Press Release: Announcing 2024 ArtPrize Education Partnership
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.
Cultivate's Young Artist Program is a nurturing and engaging experience designed to foster socialization, connection, sensorial learning, and imagination among our youngest participants.
Aligned with our program goals, we aim to:
1. Foster Creativity and Self-Expression: Through art-making activities, children have the opportunity to explore lines, shapes, colors, and various artistic forms, cultivating their creativity and enabling self-expression.
2. Develop Artistic Skills and Techniques: Our program introduces foundational studio-based art techniques, such as watercolor, printmaking, weaving, and sculpture, providing children with a solid artistic foundation and a diverse range of artistic skills.
3. Cultivate Imagination and Play-Based Learning: We embrace play-based learning as a vehicle for imagination and creativity. Children engage in story shares and art activities inspired by picture books about artists, stimulating their imagination and encouraging artistic exploration.
4. Promote Positive Group Dynamics and Peer Interaction: Group shares and critiques provide a platform for children to share their artwork, offer positive reinforcement, and practice social skills, fostering a supportive and inclusive group dynamic.
With a small student-to-teacher ratio of 8 children to 1 teacher, our Young Artist Program ensures individualized attention and a supportive learning environment. We are committed to nurturing each child's artistic growth, empowering them to express themselves authentically and embark on their creative journeys with confidence.
Have questions about which course to take? Or registration questions? Or need assistance with anything else? We're happy to offer a variety of support, including 1:1 consultations to support your needs.
Please visit our contact page for more information!
Spring 2024 courses
Young Artist Series at Cultivate
Cultivate's Young Artist Series stands out for its prime location within our contemporary art gallery in Grand Rapids, offering a stimulating and immersive environment for young minds to thrive artistically. Being at Cultivate means that participants are surrounded by the latest works from local and regional artists, providing a constant source of inspiration and a real-world connection to the art community. Additionally, the series benefits from being set in a neighborhood that is not only safe and welcoming but also conveniently close to relaxing parks and charming local coffee shops. Parents and guardians have the delightful option to unwind nearby or stroll through our gallery, enjoying the tranquility and creativity of the space while their young artists are engaged in their sessions. It's a perfect blend of community, culture, and convenience that enriches the experience for both the young artists and their families.
Classes are Monday evenings, from 430-515pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St
Spring 2024 courses
Young Artist Series at East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
Cultivate's Young Artist Program is perfectly situated at the East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, creating a seamless blend of artistic learning with community engagement. This program is an inviting gateway for young minds to delve into the arts, offering a structured yet playful environment that fosters creativity and self-expression. It's an excellent stepping stone into a school-like setting, emphasizing the development of artistic skills and positive social interaction. This location is ideal for parents who want to pair the class with a library visit before or after, or simply enjoy some personal time by the lake while their child creates and connects with others.
Classes are Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00am-10:45am
Location: East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, 750 Lakeside Dr SE
Note - Registration is on East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation website. Please follow the link and click on 'Youth Activities' to sign up
Sign up for each month-long class separately
Class dates are as follows:
Thursdays, January 4-25, 10:00am-10:45am
Fridays, January 5-26, 10:00-10:45am
Thursdays, February 1-22, 10:00-10:45am
Fridays, February 2-23, 10:00-10:45am
Thursdays, February 29 - March 21, 10:00am-10:45am
Fridays, March 1 - 22, 10:00am-10:45am
Art Classes at East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
We are proud to share fine art classes at East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation.
Registration for the East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department classes is done so through their website. If you would like to see, or register for our courses there, please follow the link below. If you have questions in the registration process, please email education@cultivategrandrapids.org
"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