Paintbrushes swept across 18 canvases as children blended shades of blue, pink, orange and yellow into colorful sunsets.
At the front of the room, Efrain Aguiar of Empire Arts demonstrated each new step. His daughter, Cassandra, moved between easels, helping young artists turn their blank canvases into ocean scenes featuring palm trees.
Even as they followed the same steps, each child was encouraged to make the painting their own.
“Each one of your paintings will be different and unique, and that’s what makes them beautiful,” Cassandra reminded them throughout the afternoon.
The mini mural workshop gave children an opportunity to experiment with art while learning to trust their own creativity.
For Efrain, the workshop was about giving children the freedom to create without worrying about getting it right.
“Art gives them the freedom to express themselves because there’s no right or wrong,” Efrain said. “They can express themselves on a canvas without relying on anyone else’s approval, and that helps build their confidence.”
Iman, 8, found something new to learn as her painting took shape.
“I had so much fun painting the palm trees because I’ve never learned how to paint a palm tree before,” said Iman.
For Xander, 11, painting has become an outlet when he feels frustrated.
“I really like today’s class with Mr. Efrain because I love to paint,” Xander said. “Whenever I feel frustrated, I start to paint and the frustration goes away.”
