KMC youth programs offer art classes

***image1***KMC youth can now indulge their creative side in art classes at 435th Services Squadron Vogelweh and Ramstein Youth Programs.
Classes offer students, ages 4 to 12, many different medias for art expression.
Instructor Kevin Eager, who holds a degree in fine arts, developed the first art classes three and a half years ago in order to provide youth the opportunity to express themselves in creative and developmentally healthy ways. Budding artists learn about the use of clay, watercolor, pastels, sketching and so much more.
Mr. Eager instructs his students on technique and styles of various artists, such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt and more.
In addition, children learn about these artists’ contributions to the world. All art students in the youth programs classes learn from the same curriculum.
“I teach straight across the board, but my instruction with younger kids is broader, whereas I go more in depth with the older children,” said Mr. Eager.
He uses children’s feedback and caters to their needs. The children, in return, learn and have fun in class.
Art classes are enjoyable, but also provide education in many ways.
“When I teach about perspective, kids have to use their math skills as well,” he said. Art also crosses into other subjects.
“Students can relate information they learn here to history class.”
Art offers children a well-rounded education and early appreciation for the arts. “Being in Europe, children have a greater opportunity to see the work of artists that they have studied in class,” said Mr. Eager. “A student recently returned from a trip to Paris and the Louvre Museum excited about seeing artists that we discussed in class.”
Ramstein Youth Programs’ art classes take place Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Vogelweh now offers Monday classes.
Laurie Martinez, another creative art professional, teaches the Vogelweh classes. Children enroll in classes with others their same age to better facilitate learning.
The 4-year-olds’ class is for homeschoolers only, and all classes are offered year round.
Youth Programs help children focus their energies on creative outlets to learn and grow.
“Some art students will use these classes as a stepping stone,” said Mr. Eager.
To register, call Ramstein Youth Programs at 480-6444 or Vogelweh Youth Programs at 489-6504.