The open studio class I offer is open to serious art students ages 12 and up. As with adult students of this class, children must be ready to expand upon their skills. It is not for beginning students who haven't taken instruction in any form before, or who haven't even tried to draw or paint with conventional artists' materials. Occasionally I'll meet a very talented 9, 10, or 11-year old child who is ready for the type of instruction I give, and you are welcome to setup an appointment with me to review the child's progress.
Art programs for kids are still around—even if you're not seeing it as much in the public school classroom. Check-out the art links page to see about opportunities for children to learn about and produce art. There are after-school classes and summer art camps offered through many private and public institutions in the metro-Atlanta area. If the locations of these places are not convenient to you, try contacting your local government's parks and recreation department or just talk to an artist friend.