Sophia Kligys: Is 3 years old too young to…?

Sophia Kligys

US Fine Art Student since Age 3

Educated under the CTA Curriculum

An Art that Reflects Her Joyous Youth

Is three years old too young to Start a Training of CTA?

When Sophia came to US Fine Art, she was almost, but not quite, three years old. Her family lived pretty far from US Fine Art, taking almost over an hour to commute even on the freeway. It wasn’t that there weren’t any art schools closer to home, but Sophia’s mom was very adamant in choosing the best art school for her daughter. After reviewing art school of all types, she decided on US Fine Art.
It was just like this, that Sophia’s four year old sister Katie started attending US Fine Art. Every time Katie came home with a creation of her own, depicting a world that only existed in her imagination, Sophia would be very excited and desperately wanted to go with Katie to class so that she could display her worlds.
Most parents would be concerned that a child so young would be unable to retain the attention span required and sit still. Luckily, Sophia’s mother didn’t feel as such. Katie had started at a pretty young age as well, and the classes were so well designed for young children. With the teachers be so kind and patient, she didn’t feel like she had much to worry about. And so, Sophia too was registered and began her weekly anticipation for class.

A Young Artist in Training

When it comes to a three year old child, a teacher should not require that her lines are straight, her circles are round ; even more importantly, she will not attempt to perfect the child’s work or require the child to be competitive. Instead, the proper way to teach a child is to let her draw as she wills, slowly allowing the improvements to reveal themselves. A well designed art class for young artists should be meticulous in its course direction, allowing young artists to interact with each other, letting their minds blossom and create without direct interference. This is of the utmost importance. At US Fine Art, there is a strict policy against teachers interfering with creations, correcting student pieces for the sake of perfection. Art is a personal and intimate act, and when a child puts their own thoughts on paper through art, it is with purpose and direction. But when this act is inferred with, for the sake of “bettering” a piece, it is a direct interruption of such purpose and direction, a suppression of thought. This is a taboo in the development of young minds.

A Love of Mermaids

Every time Sophia came to class, the teacher would encourage her to express her creativity and would guide her to start with the overall shape of the creation, inspiring joy in little Sophia. Not soon after, she was able to draw out her heart’s desire, a mermaid! When everyone saw this, they were both surprised and in awe, asking: “did you do this all on your own?” Sophia was very proud of herself and answered with a big nod.
These days, it’s clear to see that Sophia’s creative mind is soaring