Feeling creative? Summer art programs can help bring out that inner Van Gogh, Rodin or Monet. Local museums have class offerings for both children and adults, and an open studio at the Honolulu Academy of Arts allows museum visitors to try their hands at several art forms, from painting to metalwork.

Six-year-old Primo Salim Lagaso Goldberg found his inner Picasso as he sculpted a ceramic pot at the academy's studio.

“;I know lots of stuff about art. I've worked with clay before,”; he said as he pressed a design into the sides of the pot.

Barbara Keith was in the studio with her daughter Brittney.

“;I haven't done this in years. I don't have access to clay,”; she said. “;It's easier to go somewhere and they give you all of the things that you need to use. It's very therapeutic. We were going to go grocery shopping, but this is much more fun.”;

Brittney, a Loyola Marymount University student home for the summer, added, “;I didn't do ceramics since elementary school.”; She recalled making ceramic gifts for her mother that can still be found around the house.

“;Ceramics last and are easy to keep,”; said Barbara, who added, “;When my daughter was younger, I was always looking for different summer activities. This program provides an opportunity to expose kids to different things. The best part: There is nothing to set up or buy. You just drive here, create art, wash their hands and take them home.”;

Every two weeks the medium in the open studio changes. Up next is metal.

“;Desire is all you need,”; according to Aaron Padilla, assistant curator at the academy. The make-and-take projects are intended to coincide with the museum's collection. The ceramics portion, for example, was conceived with the early Korean ceramics display in mind.

“;By creating artwork, people may gain a different perspective of the work that we have on view,”; Padilla said.

“;Creativity and problem solving are the basis of art—that's what makes successful people. Things learned in the art-making process can be used in all areas of life,”; Padilla added, noting that he is pleased that adults are accessing the studio. “;There's a stigma toward art learning being geared toward children. This provides an opportunity where the whole family can do something together.”;

According to Makana Eyre, an intern with the studio program, adults are much more cautious than children in their approach to art. “;But, a couple of adults have come in without kids and had a blast,”; he said.

Foreigners also seem to have an easier time letting go, he explained, after observing many of the studio visitors who from China, Europe and abroad.

Some families are regulars, Padilla said. “;People return on a weekly basis because they want to do different projects. Other times, they come back and continue working on the same project.”;

The sessions make no great demands. Typically, art classes entail six-week sessions that require a bigger commitment of time, but Padilla said, “;This is a one-time deal.”;

If people find an affinity to a particular medium, that can lead to classes later.

THE PAINTING SESSION wins the “;most messy”; category and is the most requested project for the younger kids. “;There's lots of prep time, mess control and cleanup,”; said Janet Liu, another intern.

After recent visits to several interactive art museums in Sydney, Padilla envisions transforming the academy's entire museum visit into an interactive experience. “;We plan to upgrade and update,”; he said.

“;In the old museums, everything is behind glass. ... There is a somber mood,”; Padilla added. “;We want children and adults to be more engaged. People won't be coming to the museum to sit there and be quiet,”; he said. “;We need alone time and quiet time with artwork, but it's an incomplete experience if that's all we are doing.”;