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.