Enjoyable workshops for children and adults

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The Mermaid Art Studio
891B W. Beech St. Long Beach
(516) 897-3710
www.themermaidartstudio.com

Art comes in many styles and modalities, and thanks to the Mermaid Art Studio, classes and workshops are now available to just about anyone. As a community-focused art center, they offer after-school classes, scheduled parties, and summer camp for children, tweens and teens, and evening and weekend workshops to include adults. And, it doesn’t stop at drawing and painting. Weaving, fiber arts, book binding, printmaking, recycled art and other crafts are also available.

Founded by two artists with extensive backgrounds, the art studio opened its doors in September, 2013. Long Beach resident, Denise Collins, BSW, MA in art education, a New York state certified K-12 art teacher, has taught in the Long Beach School District for over 10 years. Prior to teaching art, her background included social work, graphic art and freelance illustrating.

Collins and her partner, Laura Bykowski, started out by holding summer art classes in a small garage. The experience made them realize how important it was for children to have an artistic outlet all year long. Bykowski, who also lives in Long Beach, is a preservation librarian, bookbinder and a knitter who dyes and spins her own yarn. She brings in more than 20 years of start-up business experience and project management skills. She is also co-found of Beach Girls Purls, another Long Beach and web-based business.

Offerings are endless in variety, with more ideas brewing. In addition to teaching the craft, they focus on technique and basic history. Instructional classes in drawing can include live models. There are workshops in painting, bookmaking, upcycled sculpture, sewing, fiber arts and much more. They feature artists who give guest lectures and demonstrations. Students get to hold group art shows. Local artists can be sell their handmade creations at Mermaid, and right now they are showing jewelry, cards and crocheted goods. Art supplies and materials can also be purchased.

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