Ready to Enroll? A Step-by-Step Guide to Joining Cultivate’s Summer Art Camp
Joining Cultivate’s Summer Art Camp in Grand Rapids, Michigan, promises a summer filled with creative exploration, skill development, and...
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Elementary Art Program
Cultivate is dedicated to making exceptional art education accessible and convenient for families. Our elementary art program is offered across three distinct locations, providing parents and guardians the flexibility to choose the most suitable environment and schedule for their child. Each location adheres to our core mission: to nurture comprehensive learning through creative exploration and mastery of skills, with the option for students to attend classes at multiple sites to best accommodate their needs.
Program Highlights
Unleash Creativity: In our supportive environments, we encourage students to freely express themselves using a variety of artistic mediums, fostering genuine self-expression.
Build a Strong Artistic Foundation: Our curriculum is infused with fundamental art techniques, from mastering line work to understanding color theory, ensuring students establish a solid artistic base.
Develop Critical Thinking: Through thought-provoking activities, students enhance their analytical and evaluative skills, crucial for artistic success and everyday problem-solving.
Foster Personal Growth: We champion risk-taking and experimentation, crucial for personal development, boosting self-confidence, and nurturing a sense of accomplishment in one's artistic journey.
Inspire Lifelong Passion for Art: Our ultimate goal is to ignite a deep and lasting love for the arts, inspiring students to continue their creative pursuits long after they leave our classrooms.
Whether your child is just beginning their artistic journey or seeking to deepen their existing skills, our programs across all locations are committed to sparking creativity and a lifelong passion for art in every young artist.
Join us at Cultivate, where we transform artistic potential into reality, one young artist at a time.
Summer Art Camps
Our summer art programs are thoughtfully designed for elementary-aged children, offering both half-day and full-day options to accommodate the varied needs and schedules of families.
These immersive programs cover a wide array of artistic disciplines, from painting and sculpture to fiber arts and art adventure camps, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging creative experience for every young artist.
Current Courses for Elementary
Photography Scavenger Hunt
Photography Scavenger Hunt is a dynamic, hands-on, four-week program that immerses students aged 6-12 in the basics of photography through the lens of a scavenger hunt. Each week, students will learn a new aspect of photography and will then set out on a themed scavenger hunt to apply these skills.
Note - We will be emailing students to see if they have cameras available. We will have a variety of film cameras to use for the duration of the class, but if students would like to use ours exclusively they may!
Course Dates: Saturdays in January
Course Starts: January 6, 2024
Course Ends: January 27, 2024
Time: 10:00-11:30am
Location: KCAD, 17 Pearl St, Grand Rapids MI
Sculpture Beginnings
The Sculpture Beginnings class is a comprehensive and engaging four-week program designed to introduce students aged 6-12 to the captivating world of sculpture. Through hands-on activities, projects, and explorations, students will develop artistic skills, critical thinking abilities, and an appreciation for three-dimensional art forms. Students will learn foundational sculpting techniques, explore form, space, and texture, and work with diverse materials. Creative problem-solving activities, exposure to contemporary sculptors, and a collaborative learning environment further enhance their artistic journey. By developing observation skills and engaging in self-expression, students will embark on a transformative exploration of sculpture, nurturing a lifelong passion for the arts.
Course Dates: Mondays in January
Course Starts: January 8, 2024
Course Ends: January 29, 2024
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Location: KCAD, 17 Pearl St, Grand Rapids, MI
Introduction to Drawing Fundamentals
Introduction to Drawing Fundamentals is designed to provide young artists with the basic skills and concepts needed to understand and enjoy the world of drawing. Throughout this four-week course, students will learn various techniques like line work, shading, and basic perspective. They will also be exposed to different drawing materials and mediums as they engage in a series of guided projects, each aimed at strengthening their foundational drawing skills.
Course Dates: Tuesdays in January
Course Starts: January 9, 2024
Course Ends: January 30, 2024
Time: 430-530pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Painting Explorations
Unleash your creativity as you learn awesome brushwork techniques, mix magical colors, discover the secrets of composition and design, bring light and shadows to life, make bold and expressive marks, and have a blast with different painting mediums. Throughout this artistic journey, students will develop foundational skills in fine art painting, exploring various techniques and concepts with the guidance of experienced instructors. Cultivate your artistic skills, expand your creative thinking, and develop a deep appreciation for the visual arts.
Course Dates: Wednesdays in January
Course Starts: January 10, 2024
Course Ends: January 31, 2024
Time: 430-530pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Weaving
Through hands-on instruction, students will learn the basic techniques of weaving, experimenting with color, texture, and pattern to create their own woven pieces. Each session is designed to be interactive and fun, ensuring that children can enjoy the process of creating art with fabric and yarn. By the end of the class, each young weaver will have the knowledge to continue exploring this craft and a unique woven project to take home.
Taught by professional artist Gail Long.
Course Dates: Thursdays in February
Course Starts: February 1, 2024
Course Ends: February 29, 2024
Time: 430-530pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Introduction to Photography for Kids
Introduction to Photography for Kids is a four-week course designed to provide young learners with a comprehensive understanding of photography as an art form. In this 1.5-hour per session class, children aged 6-12 will learn the fundamentals of photography, including basic camera operation, composition, and understanding light. The course aims to offer an engaging and interactive learning environment where students can practice their skills through hands-on activities such as portrait photography, nature shoots, and storytelling through images. The end goal is to empower the students to see the world through a different lens and express themselves creatively.
Course Dates: Saturdays in February
Course Starts: February 3, 2024
Course Ends: February 24, 2024
Time: 10:00am-11:30am
Location: Kendall College of Art and Design, 17 Pearl St
Understanding Perspective in Art
Unlock the secrets of creating depth and dimension in art with the "Understanding Perspective in Art course! Over four weeks, young artists aged 6-12 will discover how to make their artworks come to life through the principles of perspective. Learn to create a sense of depth, scale, and proportion in drawings, understand one-point, two-point, and atmospheric perspective, and apply these skills in various art projects.
Course Dates: Tuesdays in February
Course Starts: February 6, 2024
Course Ends: February 27, 2024
Time: 430-530pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Introduction to Painting with Acrylics
In this four-week course designed for young artists aged 6-12, students will gain hands-on experience in acrylic painting. The course progresses through essential painting techniques starting with basic color blending, advancing to layering and glazing for added complexity, exploring various tools for creating texture, and concluding with principles of composition to assemble a cohesive final artwork.
Course Dates: Wednesdays in February
Course Starts: February 7, 2024
Course Ends: February 28, 2024
Time: 430-530pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Manga and Anime Drawing
Step-by-step, our skilled instructors will guide students through the process of creating their own Manga and Anime characters, emphasizing the importance of proportion, movement, and emotion in their drawings. This class not only hones artistic skills but also encourages the appreciation of Manga and Anime storytelling.
Course Dates: Thursdays in February
Course Starts: February 8, 2024
Course Ends: February 29, 2024
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, 750 Lakeside Dr SE
Note: registration is through East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation website. Please follow the link below and click on "Youth Activities" and scroll down to see Cultivate courses
Nature Macro Photography for Young Artists
This engaging four-week program introduces young artists aged 6-12 to the magical world of macro photography with a focus on nature. Students will learn the basics of photography and how to capture small details of the natural world, such as insects, flowers, and textures, through a macro lens. The course will help students develop their observational skills and their appreciation for the beauty found in small things. Both the process of capturing photos and the end product—a portfolio of their own macro photographs—are central to this course.
Course Dates: Saturdays in March
Course Starts: March 2, 2024
Course Ends: March 30, 2024
Time: 10:30am-11:30am
Location: Kendall College of Art and Design, 17 Pearl Street
Building 3D Nature Art
Building 3D Nature Art immerses children aged 6-12 in an artistic journey that emphasizes both skill-building and hands-on creation. Students will explore key principles of three-dimensional art—such as form and spatial awareness—and apply these concepts in creating tangible sculptures using natural materials like rocks, leaves, twigs, and clay. Throughout the course, they'll make small "Nature Portraits," balanced rock towers, themed garden sculptures, and even a large "Forest Diorama," thus turning their learnings into meaningful, nature-inspired artworks.
Course Dates: Mondays in March
Course Starts: March 4, 2024
Course Ends: March 25, 2024
Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm
Location: Kendall College of Art and Design, 17 Pearl Street
Exploring Still Life in Drawing and Painting
In Exploring Still Life in Drawing and Painting, young artists will learn the foundational techniques for representing still life objects in both drawing and painting mediums. Over the span of four weeks, students will learn how to sketch and outline, explore shading and texture, and understand color theory as they apply these techniques to drawing and painting various still life compositions.
Course Dates: Tuesdays in March
Course Starts: March 5, 2024
Course Ends: March 25, 2024
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE
Watercolor Basics and Techniques
In Watercolor Basics and Techniques, students will explore the vibrant and versatile medium of watercolor painting. This four-week course combines instruction on foundational techniques such as washes, wet-on-wet, and wet-on-dry methods with project-based learning. Each session will focus on mastering a specific watercolor technique, followed by creating a corresponding artwork. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of varied watercolor artworks, including landscapes, abstract pieces, and detailed studies of natural elements.
Course Dates: Wednesdays in March
Course Starts: March 5, 2024
Course Ends: March 25, 2024
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE
Surface Design: Batik and Stamping
Surface Design and Batiking for Young Artists is a captivating course tailored for children aged 6-12. This unique class introduces students to the art of surface design and batiking, guiding them through the process of creating their own fabric artworks. Each of the four sessions focuses on different techniques, from learning to apply dyes and resist materials to exploring patterns and color blending on textiles. Students will discover the rich traditions behind batiking, gaining hands-on experience in decorating fabrics that reflect their personal style and creativity. By the end of the course, participants will have crafted several pieces of art, showcasing their new skills in textile design and batiking. This course is perfect for young artists eager to explore the possibilities of fabric art and create their own wearable and decorative masterpieces.
Course Dates: Thursdays in March
Course Starts: March 6, 2024
Course Ends: March 26, 2024
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE
Creating Large-Scale Sculptures
In this four-week immersive course, students aged 6-12 will delve into the fascinating world of large-scale sculpture. They will learn key techniques for designing, planning, and building oversized sculptural projects, all while fostering their creativity, collaboration skills, and understanding of spatial concepts. Both the process of creating these large pieces and the end product—actual large-scale sculptures—are integral parts of this enriching journey.
Note - Photo is 'Paper World' by Ayumi Shibata, an artist we'll be looking at in class!
Course Dates: Mondays in April
Course Starts: April 8, 2024
Course Ends: April 29, 2024
Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm
Location: Kendall College of Art and Design, 17 Pearl St
Portraits: Faces and Expressions
Welcome to Portraits: Faces and Expressions, a four-week course designed to guide young artists through the fundamentals of portrait art. With expert instruction, students will learn how to capture facial features, expressions, and character in their drawings and paintings. From sketching basic shapes to mastering the details of eyes, noses, mouths, and more, this course provides a comprehensive look at the art of portraiture. Throughout the sessions, students will work on hands-on projects, including drawing self-portraits, cartoon faces, and painting expressive figures.
Course Dates: Tuesdays in April
Course Starts: April 9, 2024
Course Ends: April 30, 2024
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St
Painting Pop Art Cityscapes
In this three-week course, young artists will explore the vibrant and visually stimulating world of Pop Art while focusing on cityscapes. Students will gain hands-on experience with a variety of painting techniques such as layering, texture, and color blocking. They will also learn how to incorporate pop culture elements and iconic city landmarks into their artwork. The course offers an in-depth look at color theory, composition, and modern art history, allowing students to create their own Pop Art cityscapes using acrylic paints.
Course Dates: Wednesdays in April
Course Starts: April 1o, 2024
Course Ends: April 24, 2024
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St
Embroidery and Hand Sewing
Embroidery and Hand Sewing for Young Creators is a hands-on course designed for children aged 6-12. This engaging class introduces the basics of embroidery and hand sewing, equipping young artists with the skills to bring their creative visions to life through needle and thread. Over the course of four sessions, students will learn various stitching techniques, from classic embroidery stitches to fundamental hand-sewing skills, enabling them to embellish fabrics with their designs. The curriculum is tailored to encourage creativity and self-expression, allowing students to work on personalized projects such as custom patches, decorated apparel, or unique textile art. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a solid foundation in embroidery and sewing, along with a collection of handcrafted pieces that showcase their newfound abilities and artistic flair. This class is ideal for young crafters looking to explore the world of textile arts in a fun and supportive environment.
Course Dates: Thursdays in April
Course Starts: April 11, 2024
Course Ends: April 25, 2024
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St
Exploring Your World: Kid's Photography
Exploring Your World: Kid's Photography is a dynamic four-week course that blends walking tours with the art of photography. Catering to students aged 6-12, the class aims to expand their horizons by focusing on the exploration of various spaces and places. Through photo assignments and prompts that are adaptable to skill level, the course will cover capturing line, texture, and other elements in their surrounding environment.
Course Dates: Saturdays in April
Course Starts: April 13, 2024
Course Ends: April 27, 2024
Time: 10:00-11:30am
Location: Kendall College of Art and Design, 17 Pearl Street
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Photography as Visual Storytelling
In the "Photography as Visual Storytelling" course, students will explore the power of photography as a tool for conveying narratives, emotions, and perspectives. Over the span of four weeks, students will be guided through various types of storytelling techniques, including thematic, sequential, and character-driven photography. Students will have walking tours to capture their surroundings, focusing on elements like line and texture, and will have both simple and more complex assignments tailored to their skill level.
Course Dates: Saturdays in May
Course Starts: May 4, 2024
Course Ends: May 25, 2024
Time: 10:00-11:30am
Location: Kendall College of Art and Design, 17 Pearl Street
Paper Sculpture Techniques
In Paper Sculpture Techniques, students aged 6-12 will dive into the intricate and fascinating world of 3D paper sculpture. This four-week course is designed to teach students a wide array of paper sculpting methods, from origami and quilling to paper cutting and layering. The class aims to foster creativity and innovative thinking by encouraging experimentation with various paper types and forms.
Course Dates: Mondays in May
Course Starts: May 6, 2024
Course Ends: May 20, 2024
Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm
Location: Kendall College of Art and Design, 17 Pearl Street
Art Journaling and Creative Doodling
In the Art Journaling and Creative Doodling course for ages 6 to 12, students will get the chance to explore the introspective and imaginative worlds of journaling and doodling. Over four weeks, they'll fill their own art journals with creative doodles, sketches, and even some written words. This course focuses on the joy of the process rather than the perfection of the product. We'll learn various doodling techniques, explore mixed media, and even get a taste of basic hand lettering, all while working in an art journal that becomes a keepsake of the child's artistic journey.
Course Dates: Tuesdays in May
Course Starts: May 7, 2024
Course Ends: May 21, 2024
Time: 4:30-5:30pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St
Impressionist Painting Approaches
In this four-week Impressionist Painting Approaches course for ages 6-12, students will learn the foundational principles of Impressionist painting techniques. Students will explore the use of light, color, and texture to convey mood and atmosphere. Through a variety of hands-on projects including both small and larger canvases, students will learn to create their own Impressionist landscapes, still lifes, and portraits.
Course Dates: Wednesdays in May
Course Starts: May 8, 2024
Course Ends: May 29, 2024
Time: 4:30-5:30pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St
Fiber Art Fun 2
Fiber Art Fun 2 is a four-week intermediate course designed for children aged 6-12, aimed at expanding their foundational skills in fiber arts. Over the course of four sessions, students will dive into more complex techniques, including intricate weaving patterns, advanced felting methods, and sophisticated yarn crafts.
By the end of the four weeks, participants will have completed a series of projects that not only showcase their advanced skills but also their creative journey in exploring the vast possibilities of working with fiber. "Fiber Art Fun 2" offers a supportive environment for young artists to further their passion for fiber arts, enhancing their capabilities and confidence in their artistic expressions.
Course Dates: Thursdays in May
Course Starts: May 9, 2024
Course Ends: May 30, 2024
Time: 430-530pm
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Art Classes at East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
We are proud to share fine art classes at East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation.
This year, we are sharing courses for preschool, elementary, and adults.
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
"I LOVE photography! I always took pictures with my phone, but didn't know anything like this. I want to do every class!"
- Twelve-year-old student after learning film photography
"I didn't know art could BE like this!"
- Nine-year old student
"Thank you! My daughter walked away from this class with a new confidence in herself and in art. She's been showing us her work every day and is drawing all the time now!"
- Parent of nine-year-old student
Cultivate Conversations:
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