Besides offering a chance to express oneself, art classes have been linked to higher test scores, attendance, and a greater likelihood of being recognized for academic achievement. 

One great place to find art classes for children is at the Sydney and Berne Davis Art Center’s Davis School of Visual Arts in downtown Fort Myers.  

“Students have the opportunity to enhance their skills, display art in the Student Hall of the Capital Gallery at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, learn business in art basics, and sell their pieces,” relays Education & Engagement Director Angela Hicks. 

The group visual art classes may include painting, water coloring, drawing, clay, technology, and more for elementary, middle, and high school students. 

“Group lessons offer a social setting for students to develop and grow their techniques and art mediums with others that have similar interests,” adds Hicks. 

The course offerings change each semester. The spring semester starts on January 14 and ends on May 6, 2025. There’s also a fall and summer semester. The media for both private and group classes can range from acrylic painting to charcoal to printmaking, basic soldering, and more. At the same time, the topics may cover realism, pop art, impressionism, abstract expressionism, and others. The one-and-a-half-hour weekly group lessons are $325+, along with a $175 supply cost. Private lessons and workshops are also available.

Students who are interested in music can attend the Davis School of Music. The classes include piano, violin, chamber strings, vocal, and DJ Lessons. The music lessons are also offered for an entire semester. One lesson per week ranges from 30 minutes at $640 to 60 minutes at $1040. 45-minute lessons are available for $800. Group classes for strings are also available for junior and high school levels. DJ lessons include learning about DJ hardware and software, record pools, creating crates, phrasing, beat matching, mixing in key, and more. The DJ lesson costs $600 for one and a half hour lessons for eight weeks. A $950 package includes hardware and studio monitors. 

“The Davis School of Visual Art exhibitions change out twice per semester; they open the night of Art Walk along with the main exhibitions. The Davis School of Music has a Spring recital held in May at the end of the semester,” explains Hicks.

Plan Your Visit: Sydney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, 239-333-1933,sbdac.com.