By Wendy Sledd
Special to the Leader-Press
Central Texas College’s College for Kids program is fostering creativity and emotional well-being through its Art Expressions class, where students explore the therapeutic power of art using a variety of materials including paints, watercolors, colored pencils, drawing pencils, and more.
Designed for students in elementary and middle grades, the class not only introduces foundational art techniques but also offers young learners a healthy outlet for emotional expression. Under the guidance of instructor Vickie Valladares, children are encouraged to turn their "big feelings" into beautiful works of art.
“I teach kids to take all of the big feelings that they have and turn them into art,” Valladares said. “They learn some really great art techniques, some coping mechanisms on how to deal with their emotions, and they are just going to have fun.”
Whether it’s the soothing flow of watercolor or the bold expression of colored pencils, each medium offers students a different way to process and release emotions. Art-making can reduce stress, build confidence, and improve focus, all while nurturing creativity and self-expression.
Young student Jonathan Sias shares what he likes about the class in simple terms.
“I like to do art because you get to do many fun things,” Sias said.
The Art Expressions class is part of CTC’s larger effort to provide enriching summer learning experiences through College for Kids, a series of hands-on, age-appropriate courses that keep children engaged and inspired while school is out during the summer months.
For more information about College for Kids classes or to register, visit www.ctcd.edu/collegeforkids.
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