ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Art is a form of expression for people of all ages but, it is especially important for children. The Arnot Art Museum in Elmira agrees and is doing something special to include young artists in the community.

Every Saturday from 12 P.M. to 2 P.M. the museum is hosting free workshops for students to attend. The "kidscreate!" workshops are a drop-in style event where families can swing by, use their imagination, and learn how to create something new. But they are also walking away with much more than just another piece of art to hang on the fridge.

"The 'kidscreate!' series is very introductory," said Summer Small, the Programs Manager at the Arnot Art Museum. "It's a great way if you haven't really made a lot of art or you haven't visited the museum very much to just come in and hang out and enjoy your afternoon."

Nowadays, technology tends to be a high priority in the minds of young kids, but nothing beats sitting down and doing some good old arts and crafts. While the "kidscreate!" workshops generally keep the kids preoccupied in the same way; it also showcases how art is for everyone. Organizers say that spaces like this allow kids to be themselves and show that through their creations.

"Art for me has always been something that has provided like-- when I can't put something into words, such as right now," said Jenna Cowder, the Collections Manager at the Arnot Art Museum. "It's really great to show that there's different forms, different ways to express yourself." 

When younger kids are able to create their own pieces, they are also learning to communicate. Many of the artists at the "kidscreate!" series described what they've made and showed it off for all to see. For parents, the experience their children had with the art was equally as rewarding.

"It gives them something to do that they can make and feel proud of themselves after they get done making it," said Veronika Porter, a parent and attendee. "It came together well."

Porter's children attended the event and made some agamographs which was the craft of the day. Agamographs are a piece of art that utilizes optical illusions to show multiple images in one when looked at from various angles. 

When asked what they liked about the event, Kurtyss Porter said, "Mommy helping me. That's what I liked about the art."

Arnot Art Museum organizers of the "kidscreate!" series plan to continue hosting the workshops throughout the summer while kids are out of school and, hopefully, indefinitely.

The workshops are free to attend for students in grades K-5 and a parent or guardian must be with them. Admission to the museum is also free for those who participate in a "kidscreate!" workshop.