Using Art to Develop Fine and Gross Motor Skills


Teen Art Program
Our Teen Program is called "Art Studio."
Art Studio is a place for creative problem-solving, artistic exploration and experimentation, and a place for students to develop critical thought and to support their interpretations and opinions as they respond to art.
Within this work, teens have the opportunity to respond to their world, to their own art, and to the art of others. Students learn that the arts may initiate change as well as being a response to change.
Our teen schedule is as follows:
Monday night - Teen Open Studio/Lab, 6-8pm, at Cultivate
Wednesday night - Teen Courses, 6-8pm, at Cultivate
Courses are four weeks long, and will be extending to six weeks in fall 2023. The first weeks are guided lessons to exercise or hone techniques, where students focus on both process, techniques, and product-based work. Once they have learned the techniques or materials, they are encouraged to brainstorm, problem-solve, research, explore and experiment to make individual and innovative works of art. In these last three weeks, teachers provide guidance and support as students use the tools and lessons that they have learned to create their own art. What emerges from the courses is a technical skill, but also a confidence in their own art-making and creativity.
We end each class with a “group share” or critique experience. Here students practice the language of art and design, have a sense of community, and receive positive reinforcement for their work. Students may share a larger piece they are working on, a piece from home, or a sketchbook exploration.
Sketchbooks are given to each student to collect and store ideas that will become starting points for works of art in the future. These visual journals allow students to enhance their skills of observation and image-making in order to process more detailed information. Some examples of sketchbook activities are illustrating poems and short stories, designing and illustrating commercial advertisements, observational drawings, photo collages, and mixed media experimentation.
A goal for the program is to have three group trips each year; one in the fall, winter, and spring. Branching out to explore the city and connect our lessons with the outside. Group trips may be at a community garden, the James C Veen Observatory, Rosa Parks Circle, or others in and around the Grand Rapids area. The trips are thematically designed to engage children in art/science/nature beyond the classroom walls, and we will practice art skills like urban sketching or Plein air painting.
Occasionally, a guest artist will come to visit the classroom to demonstrate a unique craft or skill. Some ideas of artists may include a video game designer, regionally exhibited printmaker, interior designer, museum curator, or fashion designer. This experience further develops their understanding that art is everywhere, and expands their horizons of art as a career.
Classes are very small, with 12 students to 1 teacher.
Classes are two hours long, run for 4week sessions, and are weekly.
Spring 2023 Courses for Teens
April 2023

Art Studio - Drawing
Develop and strengthen fundamental art skills in our teen art studio - drawing class!
This course focuses on foundational skills. Drawing is the foundation of so many art practices - painting, sculpture, even photography and videography! In this class, teen students will learn and refine the fundamental practice of drawing. We actively develop and strengthen fundamental skills with a focus on both traditional and contemporary drawing materials and concepts, exploring essential elements of 2D design and contemporary art. Through hands-on studies of line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour, students experiment with a number of media such as charcoal, graphite, ink, and colored pencils.
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6-8pm
Course Starts: April 5, 2023
Course Ends: April 26, 2023
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503
May 2023

Art Studio - Sculpture
Develop and strengthen fundamental art skills in our teen art studio - sculpture class!
This course focuses on foundational skills of sculpture and materials. In this class, teen students will learn and refine the fundamental practice of form as we practice sculpture techniques and practices. Together, we actively develop and strengthen sculptural skills as we learn form, space, and various materials. Together students may work with clay, wood, metal, cardboard, casting with molds, or paper. We will also gain inspiration from contemporary artists working across the country as we look at their work, and talk about their process.
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6-8pm
Course Starts: April 5, 2023
Course Ends: April 26, 2023
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503
Summer 2023 Courses for Teens
June 2023

Art Studio - June
Develop and strengthen fundamental art skills in our teen art studio!
This monthly summer course focuses on foundational skills of art making. Each month offers different practices and materials and invites expression, creativity, learning, and, of course, art.
In this lively and interactive class, teen students are invited to learn or hone skills in a variety of mediums - sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting, mixed media, and materials. Within this, they will also gain inspiration and ideas from contemporary artists working today, as we peek into their work and practices. Students will learn techniques of principles of art and design like form, balance, movement, repetition, and more!
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6-8pm
Course Starts: June 7, 2023
Course Ends: June 28, 2023
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503
July 2023

Art Studio - July
Develop and strengthen fundamental art skills in our teen art studio!
This monthly summer course focuses on foundational skills of art making. Each month offers different practices and materials and invites expression, creativity, learning, and, of course, art.
In this lively and interactive class, teen students are invited to learn or hone skills in a variety of mediums - sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting, mixed media, and materials. Within this, they will also gain inspiration and ideas from contemporary artists working today, as we peek into their work and practices. Students will learn techniques of principles of art and design like form, balance, movement, repetition, and more!
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6-8pm
Course Starts: July 12, 2023
Course Ends: July26, 2023
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503
August 2023

Art Studio - August
Develop and strengthen fundamental art skills in our teen art studio!
This monthly summer course focuses on foundational skills of art making. Each month offers different practices and materials and invites expression, creativity, learning, and, of course, art.
In this lively and interactive class, teen students are invited to learn or hone skills in a variety of mediums - sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting, mixed media, and materials. Within this, they will also gain inspiration and ideas from contemporary artists working today, as we peek into their work and practices. Students will learn techniques of principles of art and design like form, balance, movement, repetition, and more!
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6-8pm
Course Starts: August 2, 2023
Course Ends: August 30, 2023
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503
Frequently Asked Questions
Field Trips and Student Groups
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Fall 2023 Courses for Teens
September - mid October 2023

Art Studio - Drawing
Develop and strengthen fundamental art skills in our teen art studio - drawing class!
This course focuses on foundational skills. Drawing is the foundation of so many art practices - painting, sculpture, even photography and videography!
In this class, teen students will learn and refine the fundamental practice of drawing. We actively develop and strengthen fundamental skills with a focus on both traditional and contemporary drawing materials and concepts, exploring essential elements of 2D design and contemporary art. Through hands-on studies of line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour, students experiment with a number of media such as charcoal, graphite, ink, and colored pencils.
Note: This fall season begins our longer format, six-week courses for teens. This invites a deeper exploration and study into our work and ideas!
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6-8pm
Course Starts: September 6, 2023
Course Ends: October 11, 2023
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503
Mid October - November 2023

Art Studio - Sculpture
Develop and strengthen fundamental art skills in our teen art studio - sculpture class!
This course focuses on foundational skills of sculpture and materials. In this class, teen students will learn and refine the fundamental practice of form as we practice sculpture techniques and practices. Together, we actively develop and strengthen sculptural skills as we learn form, space, and various materials. Together students may work with clay, wood, metal, cardboard, casting with molds, or paper. We will also gain inspiration from contemporary artists working across the country as we look at their work, and talk about their process.
Note: This fall season begins our longer format, six-week courses for teens. This invites a deeper exploration and study into our work and ideas!
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6-8pm
Course Starts: October 18, 2023
Course Ends: November 29, 2023
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503
"My son aboslutely loved your online comics class! He said he could do this forever!"
- Parent of fourteen-year-old student
"I was a little bit nervous to sign up because I didn't know anyone, but everyone was so nice and supportive. I made a lot of friends and we're all doing the next class."
- Sixteen-year-old student

Art Classes at East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
We are proud to share fine art classes at East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation.
Sharing our courses for ages three to adult, we offer easy going introductions to art for preschoolers, lower elementary, upper elementary, teenagers, and adults, including month-long courses, spring and summer camp opportunities, and more. Young Artist Series, art classes for
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