KidzArt is offering an after-school program at three locations in or near Madison this semester.

Alex Shah at Heritage Elementary School proudly shows his KidzArt work.

In its ninth year locally, KidzArt is a drawing-based art program that focuses on building self-confidence, problem-solving skills and a lifetime love of art, owner Jan Kelly said.

“We teach there are no mistakes in art,” Kelly said. “We draw with Sharpies, so no erasing or starting over. If students think they’ve ‘messed up,’ we brainstorm for solutions.”

With this approach, students “feel safe in trying new things. Students learn techniques for focusing, relaxing and reducing stress,” she said.

“Not only are KidzArt classes fun and challenging but students involved in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement,” Kelly said. Compared to peers, young artists are more inclined to participate in music, art and dance classes.

Arts-involved students are four times more likely to read for pleasure and twice as likely to perform community service, Kelly said.

KidzArt is designed for naturally artistic people, children without art experience and those needing guidance and structure. In class, the instructor helps students with a new drawing project, exploring a broad range of art techniques and mediums. Students are introduced to three-dimensional media, like clay, wood or wire.

“It’s not a ‘copy-exactly’ approach,” Kelly said. When class ends, students have a completed, ready-to-display piece of art. “Each and every project is ‘kid-tested’ to insure that all projects are fun and successful.”

KidzArt provides all artist-quality supplies. All KidzArt instructors have education or art backgrounds, plus comprehensive training with KidzArt and background check.

At Heritage Elementary School, classes are open to grades 1-6 and meet on Thursdays from 2:45 to 4 p.m. through Dec. 6. Dublin Park has KidzArt classes from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. on Mondays through Dec. 3; four- through six-year-olds meet from 4 to 4:45 p.m. on Fridays.

At Madison Academy, fifth-graders and older meet on Monday, first- and second-graders on Tuesday and third- and fourth-graders on Thursday from 3 to 4:15 p.m. through Dec. 10.

For more information, call Kelly at 256-830-4741, send email to kidzart@knology.net or visit kidzart.com.