAUTIONS?
We keep the garage door open for total air circulation and some of the class time is outdoors. We also sanitize all of the tools and equipment as well as the surfaces after every class. For the safety of our community, we ask that people please keep their children home if anyone in your home comes down with cold/flu like symptoms (fever, sore throat, excessive runny nose, aches and pains). Masks are optional for both adults and children.
ARE CLASSES HELD IN THE RAIN OR OTHER INCLEMENT WEATHER?
If it is raining but not windy, we have a tent for outside activities but most activities will be held indoors with the garage door open. If it’s rainy and windy, we may either cancel class or hold the class inside with the garage door closed and a heater on. In the latter case, you will have the choice to either attend or not attend and be credited or refunded. In the winter, when the weather is not rainy, we dress warm and enjoy the fresh California air! In the case of bad air quality, we will not hold class if the AQI is in the red or if it’s very smokey outside.