Palette Kids
116 S. 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 visit website>
I specifically let Henry play hookie from preschool today for a chance to check out Palette Kids in Rittenhouse. Henry has been dubbed a painting machine at school so I thought this would be a really nice opportunity for him to meet and paint with a local working artist. Palette Kids is owned and run by Perry Milou. If his name sounds familiar it is because you can usually catch him painting on giant canvases around Rittenhouse Park. From scenes of Rouge to iconic celebrities like Marylin Monroe, Milou covers it all with his own fun spin.
What is an “art factory?”
These days Milou is spending more time with pint-sized patrons at his art factory Palette Kids. He has create a little artistic oasis where anything goes from 2D to 3D. Milou gives a loose theme and then the kids are free to break out the paint, glitter, glue and anything they can get their hands on to create their art. There are cityscapes, portraits, and paper mache scultptures all around the room done by Palette Kid students all over the room. Henry is usually a little shy but with the cozy and relaxed vibe of the studio he warmed up pretty quickly. For the first time at an art class he was on the other end of the room doing his own thing and did not need me at all. That says a lot about how the welcoming the studio space is and how it caters to kids 100% and kids being comfortable with creating something on their own.
How does it compare?
For me in the hierarchy of art classes for kids Palette Kids sits at the top with the Philadelphia Museum of Art classes. If you have been to the Art Center in Fairmount or Queen’s Village…they do a great job with the kids but they are more basic and step by step…draw a straight line, a wavy line, etc. Palette Kids is more advance, more free thinking and 1,000x’s more colorful. We are a creative family and I thought this was a really great opportunity for Henry and more in line with the experience I want him to have. The price point for these classes leans towards the higher end of the spectrum. But I will be honest there is a significant difference in the experience and the work that is produced.
Would I take classes here?
YES. I like that Henry was content to do his own thing and felt comfortable. He loved everything he made today day. I think Palette Kids is ideal for kids 3 and up. (Henry is 2.5 and did great). You can also book birthday parties at Palette Kids and I can see that being a crowd pleaser.
Try it this Wednesday! FREE
You can go to a Mommy and Me paint class this Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00. You just have to let them know you are coming:
