To the delight of parents and their kids, the Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica is launching in-person art classes for the first time since the pandemic. The museum’s classes, slated to begin mid-October and run through mid-November, are created with the same educational and developmental foundations used in its experiential exhibits, programs and spaces.
We spoke with Programs Director Angela Reynolds about the upcoming program.
How did your team decide what to offer for your first in-person programming since the pandemic?
We are excited for the return of Cayton classes. This fall, we are offering four classes for children ages 10 months to 8 years of age. These classes are designed to provide critical developmental skills through immersive play experiences. After 18 months of restricted in-person socializing and learning, many children have not developed these skills that are learned by being in a school or playground environment.
How has the museum fared during the pandemic? What is an experience at the museum like for children and parents in these times?
Like all indoor museums in L.A. County, we were required to close our space throughout the pandemic. As a venue that caters to young children, who are among the most vulnerable, we have been particularly cautious about reopening. In August 2021, we reopened our doors to the general public. Since this reopening, we have adjusted our operations. Face coverings are now required for all visitors (ages 2+), we provide hand sanitation stations for visitors to use before they experience an exhibit and we no longer allow food or beverages in our space. Santa Monica Place has assisted by providing additional outdoor seating so families who need a quick bite can easily pop outside for lunch or a snack and then return to continue playing. Finally, we have increased the frequency of cleaning services and disinfecting all high-touch surfaces throughout the day.
Why is it important to focus on play during these challenging and uncertain times?
There are increased pressures on parents and children to maximize their learning time throughout the week. Often as parents, we assume this means that outside of school, children need to be engaged in competitive or academic activities. Play is at the core of developmental learning for children. It is through play that children learn the world around them.
Studies have shown that when children are allowed to engage in play, they develop problem-solving skills, practice emotional regulation and engage in reciprocal communication with their peers. These skills allow an increased efficiency in social and educational settings later in life. Designed to expand a child’s social, creative and cognitive abilities, Cayton classes provide critical-developmental skills through immersive and engaged play experiences.
After more than a year of low in-person socialization and learning, children need play now more than ever. Since reopening, we have noticed that parents are looking for ways to expand their child’s curiosity, engagement and collaboration through play. Our classes will foster this natural growth and development.
The classes offered include:
Art Crawl (Oct. 20-Nov. 10)
Ages 10-24 months
Wednesdays 10-11 a.m.
$100 for 4 classes or $35 a class
Art Crawl is an introduction to the sensory art experience. The Cayton Art Studio is transformed into a big blank canvas for babies and toddlers to express their inner artist. Babies and toddlers strip down to their diapers and crawl around in a free exploration of edible (non-toxic) paint, while creating a beautiful mess.
Cayton Sensations: Touch, Taste, Explore (Oct. 21 – Nov. 11)
Ages 10-24 months
Thursdays 10-11 a.m.
$100 for 4 classes or $35 a class
Participants use their natural curiosity to explore and create within an environment of fall-themed sensory experiences. Through interactions with edible paint, seasonal fall foods and objects, toddlers will develop their vocabulary, communication, observation and reasoning skills.
Budding Artists I (Oct. 20-Nov. 17)
Ages 3-4 years
Tuesdays 2-3 p.m.
$125 for 5 classes or $35 a class
This interactive and creative class allows children to develop their artistic talents through an exploration of different creative mediums and processes. Each week, participants will take home a new masterpiece of their own creation. Activities include process-based activities with clay, 3D sculptures, texture collages, paintings and more.
Budding Artists II (Oct. 21-Nov. 18)
Ages 5-8 years
Thursdays 3:30-4:30 p.m.
$125 for 4 classes or $35 a class
This hand-on and inspiring class allows children to practice their artistic abilities through an exploration of different creative mediums and processes. Each week, participants will take home a new masterpiece of their own creation. Activities include process-based activities with clay, 3D sculptures, texture collages, paintings and more.
Cayton Constructors: Makers & Thinkers (Oct. 15-Nov. 12)
Ages 5-8 years
Fridays 3:30-4:30 p.m.
$100 for 4 classes or $35 a class
Through this thought-provoking class, participants hone their skills of problem solving, creativity and exploration. While working in teams and using observational learning, children will build and experiment.
For more information, visit caytonmuseum.org.
