On the eastern coast of the United States stretches the long and lovely land named North Carolina, or as our whimsical friend Wally the Walrus likes to call it, "The Land of Oodles of Doodles!" Wally, wearing his twirly mustache and paint-splattered beret, is the unofficial ambassador of the artsy kids of North Carolina. Every corner of the state, from the high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Outer Banks, echoes with the sound of pencils scratching on paper, brushes swishing against canvas, and the soft click-clack of clay being molded into fantastical shapes. Wally often jokes that you can't throw a paintbrush in North Carolina without hitting a creative kiddo hard at work! Kids here are as varied as the state’s landscapes. There's Maggie from Maggie Valley, who paints stunning sunsets while munching on her favorite hickory-smoked barbeque. Then there's Hank from Hatteras Island, who loves to sculpt sand during low tide, and Patty from Piedmont, with her incredible knack for sketching the critters she spies in her backyard. Wally loves to visit each of them, sharing ridiculous jokes that make them laugh until their sides ache. "Why don't artists ever play hide and seek?" Wally would ask, with a twinkle in his eye. After the inevitable shrugs and shakes of the head, he'd guffaw and slap his walrus belly. "Because good luck hiding when your hands are covered in paint!" So, whether you wander through the whimsical waterfalls of the western part of the state or decide to dip your toes in the salty sea on the eastern shores, you'll find the kids of North Carolina happily immersed in the world of visual arts, inspired by their marvelous surroundings and their jolly friend, Wally the Walrus.
Read morebest visual-arts programs in Durham, NC

For over ten years, Black Belt Leadership Academy has been a crucial force in shaping the character of students through exceptional martial arts training. At our Wauwatosa branch, we foster an environment of inclusivity, welcoming all students, from beginners to seasoned martial artists. Each class at our academy is carefully designed to challenge students on an individual basis, while also promoting a supportive and rewarding learning environment. We believe that by providing personalized attention to each student, we can ensure that they feel valued and motivated, thereby enhancing their learning experience. At Black Belt Leadership Academy, we are committed to nurturing our students' growth not only in martial arts, but also in character. Our classes are designed to instill values such as discipline, respect, and perseverance, in addition to martial arts skills. We strongly believe that the lessons taught here extend beyond the dojo, providing our students with valuable skills for their future pursuits.

Are you looking for a creative and fun way to spruce up your home? AR Workshop Durham is the place to go! Owned by Leslie Wright, AR Workshop Durham offers a hands-on DIY Workshop experience. You can create wood signs, canvas pillows, wall hangings, framed signs, wood boxes, lazy susans and more! Leslie has a background in residential real estate and home staging, giving her a great eye for design and color selections. AR Workshop Durham is the perfect place to express your creativity — they serve Durham, Chapel Hill, Duke, Brier Creek, Hillsborough, Bahama, Mebane, Timberlake, Rougemont, Bethesda, Efland, Burlington, Brightleaf Square, and Downtown Durham.
Let your child's imagination soar with Art Buzz Kids! Our classes are designed to help children express themselves and explore their creative side in a fun and interactive setting. Our passionate team of professionals provide all the materials needed for a painting party, and no matter the age your child will be able to take home a unique masterpiece. Art Buzz Kids classes are a great way to foster creativity and give your child the confidence they need to express themselves. Whether it is for a birthday party or after school classes, Art Buzz Kids is the perfect place for your little one to get creative.

At Winking Moon Art Camp, children have the opportunity to explore their creative side and bring their ideas to life with the help of a second mind and a pair of hands. It is here that they can create, play and even bake a teatime treat for the whole group to enjoy. Weather permitting, we’ll work outdoors, as kids and the outdoors naturally go hand in hand. Every camp day follows a set rhythm. After arriving, the kids have some time to settle in during free play, before the structured activity begins. During the morning art, sewing or creating workshop, I plan an activity while still listening to the children’s own ideas. This is a fantastic way to encourage their imagination and spark their creativity. At Winking Moon Art Camp, it’s all about having fun. There’s no better way to keep kids engaged and entertained than with a mixture of free play, creative activities, and a delicious teatime treat. It is here that children have the opportunity to explore their creative side and bring their ideas to life with the help of a second mind and a pair of hands.