We found a fun new indoor adventure for families, especially for those who love art and creating together. The Neighborhood Art Center is located in the Provo Towne Center Mall in south Provo, and it is full of art stations for you and your children to explore.
The Neighborhood Art Center is a non-profit organization with a mission to give more children the chance to enjoy art. We were very impressed with everything they are doing and providing for families to create together. There is a small fee to enter ($5/child, $3/adult), but once you have paid admission everything else is free. There are no extra costs for creating art.
Hands-on Stations
Neighborhood Art Center has many different hands-on places to create art. There is a place to build with blocks, play with playdough, create self portraits, and create shapes on an old overhead projector. We liked the table with clear plastic pieces to put in front of your face while someone else traced your portrait. They even have a small reading nook, and an area where kids can play with shopping, food, and a kitchen. These areas are especially nice for young children, while older children are working on bigger projects.
Recycled Art
We spent a lot of time in the recycled art area. This area has lots of old containers, paper, packaging, anything that has been saved to make art. Our boys took bits and pieces and created some fun things. One of our boys made a little sign for their dad, while another created their own DVD cover. It was fun to use your creativity and make whatever you wanted.
Paint the Walls
One of the most popular spots in the Neighborhood Art Center is the paint room. In this small room, children have permission to paint directly on the walls. Our kids thought this was amazing! The room also has papers to paint on if your child would like to take something home. There are drying racks for any projects that need some extra time to dry.
Guided Art Projects
There are a few guided art projects, too. When we checked in at the front desk, they let us know to ask for help with two of the art projects. These ended up being our boys two favorite projects, so make sure to ask if you have any when you visit. One was a shaving cream paint project and another was a screen print projects. The workers were so friendly and patient, and we loved the finished projects.
Neighborhood Art Center Info
The Neighborhood Art Center is only open on Wednesdays from 2-5 pm and Fridays from 10 am-5 pm. They also offer a few classes and have a Friday drawing club. For more info on their classes, times, fees, and mission, visit their website. We recommend parking on the upper parking area by JCPenny’s (the southeast corner of the mall). Enter the mall entrance doors and head right, it is about half way down on the second floor. If you are looking for a totally free place to try and art project, check out Open Studio at BYU MOA.
