The idea behind YAWS is to encourage a diverse group of children to partake in free or low-cost visual art classes where they can explore their creativity in a safe, supportive environment. As educators have reported for years, art is a fundamental part of a childʼs education. Art draws out an unquantifiable appreciation for beauty and humanity. At YAWS, children are guided skillfully as they use their imaginations, participate in a workshop setting, and begin to think critically about their own work. 

More important than supplying proud parents with priceless keepsakes, the artistic endeavors of early childhood are essential to key brain development. Children from all parts of the world, from households of both humble and privileged, share the urge to create. Interestingly, their creative development is strikingly similar, regardless of their background and culture. During the preschool years, most children freely regard themselves as “artists.” Art has not yet become a specialized activity reserved for those who are considered “talented.”  Every child can make art and every child can benefit from doing so. Unfortunately, a lack of information, materials, and proper encouragement prevents many children from experiencing the wonder of discovery through art making. 

For the last decade, YAWS has served the community by creating an art center dedicated to providing children, ages two to sixteen, with free and low-cost visual art classes. Children who attend YAWS programs develop knowledge of various fine art techniques, acquire an appreciation of art from many cultures, and share their artwork by participating in public exhibitions. As educators have reported for years, art is a fundamental part of a childʼs education. Art draws out an unquantifiable appreciation for beauty and humanity. At YAWS, children are guided to discover in themselves their unique artistic ideas, participate in a workshop setting to develop skills, and begin to think critically about their artwork. 

It is central to the YAWS philosophy that every person is an artist with his or her own important artistic style and vision. To encourage a diverse group of children to discover in themselves their unique artistic voice, YAWS offers four types of free or low-cost art classes. These classes are Art for Tots, Art for Threes and Fours, Fine Art for Kids, and Young Artists Studio.