West Windsor Arts has launched two new tuition-free art and theater classes designed for neurodiverse students ages 8 to 15, expanding its Happy Hands Studio program beginning in January.
The new offerings — Theater Explorers and Color Creatives — are designed to provide a supportive and flexible environment where students can explore creativity at their own pace while building confidence, social connection and artistic skills.
Classes will be taught by a professional teaching artist with the support of a paraprofessional.
“Our goal is to create a welcoming, supportive and joyful space where every student feels safe to express themselves,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. “We want students to have the freedom to participate in ways that work best for them.”
Theater Explorers is a seven-session acting and improvisation class for students ages 8 to 13. The class will meet Tuesday afternoons from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., beginning Jan. 20.
Students will use movement, voice and imagination to bring stories to life through character creation, improv games and ensemble activities, with an emphasis on flexibility and choice.
“Students can expect a mix of high-energy theater games, guided monologue or scene practice, character exploration, and collaborative storytelling,” said teaching artist Jessica Benvenuti, who has more than 15 years of theater experience. “They’ll learn acting techniques, voice and movement skills, and improvisation.”
Color Creatives, a five-session painting and drawing class for students ages 12 to 15, will begin Jan. 24 and meet Saturdays at 10:15 a.m.
The one-hour sessions will focus on exploring color through hands-on projects, including learning the color wheel, experimenting with warm and cool palettes, and understanding how artists use color to communicate ideas.
“Both classes focus on positive experiences, self-expression and fun, not perfection,” Benvenuti said. “Even students who are hesitant often surprise themselves with how much they enjoy it, so I always encourage families to give it a try.”
The tuition-free classes are funded through a grant from the Capitol County Children’s Collaborative, which supports programs addressing unmet needs for children ages 8 to 15 with autism and developmental and behavioral needs in Mercer County.
“We know how transformative the arts can be for neurodiverse learners, and for everyone,” Green said.
Families interested in enrolling or learning more can email info@westwindsorarts.org.
West Windsor Arts offers art and cultural events, workshops and classes for all ages and disciplines at its art center and throughout the community. More information is available at westwindsorarts.org or by calling 609-716-1931.