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14 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • August 2019 14 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • August 2019 Ever since Cindy Gilhousen's daughter was a little girl, she was interested in art. "Jadyn would spend hours upon hours drawing, painting, crafting," Gilhousen says. "As she got older, I realized she needed to expand her artistic abilities in experiencing different kinds of art, which would give her an opportunity to see what was all out there and open her eyes." Gilhousen enrolled her daughter in after-school classes at the PONSHOP Studio and Gallery, where Jadyn continued to flourish in art. "She thrived in the classes," Gilhousen says. Jadyn took art classes in painting, clay, mixed media and jewelry making. Now a high school senior, Jadyn interns at PONSHOP Studio and hopes to one day be an art teacher. "I think the benefits for kids in taking art classes are endless," Gilhousen says. "It helps them become more creative, think outside the box, improve their motor skills, be more focused and find their confidence." Gilhousen is on the mark. Classes in the arts including art, music, dance and theatre have numerous benefits for children. "There are many studies on the impact of arts on other skills," says Dr. Melissa Wells, an assistant professor of education with the College of Education at the University of Mary Washington. "For example, various studies have found that music can relate to subjects such as math and literacy. Another area to consider is the development of social skills. Many art forms require negotiation between artists in the creative process, such as in dance or theater. Children learn more effective communication skills as they express themselves through multiple modalities. Finally, the arts also can strengthen students' concentration and attention skills." WRITTEN BY BRANDY CENTOLANZA The Benefits of After-School Arts Programs for Kids Creative Itch "It allowed her to express herself in so many different ways and it gave her a place to escape in her own little creative world."