The Value of Teaching Artists and Certified Art Teachers at Cultivate
In the realm of arts education, the presence of two distinct but equally valuable roles, teaching artists and certified art teachers,...
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Preschool and Family Art
In this program, we invite children ages 3-6 to make art. In this play-based, ongoing art class, we focus on socialization, connection, sensorial learning, and fostering imagination.
Art plays an important role in developing fine motor skills, hand strength, and coordination.
In this program, we focus on socialization, connection, play-based sensorial learning, and fostering imagination. Classes start with a group story share where we read a picture book about an artist, then we move into art-making.
Within our art-making work, children grasp an understanding of lines and shapes, color, watercolor, printmaking, weaving, sculpture, and other art forms. Beyond making works of art, our youngest artists practice purposeful self-expression and creativity to prepare them in their creative journeys. We share a critique, or a group share to our youngest one, which provides space for children to share language and positive reinforcement with each other. In these lessons, the process is about the focus, not the product.
Classes are very small, with 8 children to 1 teacher.
Class is one hour long, weekly, and ongoing.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please email education@cultivategrandrapids.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources for Families, Parents, and Guardians
Examples of Learning in the Young Artist Series:
Shape concept
Pattern making
Color Matching
Fine motor skills like cutting
Gross motor skills like large sweeping motions with large paintings
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Examples of Social-Emotional Learning in the Young Artist Series:
Taking turns
Sharing language and positive reinforcement
Encourage Empathetic Thinking
Creativity
Problem Solving
"I really like your thick blue cool lines! Burrrr!"
- Four-year-old to another four-year-old in class
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"My favorite artist is Alma Thomas. She uses a lot of colors like a rainbow!"
- Three-year-old student
"This was one of my son's first "school-like" experiences and he was really nervous. It was amazing to see that within a few days of class, he was making new friends and was comfortable.
He is so proud of himself and I am proud of him!"
- Parent of three year old
Current Courses for Young Artists, and Families/Parents/Guardians
Summer Courses
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Young Artist Series
An intro art class for our youngest artists! A play-based approach to art-making, we read a book on an artist, and make art about their work, including painting, printmaking, clay, drawing, and more.
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Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 9-945am
Location: East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
Maximum of 8 children
Stories and News
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