NATCHEZ — Mae Holyoak, 6, mixed colors to create the perfect shade of violet.

“You mix blue, dark blue, purple and red,” Holyoak said.

Upon getting it just right, she dabbled the color onto her canvas but then looked in horror as she realized that she has just put a big violet splotch in her lake. Her art instructor, Juli Michaud smiled at her.

“There are no mistakes in art,” Michaud said. “There are just things you do not mean to do, that we can use to make our paintings better.”

“I think it can be a log,” Holyoak agreed. “I’m gonna need more black.”

The Natchez Artists Association put together a basic art class for young children that meets once a week and is six weeks long. The class costs $100, $75 goes to the Natchez Artists Association and $25 goes into buying supplies.

“I’m excited about teaching this class,” Michaud said. “When I was a substitute teacher, I always snuck art in, to the kids enjoyment. Now I am doing an art class on purpose.”

Michaud said that thanks should also go to the co-manager at Walmart, Timmy Hand, who gave her a big discount on supplies.

The class started when Michaud talked to Brenda Hicks, president of the Natchez Arts Association, about how much she wanted to teach children.

“She was open to it and provided me with studio space to do it in the Priest House,” Michaud said. “I’m probably going to open a second session on Tuesdays.”

In six weeks, the class covers everything from painting, drawing and photo collage to paper sculptures and more.

Before the class had started, Annalise Riley, 6, was excitedly asking if they could begin.

“I like this class because I get to paint,” she said. “I like painting my dog the most, he is cute.”

Sophie Webber, 6, was painting a hummingbird.

“I have a lot of them around my house,” she said. “I’m going to put some grass and flowers in. I like the color and the pedals.”

Riley was enthusiastic about the class and she hoped that more people would take it.

“I want to see more of my friends,” she said. “And I want more people to learn to paint because it is important and fun.”

Michaud said learning art early helps kids develop the creative side of their brain.

“We need people who are creative and think outside of the box,” Michaud said. “Even if they don’t pursue art, they can use that spontaneity in their jobs.”

Jenna Holyoak agreed that her child’s interest in art is well placed.

“Mae is very creative,” Holyoak said. “My sister-in-law is an artist, so creativity is no doubt in her blood. We are encouraging her to always do art, even if only as a hobby.”

Her daughter gleamed and was sure to mention that her art, along with the other children’s, would be on display at The Priest House at the end of the course.

“I’m excited about showing off my art,” Holyoak said. “I hope everyone comes to see it in three weeks.”