Studio classes began the week of August 25th,
but you can enroll anytime.
Call 1-866-545-5927 today to register!
Don't see a location near you?
Then explore adding our art and enrichment classes in our outbound programs
to your local clubhouse, church, or child's school.
For more information:
In the Charlotte area: Contact Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com
In the Raleigh area: Contact Kat Benson at kbenson@explorebeyondschool.com
Over the past 20 years in Explore! Art & Clay classes, we have been helping young children grow into confident artists and sculptors. Kids draw what they love, having fun as they are taught basic to advanced concepts and techniques along the way, all while enjoying our calm, non-judgmental atmosphere. Our qualified instructors make certain that students not only learn, but have a great time, too!
A variety of media are introduced at the appropriate age level, including ink, graphite, chalk pastel, oil pastel, watercolor, conte crayons, scratch art, colored pencil, collage, tissue paper, acrylic, charcoals and more.
We offer teacher directed, step-by-step instruction as well as self-directed independent project development for more advanced students. Our young artists save all their work in a professional portfolio for the non-competitive all-inclusive art show at the end of the school year.
Students can enroll at any time during the year, and no drawing experience is necessary for most classes. If interested, no-obligation half-price trial lessons are available for new students. Additionally, if a student refers four new students, they get a month free! Siblings get a 10% discount too!
Call 1-866-545-5927 to speak with an Explore! representative about which class is right for your child and to find out more about our methodology. If you see a course offered but the time and day do not meet your needs please call us. We have the ability to change our scheduling if enough of our customers want a specific course on a different time or day other than the one being offered.
North Raleigh Classes
Classes began the week of August 25th,
but you can enroll anytime.
Call 1-866-545-5927 today to register!
NEW! After School Clubs: find out more here
Mini-Picasso (Ages 3-4): Your child is never too young to develop their creativity! Children learn our step-by-step Monart method, which teaches them how to transform simple shapes into great art. Emphasis is placed on refining the student's motor skills, encouraging their independence, and improving their ability to take instruction, make marks and apply color. This class can be added to our schedule for groups of four or more. Call Explore to find out how to start a class just for you!
Basic Monart (Ages 4-5): In this class, children create works of art using our step-by-step Monart Method. Basic elements of shape are introduced with warm-up exercises in this structured course developed to not only be fun but to encourage fine motor skills and self-esteem. Students learn to draw and apply color, overlap images, and create detailed pictures with confidence. Children should be able to write their own name and be comfortable taking direction.
- Mondays, 4:15 - 5:15
- Tuesdays, 4:15 - 5:15
Explore Art (ages 6-8): Young artists are taught to create a work of art in a step-by-step manner, from a basic outline to a finished masterpiece. We draw things that interest both children and their parents - from animals of all sizes and favorite storybook characters to trucks and famous cartoon characters. Along the way, they'll be introduced to famous artists too! Children are shown how to render outlines in a quiet, gentle, non-judgmental way, which leads them to produce wonderful, representational pictures that are typically considerably beyond developmental level. Students should be comfortable taking direction.
- Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30
- Thursdays, 4:15 - 5:15
Explore Art Advanced (ages 8 and up): This class is geared toward the student who is ready for a challenge and is willing to tackle elements of art that require a serious, focused effort. Beginners will enjoy a structured and helpful atmosphere while completing a new project every week, and more confident artists have the opportunity to embark upon independent projects.
Home School Art, Clay, and Clubs (ages 6 and up): see complete listing here
NEW! Art & Clay Combo (Ages 5 - 6): This class is the best of both worlds as students alternate between art lessons one week and clay sculpting the next. By constantly exposing students to new mediums, we keep the class fresh and exciting, no matter what their interest. Monart lessons include our famous step-by-step methodology and our clay instruction focuses on the basics of handbuilding and glazing.
NEW! Art & Clay Deluxe (Ages 7 - 9): You asked for both art and clay wrapped up in one class - here it is! This class offers Explore's best to our advancing artists as they alternate between art lessons one week and clay wheel throwing the next. The art side includes more advanced mixed-medium lessons and our clay instruction focuses on sculpture and and introduction to wheel work.
Explore Clay Handbuilding (Ages 5 to Adult): This clay class is appropriate for the beginner and the seasoned clay artist. The focus is on hand building techniques, slab construction, coil construction, sculptures and abstract forms. Each lesson presents a specific technique and project with the chance to pursue self directed projects too. Glazing and firing is included.
Explore Clay Wheel Throwing (Ages 9 to Adult): Students will learn how to throw on the wheel, progressing from basic cylinder to more subtle and interesting shapes. Students may pursue personal projects like creating sculptural forms and decorative vessels, like teapots, birdhouses, and more. While pots dry, students explore hand built projects with coils, slab, and sculptural methods. Slips, glazes, decorative painting and other embellishments, and kiln firing will be taught.
- Mondays, 6:45 - 8:15
- Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:00
NEW! Paint It! (ages 8 and up): Dabble in this cherished medium as we explore the textures and beauty of paint. From the soft scenes of watercolor to bright abstracts in acrylic, students will learn how to manipulate color, combine layers, and use the paintbrush to express their innermost creativity. This course is best suited for those with some previous art experience. This class can be scheduled any weekday afternoon or evening for groups of four or more. Call Explore to find out how to start a class just for you!
Cary at Impact Classes
Classes began the week of August 25th,
but you can enroll anytime.
Call 1-866-545-5927 today to register!
Mini-Picasso (Ages 3-4): Your child is never too young to develop their creativity! Children learn our step-by-step Monart method, which teaches them how to transform simple shapes into great art. Emphasis is placed on refining the student's motor skills, encouraging their independence, and improving their ability to take instruction, make marks and apply color. This class can be scheduled any weekday morning or early afternoon for groups of four or more. Call Explore to find out how to start a Mini-Picasso class just for you!
Explore Art I (ages 5-7): Young artists are taught to create a work of art in a step-by-step manner using our Monart method, from a basic outline to a finished masterpiece. Basic elements of shape are introduced with warm-up exercises in this structured course developed to not only be fun but to encourage fine motor skills and self-esteem. We draw things that interest both children and their parents - from animals of all sizes and favorite storybook characters to trucks and famous cartoon characters. Along the way, they'll be introduced to famous artists too! Children are shown how to render outlines in a quiet, gentle, non-judgmental way, which leads them to produce wonderful, representational pictures that are typically considerably beyond developmental level.
Explore Art II (ages 7-8): For the budding artist who not only enjoys drawing but is also willing to take direction and ready to learn advanced techniques. We teach light and shade, color theory, perspective, as well as facial and body proportions, and help the students to become more comfortable working independently. There is more focus on studying the great masters of art and finding each child's own creative style.
- Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30
- Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:30
- Sundays, 3:15 - 4:15
Explore Art III (ages 9 and up): This class is geared toward the student who is ready for a challenge and is willing to tackle elements of art that require a serious, focused effort. Beginners will enjoy a structured and helpful atmosphere while completing a new project every week, and more confident artists have the opportunity to embark upon independent projects.
Home School Art (ages 6 and up): see complete listing here
Sci-Fi & Cartooning (Ages 9 and up): For those ready to take their art to the next level comes a class from a galaxy far, far away. Our instructor will lead the class in both group lessons and guide them in their individual comic creations. This class can be scheduled on weekends for groups of four or more. Call Explore to find out how to start a Super Sci-Fi class just for you!
Cornelius Classes
Classes began the week of August 25th,
but you can enroll anytime.
Call 1-866-545-5927 today to register!
Explore Art (ages 6-8): Young artists are taught to create a work of art in a step-by-step manner, from a basic outline to a finished masterpiece. We draw things that interest both children and their parents - from animals of all sizes and favorite storybook characters to trucks and famous cartoon characters. Along the way, they'll be introduced to famous artists too! Children are shown how to render outlines in a quiet, gentle, non-judgmental way, which leads them to produce wonderful, representational pictures that are typically considerably beyond developmental level.
- Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30
- Saturdays, 10:30 - 11:30
Explore Art II (ages 9 and up): For the budding artist who not only enjoys drawing but is also willing to take direction and ready to learn advanced techniques. We teach light and shade, color theory, perspective, as well as facial and body proportions, and help the students to become more comfortable working independently. There is more focus on studying the great masters of art and finding each child's own creative style.
Art for Tweeners (ages 9-12): To find out more about this class, contact Charlotte Art Director Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com.
Art for Teens (ages 12 and up): To find out more about this class, contact Charlotte Art Director Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com.
Home School Art & Clubs (ages vary): see complete listing here
Matthews Classes
Classes began the week of August 25th,
but you can enroll anytime.
Call 1-866-545-5927 today to register!
Explore Art I (ages 6-8): Young artists are taught to create a work of art in a step-by-step manner, from a basic outline to a finished masterpiece. We draw things that interest both children and their parents - from animals of all sizes and favorite storybook characters to trucks and famous cartoon characters. Along the way, they'll be introduced to famous artists too! Children are shown how to render outlines in a quiet, gentle, non-judgmental way, which leads them to produce wonderful, representational pictures that are typically considerably beyond developmental level.
- Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30
- Saturdays, 10:15 - 11:15
- Saturdays, 11:30 - 12:30
Explore Art II (ages 7 - 9): For the budding artist who not only enjoys drawing but is also willing to take direction and ready to learn advanced techniques. We teach light and shade, color theory, perspective, as well as facial and body proportions, and help the students to become more comfortable working independently. There is more focus on studying the great masters of art and finding each child's own creative style.
Explore Art III (ages 9-12): This class is geared toward the student who is ready for a challenge and is willing to tackle elements of art that require a serious, focused effort. Beginners will enjoy a structured and helpful atmosphere while completing a new project every week, and more confident artists have the opportunity to embark upon independent projects.
Explore Art - Drawing & Painting (ages vary): Explore Instructor Mataya leads these fine art classes for children and adults alike. Each class begins with a guided drawing lesson, that each student completes with watercolor based media. As they become more familiar with painting on paper, they develop their skills as artists and eventually work with acrylics and canvas. Subjects vary, but the lessons often reflect a love of nature and animals. Imagination is your only limit! (Parents are encouraged to join along with their children if they are interested.)
- Ages 9-12: Saturdays, 12:45 - 2:15
Home School Art (ages 9 and up): see complete listing here
Painting (ages 9 and up): Dabble in this cherished medium as we explore the textures and beauty of paint. From the soft scenes of watercolor to bright abstracts in acrylic, students will learn how to manipulate color, combine layers, and use the paintbrush to express their innermost creativity. This course is best suited for those with some previous art experience.
Anime (Ages 9 and up): Learn to draw anime and manga with an award winning anime artist. Students will be given the chance to lean how to draw anime style characters. Topics will include basic anatomy of both the face and body, color theory screen tones perspective and more. Lessons will all come with worksheet packets available both online and off for students who miss a class and optional interactive forum to have students post and critique each others work.
Cartooning & Anime (ages 9 and up): If your child always has their head in a comic, or spends time signing their name to every sketch they make, this is the class for them! Young artists who love to draw superheroes and heroines learn everything from story conception to creating a rough storyboard to detailed inking. While reviewing styles ranging from the more well-known publishers, such as Marvel and DC Comics and age-appropriate Japanese Manga, students are encouraged to pursue their own vision and find their own voice while learning the art and craft of this popular medium. Artists should have confidence in their drawing skills, although exceptional talent is not required in order to enjoy this course and learn a great deal.
Cary Park Classes
Classes began September 15th,
but you can enroll anytime!
Call 1-866-545-5927 today to register!
For directions to Cary Park,
click here for an interactive map.
Explore Art I (ages 5-9): Young artists are taught to create a work of art in a step-by-step manner, from a basic outline to a finished masterpiece. We draw things that interest both children and their parents - from animals of all sizes and favorite storybook characters to trucks and famous cartoon characters. Along the way, they'll be introduced to famous artists too! Children are shown how to render outlines in a quiet, gentle, non-judgmental way, which leads them to produce wonderful, representational pictures that are typically considerably beyond developmental level.
Cannon Classes
Classes began September 4th,
but you can enroll anytime.
Call 1-866-545-5927 today to register!
Starting Art (PreK - K): Your child is never too young to develop their creativity! Children learn our step-by-step Monart method, which teaches them how to transform simple shapes into great art. Emphasis is placed on refining the student's motor skills, encouraging their independence, and improving their ability to take instruction, make marks and apply color.
Advancing Art (Ages 6 and up): Young artists are taught to create a work of art in a step-by-step manner, from a basic outline to a finished masterpiece. We draw things that interest both children and their parents - from animals of all sizes and favorite storybook characters to trucks and famous cartoon characters. Along the way, they'll be introduced to famous artists too! Children are shown how to render outlines in a quiet, gentle, non-judgmental way, which leads them to produce wonderful, representational pictures that are typically considerably beyond developmental level.
Charlotte Country Day Classes
Classes began September 24th.
For registration info: contact Charlotte Art Director Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com.
Afterschool Art (Grades 1 - 4): To find out more about this class, contact Charlotte Art Director Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com.
Meadowmont Classes
The new semester begins in January.
Email Kat Benson at kbenson@explorebeyondschool.com
to find out more !
For directions to Meadowmont clubhouse in Chapel Hill,
click here for an interactive map.
Explore Art I & II (Ages 5 - 10): Young artists are taught by Raleigh Art Director Kat Benson to create a work of art in a step-by-step manner, from a basic outline to a finished masterpiece. We draw things that interest both children and their parents - from animals of all sizes and favorite storybook characters to trucks and famous cartoon characters. Along the way, they'll be introduced to famous artists too! Children are shown how to render outlines in a quiet, gentle, non-judgmental way, which leads them to produce wonderful, representational pictures that are typically considerably beyond developmental level.
Dolls Galore Club (Ages 6 and up): If your daughter loves her doll, then imagine how proud of herself she'll be after she sews a dress for her by hand! Raleigh Art Director Kat Benson will lead your girls and together they'll explore the stories of popular historic American dolls with period themed crafts that include making a keepsake box, photo frame, dreamcatcher, jewelry, and other fun activities. Girls will get an introduction to sewing by hand as we create a sachet, pincushion, doll sized sundress, quilt, and more. Don't forget to bring your doll each week to share in the fun of tea parties, show and tell, and fashion shows!
Peninsula Classes
Classes began September 9th,
but you can enroll anytime.
For registration info: contact Charlotte Art Director Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com.
My Little Artist (Ages 4 1/2 - 6): To find out more about this class, contact Charlotte Art Director Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com.
Artist In Training (Ages 7 - 9): To find out more about this class, contact Charlotte Art Director Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com.
Advanced Artist (Ages 10 and up): To find out more about this class, contact Charlotte Art Director Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com.
Southern Wake Montessori Classes
Classes began the week of September 15th,
but you can enroll anytime.
Call 1-866-545-5927 today to register!
For directions to Southern Wake Montessori in Holly Springs,
click here for an interactive map.
Explore Art II (ages 7 and up):
For the budding artist who not only enjoys drawing but is also willing to take direction and ready to learn advanced techniques. We teach light and shade, color theory, perspective, as well as facial and body proportions, and help the students to become more comfortable working independently. There is more focus on studying the great masters of art and finding each child’s own creative style.
- Thursdays, from 3:45 to 4:45
Union Academy
Class began September 17th.
For registration info: contact Charlotte Art Director Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com.
Welcome to Webkinzville (ages vary):
Join us for a wonderful time in Webkinz-ville! Each student designs and makes a Webkinz house, makes unique Webkinz accessories and clothing, draws their favorite Webkinz, and simply has a blast with fun hands-on activities.
- Wednesdays, from 3:30 - 4:30
Woodland Heights
Class began the week of September 22nd,
but you can enroll anytime.
Call 1-866-545-5927 today to register!
Doll Fashion Design (grades K - 2nd):
Bring your favorite doll for this fun fashion design class! Students will sew pincushions and design and make clothes and jewelry. They will create journals and accessories for themselves and their dolls. Girls will have a photo opportunity with their dolls and put their photos in homemade frames to take home!
- Mondays, from 2:30 - 3:30
Pirates Ahoy! (grades K - 2nd):
Argh! Jump aboard me maties, and raise the Jolly Roger! Young pirateers learn fun things like how to read and draw maps, create a shoulder parrot of their very own, fill and hide treasure chests, and even paint a portrait of themselves as pirates! Come armed with your best bandanna and eye-patch for lots of role-play, face painting and crafts that even Captain Jack Sparrow would love. Legends of notorious pirates, many of whom came ashore in North Carolina, are told, inspiring your own secret pirate journal of your adventures on the rough and rugged seas.
- Tuesdays, from 2:30 - 3:30
Explore Art III (grades 3rd - 5th):
For the budding artist who not only enjoys drawing but is also willing to take direction and ready to learn advanced techniques. We teach light and shade, color theory, perspective, as well as facial and body proportions, and help the students to become more comfortable working independently. There is more focus on studying the great masters of art and finding each child's own creative style.
- Thursdays, from 2:30 - 3:30
Don't see a location near you?
Then explore adding our art and enrichment classes in our outbound programs
to your local clubhouse, church, or child's school.
For more information:
In the Charlotte area: Contact Donna Geraci at dgeraci@explorebeyondschool.com
In the Raleigh area: Contact Kat Benson at kbenson@explorebeyondschool.com