Author Archives: artsescape

Splatterday Saturday Sensory Painting: August 27

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Join us for “Splatterday” Saturday, a sensory painting experience. Your child gets to BE the painting as they throw, fling, stomp and squish paint in our portable splat room. Kids ages 2+ up will wear a set of studio supplied goggles and a shower cap. Please dress them in clothes that can get messy and bring clothes to change into. Cost includes studio fee and supply fee. Each child will bring home their own canvas painting, ready for framing!

Splatterbox times slots are as follows:

Each session includes 15 minutes of messy plaint play in the Splatterbpox plus + 45 minutes center play. Price includes all supplies and a take home canvas.

  • 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. – use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 11:00 – 11:15 a.m.  –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 11:30 – 11: 45 a.m. –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 12:00 – 12:15 p.m. –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)

After your session, you and your child are welcome to stay and play in our creative art centers (kindness rock painting, chalkboard mural, ooey gooey oobleck, crazy collage, billions of bubbles zone).

COVID Policy: All attendees age 5+ up must show proof of vaccination. Masks are optional. 

QUESTIONS: Call or email: info@artsescape.org (203) 586-1474

FAQ’s:

How many go into the splatter room at once? The room is big enough for 4 kids at once.

How long should we expect to be there in total? Generally families stay for about an hour from the time they get there, go in the splatter box, clean up and paint/draw/color and do other activities.

How long are they in the splatter room for? We book times in 15 minute time slots. Your child will get 15 minutes in the splatter room painting on their canvas with their hands, feet, paintbrushes- whatever! They will then get to clean up and participate in other activities after they’re done in the splatter room. Creative art centers  include kindness rock painting, chalkboard mural, ooey gooey oobleck, crazy collage, billions of bubbles zone. Plan on 1 – 1.5 hours total, depending on your chid’s attention span! 

What age is this for? Ages 2+ up.

What type of paint do you use? Acrylic washable paints by RAS, Crayola and Prang.

What else is there to do? Creative art centers include kindness rock painting, chalkboard mural, ooey gooey oobleck, crazy collage, billions of bubbles zone.

Do parents go in the room with the kids? Toddlers, yes. Preschoolers and up, no. The front of the room is open so parents can sit outside of the splatter room to help their kids and and also take those Insta-worthy photos!

About the Instructor, Wendy Mitchell:

Wendy is an award-winning educator with more than 25 years of experience teaching children and teens. She received her B.S. from Post University in Child Studies and is Head Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education through the state of CT. Her love of kids is apparent in the energy and excitement she brings to each of her classes, workshops, and events. Wendy believes in building a child’s self-esteem through nurturing and engaging lessons and activities that helps children and teens grow into strong, self-confident individuals. Wendy is the founding Executive Director of The SHACK (Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids), a nonprofit she created in the aftermath of the tragedy of 12/14 in her hometown of Sandy Hook. Since its closing in 2014, Wendy has created fundraisers for Sandy Hook charities including Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs, Dylan’s Wings of Change, Sandy Hook Promise and more.

Wendy teaches children’s art and musical theater classes with her 22-year-old daughter Ruby Mitchell. Ruby is a rising senior at WCSU, on the Dean’s List, in the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work and has five years of experience teaching children ages infant through teen through daycares, theater camps, and volunteer work. She dedicated four summers during high school to volunteer with the Appalachia Service Project to help make low income families’ homes safer, warmer, and drier.

Splatterday Saturday Sensory Painting: July 30

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Join us for “Splatterday” Saturday, a sensory painting experience. Your child gets to BE the painting as they throw, fling, stomp and squish paint in our portable splat room. Kids ages 2+ up will wear a set of studio supplied goggles and a shower cap. Please dress them in clothes that can get messy and bring clothes to change into. Cost includes studio fee and supply fee. Each child will bring home their own canvas painting, ready for framing!

Splatterbox times slots are as follows:

Each session includes 15 minutes of messy plaint play in the Splatterbpox plus + 45 minutes center play. Price includes all supplies and a take home canvas.

  • 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. – use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 11:00 – 11:15 a.m.  –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 11:30 – 11: 45 a.m. –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 12:00 – 12:15 p.m. –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)

After your session, you and your child are welcome to stay and play in our creative art centers (kindness rock painting, chalkboard mural, ooey gooey oobleck, crazy collage, billions of bubbles zone).

COVID Policy: All attendees age 5+ up must show proof of vaccination. Masks are optional. 

QUESTIONS: Call or email: info@artsescape.org (203) 586-1474

FAQ’s:

How many go into the splatter room at once? The room is big enough for 4 kids at once.

How long should we expect to be there in total? Generally families stay for about an hour from the time they get there, go in the splatter box, clean up and paint/draw/color and do other activities.

How long are they in the splatter room for? We book times in 15 minute time slots. Your child will get 15 minutes in the splatter room painting on their canvas with their hands, feet, paintbrushes- whatever! They will then get to clean up and participate in other activities after they’re done in the splatter room. Creative art centers  include kindness rock painting, chalkboard mural, ooey gooey oobleck, crazy collage, billions of bubbles zone. Plan on 1 – 1.5 hours total, depending on your chid’s attention span! 

What age is this for? Ages 2+ up.

What type of paint do you use? Acrylic washable paints by RAS, Crayola and Prang.

What else is there to do? Creative art centers include kindness rock painting, chalkboard mural, ooey gooey oobleck, crazy collage, billions of bubbles zone.

Do parents go in the room with the kids? Toddlers, yes. Preschoolers and up, no. The front of the room is open so parents can sit outside of the splatter room to help their kids and and also take those Insta-worthy photos!

About the Instructor, Wendy Mitchell:

Wendy is an award-winning educator with more than 25 years of experience teaching children and teens. She received her B.S. from Post University in Child Studies and is Head Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education through the state of CT. Her love of kids is apparent in the energy and excitement she brings to each of her classes, workshops, and events. Wendy believes in building a child’s self-esteem through nurturing and engaging lessons and activities that helps children and teens grow into strong, self-confident individuals. Wendy is the founding Executive Director of The SHACK (Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids), a nonprofit she created in the aftermath of the tragedy of 12/14 in her hometown of Sandy Hook. Since its closing in 2014, Wendy has created fundraisers for Sandy Hook charities including Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs, Dylan’s Wings of Change, Sandy Hook Promise and more.

Wendy teaches children’s art and musical theater classes with her 22-year-old daughter Ruby Mitchell. Ruby is a rising senior at WCSU, on the Dean’s List, in the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work and has five years of experience teaching children ages infant through teen through daycares, theater camps, and volunteer work. She dedicated four summers during high school to volunteer with the Appalachia Service Project to help make low income families’ homes safer, warmer, and drier.

Splatterday Saturday Sensory Painting: June 25

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Join us for “Splatterday” Saturday, a sensory painting experience. Your child gets to BE the painting as they throw, fling, stomp and squish paint in our portable splat room. Kids ages 2+ up will wear a set of studio supplied goggles and a shower cap. Please dress them in clothes that can get messy and bring clothes to change into. Cost includes studio fee and supply fee. Each child will bring home their own canvas painting, ready for framing!

Splatterbox times slots are as follows:

Each session includes 15 minutes of messy plaint play in the Splatterbpox plus + 45 minutes center play. Price includes all supplies and a take home canvas.

  • 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. – use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 11:00 – 11:15 a.m.  –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 11:30 – 11: 45 a.m. –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)
  • 12:00 – 12:15 p.m. –  use the dropdown menu when registering (only 4 per times slot)

After your session, you and your child are welcome to stay and play in our creative art centers (kindness rock painting, chalkboard mural, ooey gooey oobleck, crazy collage, billions of bubbles zone).

COVID Policy: All attendees age 5+ up must show proof of vaccination. Masks are optional. 

QUESTIONS: Call or email: info@artsescape.org (203) 586-1474

FAQ’s:

How many go into the splatter room at once? The room is big enough for 4 kids at once.

How long should we expect to be there in total? Generally families stay for about an hour from the time they get there, go in the splatter box, clean up and paint/draw/color and do other activities.

How long are they in the splatter room for? We book times in 15 minute time slots. Your child will get 15 minutes in the splatter room painting on their canvas with their hands, feet, paintbrushes- whatever! They will then get to clean up and participate in other activities after they’re done in the splatter room. Creative art centers  include kindness rock painting, chalkboard mural, ooey gooey oobleck, crazy collage, billions of bubbles zone. Plan on 1 – 1.5 hours total, depending on your chid’s attention span! 

What age is this for? Ages 2+ up.

What type of paint do you use? Acrylic washable paints by RAS, Crayola and Prang.

What else is there to do? Creative art centers include kindness rock painting, chalkboard mural, ooey gooey oobleck, crazy collage, billions of bubbles zone.

Do parents go in the room with the kids? Toddlers, yes. Preschoolers and up, no. The front of the room is open so parents can sit outside of the splatter room to help their kids and and also take those Insta-worthy photos!

About the Instructor, Wendy Mitchell:

Wendy is an award-winning educator with more than 25 years of experience teaching children and teens. She received her B.S. from Post University in Child Studies and is Head Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education through the state of CT. Her love of kids is apparent in the energy and excitement she brings to each of her classes, workshops, and events. Wendy believes in building a child’s self-esteem through nurturing and engaging lessons and activities that helps children and teens grow into strong, self-confident individuals. Wendy is the founding Executive Director of The SHACK (Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids), a nonprofit she created in the aftermath of the tragedy of 12/14 in her hometown of Sandy Hook. Since its closing in 2014, Wendy has created fundraisers for Sandy Hook charities including Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs, Dylan’s Wings of Change, Sandy Hook Promise and more.

Wendy teaches children’s art and musical theater classes with her 22-year-old daughter Ruby Mitchell. Ruby is a rising senior at WCSU, on the Dean’s List, in the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work and has five years of experience teaching children ages infant through teen through daycares, theater camps, and volunteer work. She dedicated four summers during high school to volunteer with the Appalachia Service Project to help make low income families’ homes safer, warmer, and drier.

Glow in the Dark Jungle King Musical Theater: Aug. 15 – 19

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Roar, growl, laugh and stomp through the glow in the dark neon jungle at Arts Escape’s summer theater workshop! Students will enjoy a beautiful nature and arts-based experience and are encouraged to explore while teachers build self-esteem and talent in an engaging way. Students will learn vocal and acting techniques, learn choreography and participate in an interactive theater class that includes games, set design and themed crafts as well! Older students serve as mentor to younger ones which creates a team-focused community and gives teens and tweens a sense of pride. Musical Theater is taught by Executive Director Wendy Mitchell, B.S. Child Development, Head Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education. All classes include supplies, a nut-free snack, a take-home project, and a special event/performance on the last day that parents are invited to attend. All students must show proof of vaccination to attend. 

Affordable rate: $275*/week includes snacks and supplies. Costumes can be borrowed or purchased. Call for details. This week is a higher fee than the July weeks because it includes a $25 supply fee for neon crafts and includes glow sticks for the final performance that kids will get to take home.

  • August 15-19:  Grades 3rd – 10th, Musical Theater “Glow in the Dark King of the Jungle”
    • Monday – Thursday, 9:30 – 12:30
    • Friday 5-7 p.m., Glow-in-the-dark picnic performance at 6 p.m.
  • Please note: This is a 4-day theater class, Monday-Thursday, with the performance on the 5th day at 6 p.m. on Friday evening (kids get dropped off in costume at 5 p.m.).

2 tickets for parents are included in the theater class registration price. Additional tickets for family, friends and grandparents can be purchased. More ticket information will be provided via email upon registration. The final production is a benefit show for Arts Escape, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 

About the Instructor, Wendy Mitchell:

Wendy holds her B.S. from Post University in Child Studies and is Head Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education through the state of CT. Her love of kids is apparent in the energy and excitement she brings to each of her classes, workshops, and events. Wendy believes that whatever we send out into the world through our collective energy, thoughts, emotions, words and most importantly- ACTIONS, will manifest into something good for all those who surround us. Wendy teaches musical theater class with her 22-year-old daughter Ruby as her assistant and choreographer. Ruby is a rising senior at WCSU, in the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work and has five years of experience teaching children ages infant through teen through daycares, theater camps, and volunteer work.

Mermaid & Mermen Under the Sea Musical Theater: July 18 – 22

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Take a journey under the spellbound sea into a land of enchantment at Arts Escape’s summer theater workshop! Students will enjoy a beautiful nature and arts-based experience and are encouraged to explore while teachers build self-esteem and talent in an engaging way. Students will learn vocal and acting techniques, learn choreography and participate in an interactive theater class that includes games, set design and themed crafts as well! Older students serve as mentor to younger ones which creates a team-focused community and gives teens and tweens a sense of pride. Musical Theater is taught by Executive Director Wendy Mitchell, B.S. Child Development, Head Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education. All classes include supplies, a nut-free snack, a take-home project, and a special event/performance on the last day that parents are invited to attend. All students must show proof of vaccination to attend. 

  • July 18 – 22: Preschool – 5th Grade
    • Please note: This is a 4-day theater class, Monday-Thursday, with the performance on the 5th day at 6 p.m. on Friday evening (kids get dropped off in costume at 5 p.m.).
  • Musical Theater, “Under the Spellbound Sea”
    • Monday – Thursday, 9:30 – 12:30
    • Friday 5-7 p.m., picnic under the stars at 6 p.m.

Affordable rate: $250/week includes snacks and supplies. Costumes can be borrowed or purchased. Call for details.

2 tickets for parents are included in the theater class registration price. Additional tickets for family, friends and grandparents can be purchased. More ticket information will be provided via email upon registration. The final production is a benefit show for Arts Escape, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 

About the Instructor, Wendy Mitchell:

Wendy holds her B.S. from Post University in Child Studies and is Head Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education through the state of CT. Her love of kids is apparent in the energy and excitement she brings to each of her classes, workshops, and events. Wendy believes that whatever we send out into the world through our collective energy, thoughts, emotions, words and most importantly- ACTIONS, will manifest into something good for all those who surrounds us. Wendy teaches musical theater class with her 22-year-old daughter Ruby as her assistant and choreographer. Ruby is a rising senior at WCSU, in the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work and has five years of experience teaching children ages infant through teen through daycares, theater camps, and volunteer work.

Princess & Pirates Musical Theater: July 11 – 15

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Take a journey under the spellbound sea into a land of enchantment at Arts Escape’s summer theater workshop! Students will enjoy a beautiful nature and arts-based experience and are encouraged to explore while teachers build self-esteem and talent in an engaging way. Students will learn vocal and acting techniques, learn choreography and participate in an engaging and interactive theater class that includes games, set design and themed crafts as well! Older students serve as mentor to younger ones which creates a team-focused community and gives teens and tweens a sense of pride. Musical Theater is taught by Executive Director Wendy Mitchell, B.S. Child Development, Head Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education. All classes include supplies, a nut-free snack, a take-home project, and a special event/performance on the last day that parents are invited to attend. All students must show proof of vaccination to attend. 

Affordable rate: $250/week includes snacks and supplies. Costumes can be borrowed or purchased. Call for details.

July 11 – 15: Grades Pre-K – 5th
Musical Theater “Princess & Pirates of the Pacific”
Monday – Thursday, 9:30 – 12:30

  • Please note: This is a 4-day theater class, Monday-Thursday, with the performance on the 5th day at 6 p.m. on Friday evening (kids get dropped off in costume at 5 p.m.).

Friday 5-7 p.m., picnic under the stars performance at 6 p.m.

2 tickets for parents are included in the theater class registration price. Additional tickets for family, friends and grandparents can be purchased. More ticket information will be provided via email upon registration. The final production is a benefit show for Arts Escape, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 

About the Instructor, Wendy Mitchell:

Wendy holds her B.S. from Post University in Child Studies and is Head Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education through the state of CT. Her love of kids is apparent in the energy and excitement she brings to each of her classes, workshops, and events. Wendy believes that whatever we send out into the world through our collective energy, thoughts, emotions, words and most importantly- ACTIONS, will manifest into something good for all those who surrounds us. Wendy teaches musical theater class with her 22-year-old daughter Ruby as her assistant and choreographer. Ruby is a rising senior at WCSU, in the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work and has five years of experience teaching children ages infant through teen through daycares, theater camps, and volunteer work.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with J.T. Turner

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The Headless Horseman Rides Again! J.T. Turner portrays Washington Irving telling his most famous tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Taking on all the roles of this Halloween tale, Turner has adapted the piece to keep all ages entertained. It is story theater at its best! The award-winning actor and playwright, J.T. Turner, is sure to bring thrills and chills in this original & engaging one-man show.

About the Actor:

J.T. Turner is an award-winning actor who recently had a principal role in a major hit film, released in December 2021on Netflix! He worked on Don’t Look Up, in the role of “Old Billionaire” working alongside Meryl Streep and Mark Rylance. He is also in two HBO series: Julia, and The Gilded Age as well as working as a descriptive narrator for PBS on new episodes of Nova, and a return of Pinkalicious!

Turner also performs at the North Shore Music Theater, in his 11th year in A Christmas Carol as Mr. Fezzwig and Marley.  In addition, he also is also a certified teacher leading the Meditation and Mindful Movement (Tai Chi and Qigong).

Watercolor Workshop – Life’s Good On Our Boat

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This is a one-day workshop with award winning watercolor artist, May Phillips. The workshop is for all levels. Students can use a line drawing given by the instructor or do their own drawing. Simple techniques will be demonstrated along with individual instruction. All supplies are included.

COVID POLICY – Only fully vaccinated students will be permitted to attend classes. Physical proof of vaccination will be requested on the first day of class (one time only). Don’t forget to bring your vaccination card. *** Masks are optional.

The fee for the one-day workshop is $45 and the class is limited to 10 students.

May Phillips is an award-winning artist who works in multiple mediums. She is a member of the Watertown Art League. May has been an instructor for Arts Escape for over five years specializing in one-day workshops in watercolor and pen and ink renderings.

Watercolor Workshop – Breezy Beach

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This is a one-day workshop with award winning watercolor artist, May Phillips. The workshop is for all levels. Students can use a line drawing given by the instructor or do their own drawing. Simple techniques will be demonstrated along with individual instruction. All supplies are included.

COVID POLICY – Only fully vaccinated students will be permitted to attend classes. Physical proof of vaccination will be requested on the first day of class (one time only). Don’t forget to bring your vaccination card. *** Masks are optional.

The fee for the one-day workshop is $45 and the class is limited to 10 students.

May Phillips is an award-winning artist who works in multiple mediums. She is a member of the Watertown Art League. May has been an instructor for Arts Escape for over five years specializing in one-day workshops in watercolor and pen and ink renderings.

Abstract, Oils, Cold Wax & Collage – June

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Students will learn about the oil & cold wax experience from mixing to applying it, using unconventional tools to create different mark-making textures. Cold wax is buttery soft and when mixed with oil paint adds body, transparency and depth to the painting. Through a process of layering and manipulating different oil and cold wax layers, rich abstract paintings are created, filled with vibrant color and visual texture. In this workshop, you’ll create paintings on 140 lb. watercolor paper as well as one on a cradled panel which will be supplied by Arts Escape. Bring along your favorite lightweight collage papers to include in your paintings. This class is perfect for the beginner and exciting to the experienced artist. All classes begin with a demonstration of the process by the instructor.  

The fee for the one-day workshop is $185 which includes 1- 12X12 wooden panel, various watercolor papers, and all supplies needed to create your artwork. The workshop is limited to 12 students. Please bring a large sheet of cardboard or shirt boxes to be used to transport wet work home.

COVID POLICY – Only fully vaccinated students will be permitted to attend classes. Physical proof of vaccination will be requested on the first day of class. (One time only) Don’t forget to bring your vaccination card. Masks are optional per CT/CDC guidelines.

Diane Brown is an award-winning mixed media artist, specializing in Oil & Cold Wax. She exhibits in the New England area, Oregon and in NYC. She is an Elected Artist at the Mystic Museum of Art, an Artist Member of The Artist Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, a member of Maple and Main Gallery, the New Haven Paint & Clay Club, The Newport Museum of Art and the Art League of New Britain, South County Art Association, The Allied Artists of America, an Associate Member of the Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Center, Essex Art Association, The Salmagundi Club and Lyme Art Association. Diane has been commissioned by The Rose Project in Bethesda, Maryland as well as at Eastern Connecticut State University. She has produced commissions for individual residences in Georgia, Florida and Connecticut.

COVID POLICY – Only fully vaccinated students will be permitted to attend classes. Physical proof of vaccination will be requested on the first day of class or you may email a copy of your card prior to the class by sending it to: info@artsescape.org. Masks are optional.