On the eastern coast of the United States stretches the long and lovely land named North Carolina, or as our whimsical friend Wally the Walrus likes to call it, "The Land of Oodles of Doodles!" Wally, wearing his twirly mustache and paint-splattered beret, is the unofficial ambassador of the artsy kids of North Carolina. Every corner of the state, from the high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Outer Banks, echoes with the sound of pencils scratching on paper, brushes swishing against canvas, and the soft click-clack of clay being molded into fantastical shapes. Wally often jokes that you can't throw a paintbrush in North Carolina without hitting a creative kiddo hard at work! Kids here are as varied as the state’s landscapes. There's Maggie from Maggie Valley, who paints stunning sunsets while munching on her favorite hickory-smoked barbeque. Then there's Hank from Hatteras Island, who loves to sculpt sand during low tide, and Patty from Piedmont, with her incredible knack for sketching the critters she spies in her backyard. Wally loves to visit each of them, sharing ridiculous jokes that make them laugh until their sides ache. "Why don't artists ever play hide and seek?" Wally would ask, with a twinkle in his eye. After the inevitable shrugs and shakes of the head, he'd guffaw and slap his walrus belly. "Because good luck hiding when your hands are covered in paint!" So, whether you wander through the whimsical waterfalls of the western part of the state or decide to dip your toes in the salty sea on the eastern shores, you'll find the kids of North Carolina happily immersed in the world of visual arts, inspired by their marvelous surroundings and their jolly friend, Wally the Walrus.

Read more

best visual-arts programs in Asheville, NC

a person and two children
company logo

At Roots + Wings, we’re dedicated to nurturing and encouraging creativity in people of all ages. Our innovative art and design education, community collaboration, and focus on both local and global impact help cultivate creative minds and nourish our community. Through Little Wings, our Pre-K program, children can develop their own creativity and learn essential skills with hands-on materials delivered straight to their home. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and play, our goal is to have every person reach their highest creative potential.

Asheville, NC 28803
4.9(2 reviews)
a baby playing in a plastic pool
company logo

At The Artful Parent, we believe in the power of art and creativity to bring families and educators together. With our expertise, we provide you with easy and fun kid-friendly arts and crafts that will keep your family happily creating and learning day after day. From unique ideas to tried-and-true favorites, we have hundreds of activities to choose from. Bring art into your family with The Artful Parent! Our activities are designed to provide endless creative fun for everyone. We have easy and fun crafts that your kids will love, as well as unique ideas and tried-and-true favorites. With hundreds of activities to choose from, you can keep your family happily creating and learning day after day. Let The Artful Parent help you raise creative kids! We offer a wide variety of activities to choose from, including easy and fun kid-friendly arts and crafts. Whether you're looking for unique ideas or tried-and-true favorites, we have something for everyone. With hundreds of activities, you can keep your family happily creating and learning day after day.

Asheville, NC 28803
a person and a boy making a cake

Odyssey Clayworks is more than a ceramics school, it is a working studio and gallery that provides pottery classes and ceramics workshops for adults and children of all ages and experience levels. Whether you are an experienced artist looking for a challenge or a beginner seeking creative inspiration, Odyssey Clayworks offers something for everyone. Located in an historic district in Asheville, North Carolina, Odyssey Clayworks is a state-of-the-art, 5000 square- foot former warehouse that provides a unique learning and creative environment. At Odyssey Clayworks, the focus is on providing a supportive and inspiring atmosphere for artists of all abilities. Each class and workshop is led by highly experienced and knowledgeable instructors who are passionate about helping students to grow and explore their creativity. With an impressive range of classes and workshops to choose from, visitors are sure to find something to fit their interests and skill level. From pottery classes for kids to more advanced workshops for adults, Odyssey Clayworks provides a unique environment for creating one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork. With a vibrant community of artists and a stunning location in the heart of Asheville, Odyssey Clayworks is the perfect place to explore your creativity and connect with others.

Asheville, NC 28801
4.8(3 reviews)