In Episode 48 of Inside the Frame Podcast, Frame Center sits down with Rob Peters, illustrator, author, and franchise owner of Children’s Art Classes (CAC) Hanover, to talk about the transformative role art education plays in young people’s lives. With a professional career in illustration and a passion for teaching, Rob is on a mission to make quality art instruction accessible, structured, and inspiring for kids, teens, and even adults across the South Shore.
A Creative Path to Hanover
Rob’s journey to art education is rooted in his decades-long career as a freelance illustrator, working on everything from children’s books to editorial pieces. In 2018, he discovered the CAC program while visiting family in Oklahoma and was impressed by its structured, skill-building curriculum. Recognizing the need for year-round, comprehensive art education in Massachusetts, he opened the Hanover location in 2019, just months before the pandemic.
Despite the challenges of shutdowns and remote learning, CAC Hanover adapted quickly, offering virtual classes and take-home art kits to keep students engaged. Today, the program is thriving, welcoming students as young as three years old up through adulthood.
Building Skills, Confidence, and Creativity
Unlike many drop-in art workshops, CAC offers a school-year program designed to teach foundational skills in a step-by-step manner. Students start with the basics — drawing, shading, and color theory — and gradually progress into painting, sculpture, ceramics, and even printmaking.
The program also emphasizes confidence-building. Rob notes that many students come in saying they “can’t draw,” but after a few months, they see tangible improvement. That transformation, watching a child’s self-esteem grow alongside their technical ability, is what drives him as an educator.
The Power of Art for All Ages
While much of CAC Hanover’s student body is made up of children, the program also offers adult classes and summer workshops. Rob believes art has lifelong benefits, from stress relief to fostering problem-solving skills.
He’s also passionate about keeping creativity alive in a world dominated by screens and fast-paced schedules. “Art gives kids a chance to slow down, to observe, to make something with their own hands,” he says. “It’s something they can be proud of, and it’s theirs.”
Looking Ahead
CAC Hanover continues to expand its offerings, from seasonal camps to specialized workshops. Rob also hopes to collaborate with local schools, libraries, and community centers to bring more art opportunities to the area.
For anyone curious about joining, CAC Hanover offers free introductory visits so prospective students can experience the space and see the curriculum in action.
Frame Center has been the South Shore’s trusted source for custom framing and art services for over 50 years. We are proud to support and spotlight local creatives, educators, and organizations like Children’s Art Classes that enrich our community through the arts.
