Kids Create classes build confidence and inspire children to discover their inner artists

Photo by: Leah Newman

Kids Create class.

KIDS Create will be offering painting classes for children between four and 12 years of age at Cafe Living Room in Phnom Penh starting November 5.

The weekly classes will be run by Leah Newman, who has been involved in art education since 1981, and will use painting  to explore various subjects and themes, with a concentration on still life.

The classes place emphasis on artistic inspiration and help build children's self-confidence and improve their problems-solving skills, Newman said.

"We will learn different techniques, terminology and concepts and have lots of fun creating expressive artwork," Newman said. "Each young artist will be able to complete a few canvases - ready for hanging or ... gift giving."

As an educator, Newman has taught art in private and public schools in the metro Washington, DC, area as well as developed and implemented art programs for children (and adults) while living in Ethiopia and Bulgaria. In Baku, Azerbaijan, Newman worked for American University, and taught art for two years at the Baku International School.

Both her Kids Create and adult art classes provide expatriates and Cambodians with the experience of working with and learning from a professional artist.

"Creativity is the key to life. Whether you are a kid or an adult, you can use art as a tool to discover yourself," she said.

Kid's classes will be held from 3:30 to 5:00pm over four weeks starting November 5 and cost US$90 (including imported canvases). Please contact Leah Newman with any questions or to pre-register at

[email protected]