The Art Diner, art studio and maker space, recently relocated to 18 Main St in Chester. Morris County resident and founder Ros Gourvitz sought to fill a need in her child’s after schoolprogram in 2016, but didn’t realize then it would grow into the business and community it is today.
 | “My children are the reason I started The Art Diner and the reason I keep going, despite the challenges. When my eldest child started kindergarten, I was disappointed with the afterschool programs that were offered. They were basically an aftercare session where the kids played outside or just hung around. I knew the kids could be doing something more beneficial, so I developed a program that could help them unwind from the school day and allow them to express themselves in a positive way.” |
Kidz Kraftz kept little hands busy and minds active while the kids created something that made them smile. It was the catalyst that launched The Art Diner Diner’s in-school programs. “It was so exciting! I quickly created my next program, Yoga for Youngsters, and kept going from there.”
This signature 6-week program, geared towards children in grades K-5, remains a staple class after nearly 7 years. It is held on Thursday afternoons at the new Chester location. “The 2:30 class works well for our homeschool students and the 4:30 class makes a great after school program,” Ros notes that the seasonally themed classes aren’t the typical drawing or painting
classes. “Fun projects like making slime, soap, candles or clay pinch-pots allow kids to really get their hands into the material and express themselves creatively. Many students are surprised at what they can create even with no prior experience!”
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Other 6-week programs offered at the studio include Wacky Science, Cold Cooking, Kidz Sewing, Cupcake Creations, and the newly developed Kidz Pottery. Teen & Adult Pottery Creations is offered in a separate session. Baby & Me is a 4-week program and single, drop-in sessions are available as well. "I'm considering a "class hopper" option for people to try out a few different classes before committing to one individual program if there is enough interest."Ros is open to considering suggestions from her clients.
The new studio is larger than the last space Ros occupied and allows for more class options. “I really wanted to offer pottery classes before, but there were some challenges to overcome before I could roll it out to my students.” This class teaches students hand-building techniques to create long-lasting clay pieces they can be proud of.
It’s not just for kids! As with the pottery class, there are many classes and events that adults can do with their children or on their own. Ladies Night Out has been a popular child-free event. Recent projects have included a mosaic serving tray and a summer-themed wreath. Open Studio allows crafters to pick and choose their own project based on how their creativity strikes that day.
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The Stitching Room is an adult-only group of classes focused on embroidery, quilting and needlework. These crafts have made a resurgence in recent years and many people are exploring the relaxing benefits of this handiwork again.
“One of my favorite programs will always be the Baby and Me Sensory Art classes.” This intro to arts and crafts is best for babies and children from 5 months old to 4 years, and their caregivers. Crafting and sensory play help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and increases dexterity. Plus, most kids love to get messy! Ros says “I’ve always been a crafter and it gives me tremendous joy to introduce even the youngest kids to a creative outlet they can develop throughout their entire lives.”
Besides programs and individual classes, The Art Diner offers birthday parties at the studio and off-site, team-building events for children and adults, school break classes, occasional Parent’s Night or Ladies Night Out and other creative events. Check out the website www.theartdiner.com for details and to register for programs.
“I want to help everyone find their artistic voice. I’m so grateful to continue to share my creativity and passion for crafting with my students and the community through The Art Diner.”
Join in the fun at the Grand Opening Celebration scheduled for Saturday, October 1st from 11am-2pm
Take a tour of the studio, play in the sensory box, make slime or canvas art and enjoy a snack.
ENTER THE RAFFLE AND WIN A PRIZE!
Follow @TheArtDiner on Facebook and Instagram and sign up to receive “in the know” emails
and fun craft ideas https://mailchi.mp/c868e666896a/crafting-is-natural
