Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Village of Valley Stream is bringing back its children’s arts programming this winter with the return of Art for Kids, a six-week class designed to introduce children to fundamental art skills while encouraging creativity and an appreciation for art history.
The program, now in its second year, reflects the village’s broader effort to expand arts offerings for residents of all ages following the continued success of its adult and senior art programs.
“It is so important to cultivate a love of the arts in our young people,” Mayor Ed Fare said. “We have worked very hard in Valley Stream to provide children with outlets for their creativity, and to tap the ‘inner artist’ in everyone. We encourage participation in all our recreation programs, no matter what anyone perceives as their ability level. There truly is something for everyone.”
Valley Stream resident Matt Khan teaches the Art for Kids program He has served as the instructor for the village’s adult art program for the past eight years. After years of strong participation from adults and seniors, village officials decided to widen the scope of arts programming to include children.
According to Khan, children’s art programs have existed in Valley Stream in various forms since the early 2010s, and prior offerings received positive responses from families. Challenges such as coordinating schedules and securing instructors, however, made it difficult to maintain consistent programming. Khan’s long-standing involvement with the village and his personal connection to the community helped make the program’s return possible.
Art for Kids is geared toward children ages 7 to 12 and focuses on teaching basic artistic techniques while also introducing students to well-known works of art and artists. The curriculum changes from year to year, allowing returning students to explore new techniques and periods in art history. During the upcoming winter session, the class will focus on studying one famous painting per lesson, encouraging children to understand both the historical background and the artistic process behind each work. This session will feature Johannes Vermeer’s “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” as a primary focus.
“The truth is, my wife, a few years ago, bought me a 12 pack of socks, and each pair was of famous paintings all throughout the world that most people know,” Khan said. “The Mona Lisa” was on there, “The Girl with the Pearl Earring”, “The Scream” by Munch, and so many other famous paintings. And that’s how I picked.”
Students will learn about the painting’s history and explore techniques inspired by the work, while creating their own interpretations rather than direct copies. Children are encouraged to personalize their projects through color choices and style decisions, helping them develop confidence in their creative instincts. The program also includes exposure to techniques such as pointillism, a method that has been particularly well-received by students in previous sessions.
Beyond technical instruction, the program emphasizes the importance of art history in a modern, technology-driven world. By learning how artists created works before the digital age, students gain an understanding of the time, planning and motor skills required to produce art by hand. This approach aims to foster an appreciation for classical artwork while reinforcing focus, patience and creativity.
The classroom environment is designed to be relaxed and judgment-free, welcoming children with a wide range of abilities and experience levels. The program emphasizes individual strengths rather than comparison, allowing students to progress at their own pace.
“It’s the concept of just seeing something that you created with your own hands,” Khan said. “And it’s like positive reinforcement when you see, wow, I’m kind of good at this, you’re going to want to continue to do it. And a lot of the artists that I’ve worked with, of all ages, they do pursue art to some extent outside of our classroom. That’s one of the most fulfilling things that I see.”
Alongside the Art for Kids class, the village is also offering a children’s jewelry-making program, another six-week workshop designed to engage young participants in hands-on creative work. The jewelry-making program focuses on skills such as beaded bracelet construction, hand-eye coordination and self-expression in a supportive environment. Participants can take home pieces they create themselves, reinforcing creativity and self-esteem. The jewelry program is taught by Oceania Khan.
Both programs are part of Valley Stream’s ongoing efforts to provide enriching, screen-free activities for children while strengthening community connections. Interest in the children’s programs has been fueled in part by word of mouth from participants in the adult and senior art classes, as well as outreach through village publications, flyers, social media and the village website.
The Art for Kids program runs for six weeks, beginning Jan. 21 through Feb. 25, with classes held on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sessions will take place in the Lake Room at the Valley Stream Community Center.
The class is open to village residents and non-residents. The cost is $90 per student, with an additional $15 materials fee that covers all supplies for the entire course and is due to the instructor on the first day of class. Registration is available in person at the Community Center or online at bit.ly/vsvny.
