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Take a look at the work of Njideka Akunyili Crosby and reimagine an extraordinary portrait of your loved ones.

Taking place on Saturday mornings, these live virtual classes led by veteran CMA Teaching Artist Emma Waldman provide a free opportunity for children of all ages with Autism spectrum disorders to participate in a variety of tactile art-making experiences. Classes are specifically designed to help children develop social skills, creative problem-solving strategies, and self-expression through art and storytelling. The program’s supportive environment also strengthens family ties and builds a sense of community for families affected by Autism spectrum disorders.

Due to the interactive (and fun!) nature of the class, class size is extremely limited. Please make every effort to attend the class if you reserve a ticket. If you can no longer attend the class, please cancel your ticket, which will allow another family to attend. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation, and happy creating!

Materials List

• Paper
• Coloring supplies (colored pencils, crayons, markers, pastels)
• Paper materials such as newspaper or magazine
• Tinfoil and other found materials; scissors
• Glue or tape

What to Expect in Each Class

• Each 90-minute live, interactive virtual class is led by Teaching Artist Emma Waldman. Specialized lessons and engaging, hands-on projects are designed specifically for children with Autism spectrum disorders and their families to do together.
• The program’s curriculum is rooted in accessible art-making practices and Children’s Museum of the Arts’ pedagogy of Look, Make, Share.
• Each session includes art-making, storytelling, and plenty of interactive communication and fun! Children will have ample time to express their ideas and explore their creativity through sensory projects and materials.
• New art-making materials will be introduced each week, with an emphasis on household materials and basic art supplies.
• Small class sizes allow for interaction and feedback between families and with the instructor.

Meet Emma!

Emma Waldman is an artist and educator who is passionate about encouraging the creativity in us all. She holds a B.A. in Studio Art and Psychology from Skidmore College and has experience teaching in District 75 schools.

Please Note: This class may be recorded for educational and promotional purposes. If you do not wish to have your image or name on screen, please join with audio only and rename yourself using the Zoom rename options.

Top Image: Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Mama, Mummy and Mamma (Predecessors #2), 2014, Acrylic, transfers, colored pencil and charcoal on paper, 7 ft. × 9 ft.

Programs at Children’s Museum of the Arts are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Children’s Museum of the Arts’ Inclusives Program is generously funded by the Rose M. Badgeley Charitable Trust. Additional support is provided by Liselotte and Robin Vince, the Barbara Hunt McLanahan Memorial Fund, the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, the Jennifer & Jonathan Soros Foundation, The Robert Lehman Foundation, the Louis Legacy Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts with support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.