A hive of creativity lies buried in the ever confusing streets of Maadi: a small cafe with a big heart and a multitude of art supplies. This summer, the Art Café is offering children a schedule jam packed with art related classes and activities. "I started out teaching art classes for kids at home in 2000," explains Hoda Kamal, managing partner of the Art Café. "The Art Café was officially created in 2004." Kamal explains that the daytime classes are often for adults who are looking to learn art skills and that the evening and afternoon classes are for children. And although the daytime classes have their followers, it's the story telling and drawing and painting classes for children that are usually jam packed. "Story time has activities too," explains Ahmed Farahat, father of Mohamed who attends the 3:30-5PM Tuesday story telling session with Yasmine. “Mo loves the class and Yasmine is very animated.” The schedule includes two back to back story telling sessions on Tuesday and drawing and painting for children from four and up on Wednesday. For the summer, The Art Café has decided to go all out with an all day summer camp that runs five days a week. The summer camp is paid for on a weekly basis and students may come for a half or a full day. Art supplies are included. Predominantly a studio, The Art Café offers a minimal selection as far as food is concerned--although a new catering company, Gustoso, may be about to change that. Kamal explains that the place has become more popular through word of mouth--particularly because the idea of hosting birthday parties at The Art Café has caused somewhat of a stir. Whether it's a passing fad or a new wave towards creativity, if you're trapped with your kids in Cairo it's worth a visit. On the ground floor of a building in Maadi--near the Maadi Police Station--The Art Café is very kid friendly. While your children are in class you have the option of ordering a coffee and relaxing on the premises or leaving and returning in time to pick them up. Art Café--62 Road 13, Maadi
