Saturday Morning Discovery

Do you live in the San Antonio area? Are you looking for free and fun things to do with your children? Take a look at Saturday Morning Discovery by the Southwest School of Art.

My youngest daughter loves to draw, and she has taught herself so much over the last 1 1/2-2 years since her interest in drawing first began. Since I have no artistic ability whatsoever, as her mom, my job is to search out ways to encourage her interests and talents :)

While researching art-related things online this summer, I came across information about the Saturday Morning Discovery program. It's a free art experience program, and it's been ongoing for 40+ years in San Antonio. Students sign up to participate for 1 month--Saturday mornings, 9:30AM-11:30AM--Sept thru May. I signed Boo up for October classes.

Today was her first morning, and it was a beautiful, sunny mid-70s Fall morning in South Texas! Weather permitting, most of the stations are outside in a lovely courtyard shaded by oak trees. Students choose from origami, weaving, stained glass, silk screening, water colors, seasonal crafts, clay and pin-hole photography. Each week, students can try different stations. (Both clay and pin-hole photography are 2-week commitments with  access to studios and necessary equipment.)

Boo picked origami and weaving today, and she thoroughly enjoyed both activities. With origami, Boo learned Japanese origami, which fits right in with her love of all things Japan. (She really enjoys drawing in animae/manga style, and she's really, really good at it.) 

The instructor was wonderful with the kids, and he worked his way around the table giving step-by-step instructions to each student and encouraging each one along the way. 

After origami, Boo picked weaving. She was set up at a table top loom, given helpful step-by-step instructions, and she set to work weaving a cute belt--I was so impressed! Boo quickly picked up on how to work the loom, and she really enjoyed the entire process. 

She's looking forward to next Saturday, perhaps learning how to turn one of her drawings into a silk screening pattern to put on a t-shirt. 

After just one morning, I'm impressed with this program. I appreciate that it's free (donations accepted) and offers Boo the opportunity to try different art experiences with helpful and encouraging instructors. The Southwest School of Art offers community classes, and we may take a look at those in the near future.

It was a good new thing for daughter and mom today--two thumbs up! 

What about you--do you have any ideas or recommendations for free (or reasonably priced) kid-friendly activities? I would LOVE to hear about 'em!

--Laura