Kids are invited to come in from the cold and warm up indoors at City Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing, and enroll for winter classes and a youth workshop day on Feb. 6, 2010. Enrollment for the art classes began Monday.

Children between 5 and 7 can sign up with Ms. Debbie, who teaches "Wonderful Wintery Works," a class that helps them create winter art, from snow owl puppets to snowflake paintings and snowman sculptures. Kids 8 to 10 are eligible for "Carved Clay Creations," a workshop that teaches them to make clay sculptures, while 11-13-year-olds will focus on shrinking plastic and wrapping wire to create original pieces of jewelry in the "Artistic Accessories" class.

SPECIFIC WORKSHOPS
Few other art establishments have workshops specifically for kids without a long-term commitment, said center spokeswoman Kristin Richter. The classes give kids and families a chance to learn more about City Arts Center and experience creativity hands-on in a more in-depth, personal way.

"For one, it sure beats sitting at home and being bored," Richter said. "I think it really opens kids' eyes to what art is."

Although some metro schools focus on the importance of art, others barely touch on it, she said. The youth workshops help expand children's knowledge about art and allow them to actively take part in creating their own work.

Enrollment is open through Jan. 9, 2010. All workshops are $20 each.

"Paige Lawler