The Eric Carle Museum is committed to providing the community with quality programming in the arts. Our small classes, taught by professional instructors, are designed to encourage making, appreciating, and thinking about art. These programs foster imagination and encourage exploration of personal connections with materials, ideas and the Museum’s exhibitions.

The decision to run each class must be made well in advance of the first class. We encourage you to register early in order for us to accurately gauge interest in the class and to reserve a place for you or your young artist.

“Our daughter enjoys and looks forward to class. The materials, textures, process and ideas are high quality and inspirational. The individual attention according to each child’s needs is appreciated and the biggest reason we keep coming back.” – Mom of a 5 year old

“The kids very much enjoyed their class and our son has continued his artistic endeavors at home.” - Dad of a 7 and 5 year old.

In The Reading Library
Music Together for Valley Families
January 12 - March 15, 2012
Thursdays, January 12 - March 15, 2012
9:30 - 10:15 am
$160 (2nd child $120, Siblings under 8 months free) plus Non-refundable
Registration Fee - New Families $15, Returning Families $10
Price includes 10 classes plus materials

Ages Infant - 5 years with an adult
Music and movement for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and the grownups who love them. This research-based, internationally-recognized curriculum is designed to nurture musical growth in a relaxed, playful setting.
Instructor: Debbie Weyl

Space is limited; registration is required. To register contact Music Together for Valley Families at (413) 259–9400 or www.valleymusicgroup.com.

Join us for a Free Sample Class – Thursday, December 1, 9:30 am in the Reading Library

In The Reading Library
It's Baby Signing Time!
March 7 - April 11, 2012
Wednesdays, March 7 – April 11
9:30 – 10:15 am
First child $140, Second child $70

6 Months – 4 years with caregiver
Using many of Eric Carle’s books, learn to introduce American Sign Language vocabulary to your child. Through movement, music and storytelling we’ll explore signs for everyday objects, family routines, and more. A fun-filled class designed to support playing and communication with young children.

Instructor: Leslie Lewis, Certified Signing Instructor
Registration is required; contact Sign Loud and Clear www.signloudandclear.webs.com/classesandworkshops.htm.

In The Art Studio
Adventures in Painting and Collage
March 10 - March 24, 2012
Saturdays, March 10, 17, 24
9:30 – 11:00 am
$55 (Members $45)

Ages 5 – 7
Explore fun ways to use watercolor, tempera paint, and tissue to create collages. Guided by our imagination and inspirations we'll experiment with surfaces such as paper, canvas and board.
Instructor: Meghan Burch
(Class size 4-10)

In The Art Studio
Pages of Possibilities: Introduction to Bookbinding
March 25 - April 15, 2012
Sundays, March 25, April 1, 15
2:30 - 4:30 pm
$70 (Members $60)

Ages 8 – 12
In this multi-sensory class designed for young artists, students will learn that bookmaking holds a world of possibilities. We’ll create two artist book structures each week and adapt each book to suit students’ individual drawings, stories and ideas.
Instructor: Diana MacKenzie
(4-8 students)

Professional Development Workshop
Critiquing the Art and Text of the Picture Book
April 27, 2012
3:30 - 5:30 pm
$50 (Members $45)
Ages 18 and up
Workshop with renowned children's librarian, book review editor, and scholar, Betsy Hearne
Small reception to follow.
Instructor: Betsy Hearne
(Class size 8 - 12)