Children in paint-splattered smocks sit around tall, black tables with their feet dangling and their eyes fixed on the project at hand. Each has their own bowl or cup to paint, and each a unique idea of what the piece should look like. This is just day one of the camps put on by Waco’s Practically Pikasso eclectic art studio.
“I think we offer a great artistic experience that’s affordable and economical,” said studio owner, Marie McClellan.
While the studio is known for its paint-your-own pottery, its day camps include instruction in a variety of mediums and techniques.
“Usually on the first day, we let the children have free expression,” McClellan said. “They get to choose from a plate, cup or bowl, and then they can choose an Animal Kracker for their second piece.”
For the other days of camp, McClellan likes to switch things up and give the kids a chance to create art in ways they never have before.
“We might teach bubble painting this year, which is where you blow bubbles onto a piece and create a neat marble effect,” she said. “We 
might also do spin art, which is where you place a plate on a clay wheel and pour the paint as the plate is spinning.”
In the past, campers have also had the chance to paint on canvas, create a tie dye T-shirt, and create a one-of-a-kind keepsake with glass fusion.
“A lot of times on glass fusion day we trace their hand and we fill the shape with glass,” she said. “Then they have a handprint suncatcher that shows how big their hand was that year.”
The artist and studio owner said parents appreciate the fact that Practically Pikasso’s camps help children create items that will last a lifetime.
“It’s an experience and something to collect in the way of memories,” McClellan said. “That’s what we do here—we create memories.”
Along with variety camps that offer a little bit of everything, the studio also hosts camps to teach children about cartooning, silk-screening, different clay techniques, and how to create their own fairy garden.
For more information, visit www.practicallypikassowaco.com or call the studio at (254) 217-8793.
“Our helpful staff is eager to fill them in on some of the details,” McClellan said. “We think our camps are a good value for your money.”
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
