Children's handwork class at Palmetto Art Center aims to increase precision

PALMETTO -- In a time when children spend more time hitting keys on a screen than working with natural materials, a class at the Palmetto Art Center is trying to bring back the "lost art" of handwork.

The next nine-week handwork class at the Palmetto Art Center starts on Jan. 20 and is geared toward helping children use their hands in a "precise manner," said instructor Deb Cogan. The class projects include sewing, embroidery, knitting and crochet.

Cogan is a certified occupational therapist assistant in addition to being a certified handwork instructor. From her perspective, she said, there's not a lot left in public schools that addresses this need in children -- to work with their hands to create something with natural materials.

"The brain develops based on the use of your hands. It's one of the youngest skills we learn as children," said Cogan, a West Bradenton resident.

When students are working with computers and plastic toys, the sense of touch takes a backseat. Cogan said she recognizes the practicality of the toys and using technology for learning, but she doesn't want it to create a "lost generation" out of touch with recognizing how things feel and what that means.

"It's all these little subtle things," she said.

The class fits in well with some of Palmetto Art Center's other offerings, including art classes for homeschool children, owner Gretchen Leclezio said.

"It's just not valued at the importance it should be," Leclezio said of handwork and Cogan's classes.

Cogan's class runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. The class is split into sessions so children are also

moving during the session. Jump rope is a popular activity during breaks. And while the class tends to attract mostly young girls, Cogan said the skills benefits all children. Handwork helps increase cognitive function, visual discrimination and dexterity.

"It engages both halves of the brain," she said.

The $127 class is aimed at children between 7 and 11 and the class sizes are capped at six children, to provided individual attention. The cost includes the materials, many of which Cogan hand dyes using plants. The projects are the children's to keep after the class ends. Other locations or businesses often offer one-time classes, which can run for hours, but those classes don't often don't dive deep into the skills, Cogan said.

"I see a tremendous benefit to the class," she said. "It helps get students away from the consumerism mindset."

The art center also offers a variety of art and exercise classes, including yoga, zumba, pilates and open studios for painting, drawing and clay. The Palmetto Art Center is at 907 Fifth St. W. in Palmetto. To reach the Art Center, call 941-518-2109.

Meghin Delaney, education reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7081. Follow her on Twitter @MeghinDelaney.

This story was originally published December 27, 2015 at 11:24 PM with the headline "Children's handwork class at Palmetto Art Center aims to increase precision ."