Kids' art class at Seokchon Lake, Jamsil: 90-min drop-off at Mimpi Art

My child really loves drawing these days. At home, out come the colored pencils and paints, and they draw and draw and draw. Rather than just being good at drawing, I wanted my child to have the experience of thinking and expressing things on their own. While searching, I found Mimpi Art Studio (밈피아트스튜디오) in Jamsil.

Let me start with the conclusion: after class, my child was so happy they said, "I want to come back to see my teacher." While I waited, I looked around the space and walked along Seokchon Lake, and I had a relaxed time for the first time in a while.

How does Mimpi Art Studio's 'Colors of Autumn' class work?

The theme of this class at Mimpi Art Studio was 'Colors of Autumn,' and the child made paints and mixed colors to create their own. It wasn't a class where you paint an autumn picture with colors the teacher has prepared; it started with thinking about color together with the child.

For a child, I think the process of making the color you want yourself is far more fun than simply painting. When I got the class photos, I could see how excited my child was just from their face. They looked so cute concentrating in the photos that I stared at them for a long time.

What is Mimpi Art Studio's 'British-style aesthetic art education'?

The British-style aesthetic art education that Mimpi Art Studio describes values contemplation and the process of expression over a prettily finished result. Instead of having children draw pictures with a right answer, it helps them think about why they thought that way, which colors they chose and how they want to express it, and then express those thoughts in their own way.

It made me think about what children really need in an age when AI and digital technology are developing so fast. Not finding a set answer quickly, but thinking for yourself and expressing it in your own way. I liked that part.

90-minute drop-off class: what can parents do by Seokchon Lake?

The class at Mimpi Art Studio is a 90-minute drop-off class, so while my child studied with the teacher, I was free to spend the time as I liked. When you take a child to an art class, you sometimes end up keeping an eye on them the whole time, right? This was one of the things I liked most about Mimpi.

Above all, the studio is right in front of Seokchon Lake, so I walked around the lake for the whole 90 minutes and had a truly relaxing time. At first I wondered whether my child would be okay in class without me, but once it started, they adapted really well.

After class, they also sent class photos and a class review over KakaoTalk, so I could see what I'd been wondering: "How did my child spend those 90 minutes?" Looking at my child's face in the photos, I didn't even need to ask. Ah, they really had fun.

What is the space like inside Mimpi Art Studio?

Mimpi Art Studio's interior blends mint green and natural wood, so it felt a little different from a typical art academy. And honestly, my child didn't only love the class. The moment we walked into the studio, they were busy looking around everywhere.

Mint and wood, a big table, a sofa, and cute little props. It felt exotic yet warm, and my child walked in saying, "This is pretty!" and started exploring the space.

Honestly, I was the one who liked it even more. After just a quick look around, I thought, "I'd like to sit here for a long time!" The mood was so pretty that I marveled at how naturally mint and wood can go together.

It felt like a space where even the mom waiting for her child would want to stay comfortably. There's also a restroom inside the studio, so you don't have to worry if you suddenly need to go during class.

What my child said after the Mimpi Art Studio class

When class ended at Mimpi Art Studio, I asked my child how today was, and what came out naturally was, "I want to come back to see my teacher."

I want to come back to see my teacher.

As a mom, these are the words you most want to hear. It sounded like the experience was fun and that time with the teacher felt comfortable, which made me happy too. Since my child loves drawing these days, I wanted them to try a class that draws out their own thinking rather than one where they just copy something, and this session felt like exactly that.

How many children are in a class at Mimpi Art Studio?

Mimpi Art Studio runs small-group classes of up to 4 children per teacher, and there are also classes taught 1:1, like the one I experienced. They say the teachers get to know each child's traits and temperament and tailor the class so each child can express their own thoughts.

Children aged 5 to 13 can join, and besides regular classes they also run special classes and event classes.

Mimpi Art Studio's regular course: one artwork over 2 weekly sessions

Mimpi's regular course runs in seasonal terms (spring, summer, autumn and winter), and one artwork is completed over 2 sessions, once a week. Rather than finishing a picture quickly, it's a process of listening to the child, asking and answering questions to broaden their thinking, and then expressing that thinking in a way that suits them.

The result could be a painting or a sculpture. Instead of deciding in advance what to make, the result takes shape from the child's imagination and expression, which felt like Mimpi's signature.

'GenerAItion' art classes with grandparents at Mimpi Art Studio

Mimpi Art Studio also has a program called 'GenerAItion,' where grandparents and children take part together. It's an AI-based program for experiencing creative art across generations.

With so many dual-income families and grandparents often looking after the kids these days, I found the idea of this program really interesting. Making something together with Grandma and Grandpa and sharing the process seems like it would become a special memory for a child. I'm a little curious how this program actually works, too.

Looking for a kids' art class in Jamsil?

Experiencing Mimpi Art Studio changed my thinking about art classes a little. It wasn't just teaching a child how to draw well; it was time spent drawing out the child's thoughts with questions like "What do you think?" and "Which color do you want to use?"

In an age like now, when AI can make anything quickly, I thought the experience of a child thinking for themselves and expressing things in their own way might be even more precious. Above all, my child had so much fun and said they wanted to come back after class. As a mom, that one sentence made it a completely satisfying time.

Where is Mimpi Art Studio, and where to park?

Mimpi Art Studio is on the 2nd floor of a building in front of Seokchon Lake, and there's no dedicated parking, so you need to use a nearby lot. I used the Twosome Place lot, where you get 2 hours free with a purchase of ₩10,000 or more.

If you're looking for a one-day class in Jamsil, Seoul, or a special art experience with your child, it might be worth booking a consultation. Mimpi Art Studio also sells art supplies and various class kits, so it's worth a look if you'd like to do art activities with your child at home.

If you're looking for an art class that builds a child's creativity, originality and thinking skills, you might want to experience for yourself how Mimpi's focus on process over results feels. My child said they want to come see the teacher again, so I'll have to work out a schedule. I'm a little excited for the next class too. :)