Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – the STEM subjects to help get our kids ready for the future.  Transform STEM into STEAM

With the emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – the STEM subjects to help get our kids ready for the future, there is now a new component worth exploring. Art + Design are poised to be the next evolution of enrichment activities.  We need to add Art + Design to the equation — to transform STEM into STEAM.  We’ve picked the best art classes to expand their minds and help them explore their creative side.   

Creative Hands Art Studio offers classes for kids, teens, and adults, as well as parent-and-child, private, and holiday workshops. No art experience is needed; they cater to all levels of students.  The studio atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and inviting, with the feel of an authentic artist's workshop. It’s been designed to be a place where students can feel comfortable and inspired and can allow their creativity to soar.  For over a decade, Creative Hands has provided professional instruction in drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics (hand building & pottery wheel) exploring both classical and contemporary styles and techniques, to students from the ages of 3 ½ to adults.  14 Kings Rd., Madison; www.creativehandsartstudio.com

The Paint Zone Kids Art Club is the perfect place for children to explore their creativity and artistic talent, allowing them to develop the passion for art.  They offer unique art program with an Art Certified Teacher for kids 5-14 years old. Curriculum is varied to include teaching techniques of using different mediums, students learn still-life, the figure, landscape, portraiture, cartooning, animation, fashion illustration and more. This high quality program helps your child to "see" things in a new way through art.  8 Franklin Pl, Rutherford; www.paintzonestudio.com

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey offers young artists ages 4-18 the chance to have fun and learn as they express their artistic side in approximately 70 studio art classes and workshops offered each semester. Kids and teens may choose from a variety of offerings geared to their interests and abilities to enhance their skills, broaden their artistic horizons and provide insight into a variety of subjects and media. Classes and workshops include: drawing and painting techniques, ceramics, fashion illustration, jewelry making, comic book art, and much more.  68 Elm Street, Summit; www.artcenternj.org

Learn the art of another language.  The GainVille programs provide the foundation and preparation that young mindsets need to compete in today's global landscape; fulfill specific objectives for individuals who are seeking to build a skill set or enhance knowledge to meet target personal goals; and executive travelers and project teams need to successfully complete assignments or conduct operations. Choose between Immersion for 2-5 year olds or Language Cultural Workshops for 6-9 and 10-13 year olds. By enhancing their vocabulary and using cultural tools they are able to build language proficiency in an authentic and meaningful way.  17 Ames Avenue, Rutherford; GainVilleUSA.com

There was a time when doing aerial stunts, juggling and riding a unicycle meant that you had run off and joined the traveling circus.  Now you can head to the Circus Place, a circus school that has been training kids and adults alike in the circus arts for the past five years.   They provide a professional facility and staff to enable the recreational student to discover new skills, encourage the serious student to explore their potential, and empower the professional artist to develop their craft at the highest level possible. 6 Jill Court, Hillsborough; http://www.thecircusplace.com