Through arts education at Dixon Gallery and Gardens, people of all ages can sow the seed to plant a passion for arts and horticulture. With its wide array of programming options, walkable garden spaces and art exhibitions, there’s always something new to be discovered.
Why is arts education important?
Whether it’s visual arts, music or dance, the arts are an essential part of youth development and education. It gives individuals an outlet to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions, along with fostering and cultivating their creativity. It provides a safe space for youth to try new ideas and develop their imaginations with what they create.
The skills children learn through art will carry through to their day-to-day lives. Picking up a paint brush or pencil refines motor skills; focusing on a project improves concentration; and adjusting when a piece doesn’t turn out how it was supposed to teaches flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Art projects also inspire an interest in other academic areas. For example, using watercolors can spark an interest in science. When children paint, they can make discoveries about water properties — like how it moves and affects the shade of pigments. As they peruse the walls of an art gallery, they can catch a glimpse of a scene from history, which might motivate them to do outside research into what they’re seeing in the context of when it was created.
How can you get involved at the Dixon?
There is something for everyone at any age to discover at the Dixon, including a variety of ongoing and pop-up youth programming options. Weekly offerings are free for Dixon members, workshops are offered at a low cost with scholarships available, and community events are free for all.
Mini Masters is a weekly caretaker and child class for children ages 2-4, introducing little ones to arts and nature through a variety of craft, movement activities and more.
Kaleidoscope Club, for children ages 5-9, combines art and/or horticulture to spark creativity and critical thinking with a new project each week.
Sow and Grow is a monthly pop-up activity for all ages that explores horticulture in a hands-on way.
Project Pop-up gets the whole family involved with monthly projects exploring new parts of the Dixon.
Community Days celebrate all things art and gardens with entertainment, games, and activities quarterly.
Workshops for youth, teens, and adults offer instruction by talented local artists and provide a space for exploring new media and techniques.
Munch and Learn is a weekly lecture series where local speakers can share their expertise in an hour-long conversation. Bonus — some sessions focus on artists and the art currently on exhibition, so it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the galleries before diving deeper.
Wellness programming like yoga, meditation, and taijiquan occurs on a weekly basis.
Book Clubs are offered in both English and Spanish and meet monthly. Books correspond with art, horticulture, or the current exhibition on view.
Come plant a passion for art and horticulture at the Dixon — admission to the galleries and gardens is free! Visit www.dixon.org/learn to explore all the educational offerings at the museum!
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