About
The art studio is dedicated to the education and enjoyment of art. Allowing both children and adults to explore their creative desires with guidance in a safe artistic environment. The studio has a particular interest in bringing art to young children. Creating art expands a child’s ability to interact with the world around them, and provides a new set of skills for self-expression and communication. It helps to develop the right side of the brain and cultivates important skills that benefit a child’s development. Through art, children can express themselves in a unique and uninhibited way, allowing a continued exploration of discovery and delight.
The purpose build studio space is located in Wicklow town and is a light, bright space with a beautiful, secure courtyard. It is an ideal space for the creative process to begin and be nurtured.
The art studio is the brainchild of artist Louise Cherry who lives and works in Wicklow town. Having grown up in Wicklow, Louise returned to her roots when moving to Wicklow town in 2006 after the birth of her first child. It has been through the continued exploration and enjoyment of creating art with her children that gave Louise the idea to use her skills to create art with children and set up the art studio.
Having become increasingly frustrated by the increase of commercial craft products, which neither challenge nor encourage individual creative thinking; Louise established the art studio. A dedicated space providing the artistic opportunity for children (and adults) where they can express their own ideas using good quality art materials under the guidance and tuition of an experienced art practitioner.
Testimonials
“Our 3 children have been attending art classes with Louise for the past academic year. All 3 love and consistently have great fun. We have found it to be a great alternative to their usual sporting extra curricular activities. They have learned lots and the quality of the artwork they produce is amazing. Many thanks Louise.”
Lynda and Conor Doherty. Parents of Lucy 8, Charlie 7 and Ruth 5.
“The art studio provides a great variety of artistic activities – from papier mache to painting, still life to self portraits. Louise teaches many painting and drawing techniques that I see the children putting into practice when they draw at home or in school. They thoroughly enjoy attending the classes in the gorgeous calm studio! “
Ciara Kavanagh, Mother of Aoife 8 and Conor 5.
“This is my son George’s second year in Louise’s class and he loves it. For myself as a former art student I really appreciate Louise’s approach to teaching the art class. There are no pre-bought craft projects just plenty of fun, experimentation, mess and encouragement for the kids. I’d highly recommend it!”
Sinéad Godden, Mother of George 6.
“My daughter has been going to classes with Louise for the last 6 months. She is usually quite nervous and can struggle in groups – but there has been no sign of that in Louise’s classes! It is the only after school activity she has stuck with and really looks forward to every week. I couldn’t recommend Louise and her classes highly enough. She has an incredible ability to engage and bond with the kids. It has been an absolutely wonderful and extremely positive experience for our daughter!”
Anita Boylan, Mother of Aisling 9.
Aisling really enjoys the art classes. I am very happy that I have found the right place for her to develop her hobby. Many thanks”
Lingling Martin, Mother of Aisling 5.
“My two kids have benefited greatly from taking part in the art classes with Louise. It’s boosted their creativity and helped their focus and concentration, which has had a very positive effect on schoolwork as well. And most importantly, they love doing it!!”
Lisa Gaynor, Mother of Maya 8 and Elliot 6.
“My daughter very much looks forward to Louise’s art classes. It is her favourite thing of the week. Her only complaint is that she wishes it was for longer…. A good complaint! I would highly recommend this class as a great creative medium for kids to enjoy and express themselves. Louise is patient and innovative, a great mixture!”
Julie Rushe, Mother of Annique 8.
“I am happy that my son Cyprian is taking art classes with the art studio because he can express himself through art and he can meet great people with the same passion”
Ewelina Nowickol, Mother of Cyprian 11.
Exhibitions
An important part of the artistic process is to show your work and at the art studio we encourage, support and help facilitate our students to have an exhibition at some stage of their time with us. Every student feels a wonderful sense of achievement when showing their own artwork and this is especially true with children and is great for building their confidence.
Join us at the Wicklow Arts Festival to view an exhibition of work created by current amazing ‘starter’ and ‘improver’ students from the art studio. All Welcome.
Outings
Each year the students at the art studio will have to opportunity to go on an organised artistic outing. This year the outing will be to the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) where a museum curator will give the students a tour of the gallery as well as a talk about various pieces of work.
Competitions
It’s about the participation not the winning!
The art studio would always encourage participation in local and national art competitions.
A popular competition is the Texaco Art competition held in February each year. This is a great opportunity for students to have their work viewed by a wider audience and gives students the experience of entering competitions. Entering competitions also gives students the confidence to show and discuss their work outside their usual comfort zones. The art studio will be preparing for the next Texaco competition in the Easter term.