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About the Program -
The value of Cultivate's progressive class structure lies in its ability to support continuous learning, ensuring that each student builds on foundational skills before moving on to more advanced techniques. This approach helps parents and guardians see the growth in their child's abilities and confidence, providing a clear pathway for development.
We implement this system to offer a consistent, long-term learning experience that nurtures creativity, fosters problem-solving, and ensures each child is challenged appropriately at their skill level. It emphasizes not just artistic growth, but also personal development, helping students gain focus, patience, and self-expression.
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Certificate in Drawing: Continuing Education Series
Our Adult Art Program offers a comprehensive pathway for individuals at all experience levels to develop their artistic abilities. Starting with foundational courses in drawing, value, and perspective, students build essential skills in various media, including graphite, charcoal, and ink. As participants progress, they explore more complex techniques in figure drawing, composition, and experimental methods, culminating in advanced courses that prepare them for professional practices and portfolio development. This structured approach encourages personal growth, artistic expression, and technical mastery in a supportive environment.
Level A: Foundations in Drawing
A-1: Introduction to Drawing Fundamentals
This course offers adult learners a foundation in drawing, focusing on line quality, shading, and perspective. Students will explore both abstract and representational techniques, with all materials provided.
A-2: Value, Light, and Shadow
This class teaches the principles of rendering form through shading and light to create depth. Participants will practice tonal contrast and smooth gradients for realistic drawing.
A-3: Perspective and Spatial Representation
Students will learn one-point and two-point perspective techniques to create the illusion of depth and space. The course includes exercises to develop spatial accuracy in architectural and natural scenes.
A-4: Figure Drawing I: Gesture and Proportion
This introductory figure drawing class focuses on gesture and proportion, teaching students to capture dynamic poses and anatomical accuracy. Live model sessions are included.
A-5: Composition and Design
This course introduces the principles of composition and visual balance. Students will learn to use focal points, contrast, and spatial arrangement to create engaging artworks.
Level C: Advanced Drawing and Professional Practice
C-1: Advanced Figure Drawing: Expression and Movement
This course focuses on capturing the figure in motion, emphasizing expressive poses and anatomical accuracy. Students will explore gesture and movement in dynamic compositions.
C-2: Conceptual Drawing and Personal Voice
Students will develop a personal visual language through conceptual drawing, exploring themes like identity and abstraction. The class encourages self-expression and thematic cohesion.
C-3: Large-Scale Drawing Projects
This course challenges students to work on large-scale drawings, focusing on composition, detail, and spatial management. Students will complete a significant large-format piece.
C-4: Advanced Mixed Media Drawing
This class integrates drawing with other media, such as painting and printmaking, to create hybrid works. Students will experiment with layering and combining techniques.
C-5: Professional Practices for Drawing
This course prepares students for the professional art world, focusing on portfolio development, documentation, and self-promotion. Students will learn how to present their work for exhibitions and galleries.
Level B: Intermediate Drawing Techniques
B-1: Intermediate Figure Drawing: Anatomy and Structure
This course deepens figure drawing skills with a focus on anatomical accuracy. Students will explore skeletal and muscular structures to enhance their figure rendering.
B-2: Advanced Perspective and Architectural Drawing
Students will refine their perspective drawing techniques, tackling complex one-point, two-point, and three-point perspectives. Projects include detailed architectural drawings.
B-3: Still Life and Object Rendering
This class focuses on rendering textures, light, and material qualities in still life compositions. Techniques for depicting objects like metal, glass, and fabric are explored.
B-4: Experimental Drawing Techniques
Students will push the boundaries of traditional drawing by experimenting with unconventional tools and media. The class emphasizes creativity, spontaneity, and new techniques.
B-5: Landscape and Environmental Drawing
This course covers atmospheric perspective and rendering natural environments. Students will work in both studio and outdoor settings to capture depth, light, and organic forms.
Certificate in Painting: Continuing Education Series
Our Adult Painting Program offers a structured and immersive pathway for individuals to develop their skills in the art of painting, regardless of their experience level. Beginning with foundational courses in color theory, painting techniques, and materials, students will gain hands-on experience with acrylic, oil, and watercolor. As they progress, participants explore more advanced techniques such as figure painting, narrative development, and mixed media approaches, fostering both technical proficiency and creative expression. The program culminates in advanced courses designed to challenge artists with large-scale projects and conceptual exploration, while also preparing them for professional practices, exhibition preparation, and portfolio development. This comprehensive approach promotes personal growth, creative exploration, and mastery in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Level A: Foundations in Painting
A-1: Introduction to Color and Painting Techniques
This course covers the basics of color theory and painting methods using acrylic, oil, and watercolor. Students will learn essential techniques for color mixing, brushwork, and paint application to build form and texture.
A-2: Fundamentals of Painting: Materials and Techniques
Students will explore the properties of different painting materials like acrylic, oil, and gouache while mastering techniques such as brushwork, layering, and blending. Emphasis is placed on understanding paint consistency and its effects on texture.
A-3: Color Theory and Application
This course dives into the practical application of color theory, focusing on mixing and using complementary, warm, and cool tones. Students will learn how to manipulate color to create mood, depth, and contrast in their paintings.
A-4: Introduction to Abstract Painting
In this class, students will explore non-representational art through color, shape, and form, focusing on developing personal expression in abstract works. Techniques in brushwork and composition will help participants move beyond realism.
A-5: Introduction to Representational Painting
This course teaches the fundamentals of representational painting, focusing on realistic still life and portraits. Students will develop skills in proportion, perspective, and light to capture the natural world accurately.
Level C: Advanced Painting Techniques and Professional Practice
C-1: Advanced Figure and Portraiture
This course focuses on capturing complex human expressions, gestures, and anatomical details in figure and portrait painting. Students will refine their approach to realistic representation while developing their personal style.
C-2: Large-Scale Painting Projects
Students will tackle the challenges of large-scale painting, focusing on composition, spatial dynamics, and managing technical complexities. The course emphasizes planning and execution to produce impactful, expansive works.
C-3: Conceptual Painting and Abstraction
This class explores abstract and conceptual painting, pushing students to refine their personal voice while incorporating meaningful themes. Emphasis is on creating thematically rich and visually compelling works through advanced abstraction techniques.
C-4: Professional Practices for Painters
This course equips students with professional skills such as documenting artwork, building portfolios, and navigating gallery relations. Emphasis is placed on preparing for exhibitions and self-promotion within the art world.
C-5: Final Project and Critique
Students will complete a comprehensive body of work that reflects their artistic journey, with in-depth critiques guiding final refinements. The course prepares students for exhibition or professional presentation with a cohesive, well-executed series.
Level B: Intermediate Painting Techniques
B-1: Intermediate Figure Painting
Students will deepen their understanding of painting the human form with an emphasis on anatomy, gesture, and realistic skin tones. Live model sessions provide real-time practice to enhance gesture and movement capture.
B-2: Advanced Color and Light
This course covers advanced color theory, focusing on how natural and artificial light influence painting. Students will experiment with chromatic gradients and lighting effects to create dynamic, high-contrast works.
B-3: Experimental Painting Techniques
Students are encouraged to push creative boundaries by incorporating non-traditional materials and textures into their work. The class emphasizes experimentation with techniques like impasto, glazing, and mixed media to create innovative paintings.
B-4: Narrative and Series Development
This course guides students in creating a cohesive series of paintings, focusing on narrative and conceptual development. Emphasis is placed on maintaining thematic continuity while refining personal voice and technique.
B-5: Mixed Media Painting
This class explores the integration of painting with other media like collage and printmaking, encouraging creative cross-medium exploration. Students will balance multiple materials to create cohesive mixed-media works.
Certificate in Printmaking: Continuing Education Series
Our Adult Printmaking Program offers a comprehensive and structured approach for individuals at all experience levels to explore the diverse techniques of printmaking. Beginning with foundational courses in relief, intaglio, screen printing, and lithography, students will learn essential skills in material handling, carving, and inking. As they progress, participants will delve into more advanced methods such as multi-block color printing, engraving, and experimental printmaking techniques, allowing for creative exploration and technical refinement. The program culminates in courses focused on integrating multiple processes, large-scale projects, and professional practices, equipping students with the skills needed for exhibition preparation and portfolio development. This program fosters both technical mastery and artistic expression in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Level A: Foundations of Printmaking
A-1: Introduction to Printmaking Practices
This foundational course offers an introduction to core printmaking processes, including relief, intaglio, screen printing, and lithography. Students will gain hands-on experience with various techniques while learning safe material handling.
A-2: Relief Printmaking: Linocut and Woodcut
This course focuses on the techniques of linocut and woodcut to create bold, graphic prints. Students will learn carving, inking, and printing processes, producing a series of relief prints.
A-3: Intaglio: Etching and Drypoint
Participants will explore intaglio processes such as etching and drypoint, learning to create detailed imagery with fine lines and rich tonal variations. This course emphasizes precision in plate preparation and mastering tonal techniques.
A-4: Screen Printing Fundamentals
This course covers the basics of screen printing, focusing on stencil-making and printing on paper and fabric. Students will learn multi-color registration and layering techniques to create dynamic prints.
A-5: Lithography Techniques
Students will explore polyester plate lithography, focusing on chemical processes and image transfer methods. The course emphasizes creating detailed and high-quality lithographic prints.
Level C: Advanced Printmaking Exploration
C-1: Mastering Multi-Process Printmaking
This advanced course focuses on combining relief, intaglio, and screen printing techniques in a single work. Students will learn to integrate multiple processes for complex, multi-layered prints.
C-2: Large-Scale Print Projects
This course covers the technical challenges of creating large-scale prints using relief or intaglio methods. Students will plan and execute large-format compositions while refining their printing techniques.
C-3: Experimental Lithography
Students will explore innovative lithography techniques, including multi-color processes and the use of non-traditional materials. This course encourages creative experimentation to produce dynamic prints.
C-4: Conceptual Printmaking and Series Development
This course guides students through the process of developing a cohesive print series centered on conceptual ideas. Emphasis is placed on planning and executing a multi-piece body of work with consistent themes.
C-5: Professional Practices and Exhibition Preparation
This course prepares students for professional exhibitions by teaching portfolio development, edition management, and exhibition logistics. Participants will learn how to present their work professionally and navigate the printmaking industry.
Level B: Intermediate Printmaking Development
B-1: Advanced Relief Techniques
This course delves into multi-block color printing and reduction methods in relief printmaking. Students will refine their registration skills and explore complex layering techniques to produce intricate, multi-color prints.
B-2: Intaglio: Engraving and Mezzotint
Participants will learn advanced intaglio processes like engraving and mezzotint to create finely detailed prints with rich contrasts. The course emphasizes controlling tonal range and mastering intricate lines and textures.
B-3: Experimental Screen Printing
This course introduces experimental screen printing methods such as photo-emulsion and texture applications. Students will explore multi-layered designs and push the boundaries of traditional screen printing techniques.
B-4: Cyanotype Printing Practices
This course teaches cyanotype, a photographic printing process using light-sensitive chemicals. Students will create blue-toned prints, experimenting with layering and combining photographic and hand-drawn elements.
B-5: Mixed Media and Monoprinting
This course explores monoprinting and integrating mixed media elements like painting, drawing, and collage. Students will create spontaneous, one-off prints using a variety of techniques and materials.
Certificate in Fiber and Textile Arts: Adult Education Series
Our Adult Fiber and Textile Arts Program provides a comprehensive and structured pathway for individuals to explore the rich world of fiber arts, regardless of prior experience. Beginning with foundational courses in weaving, dyeing, surface design, and embroidery, students will develop essential skills in working with a variety of materials and techniques. As participants advance, they will explore intermediate techniques such as pattern development, advanced dyeing methods, and experimental textiles, incorporating non-traditional materials and processes. The program culminates in advanced courses that focus on large-scale projects, conceptual fiber art, interdisciplinary approaches, and professional practices, preparing students for exhibitions and professional opportunities. This program encourages creativity, personal expression, and technical mastery in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Level A: Foundations in Fiber and Textile Arts
A-1: Introduction to Weaving
This course introduces students to frame loom weaving, covering essential techniques such as warp and weft interactions. Participants will learn to create simple patterns and textures while building foundational loom setup skills.
A-2: Fundamentals of Dyeing
Explore natural and synthetic dyeing techniques, focusing on immersion and resist methods like tie-dye and shibori. Students will learn about dye chemistry and experiment with color theory and pattern creation on fabrics.
A-3: Introduction to Surface Design
Learn block printing and fabric stamping techniques to create patterns and imagery on textiles. The course covers ink application, texture development, and design repetition to enhance textile projects.
A-4: Basics of Hand Embroidery
This course covers fundamental embroidery stitches like backstitch, satin stitch, and chain stitch. Students will develop precision and stitch consistency to create intricate designs on textiles.
A-5: Sustainable Mending
Focus on visible and invisible mending techniques to repair and personalize textiles. Students will explore patching, darning, and embellishing worn fabrics for sustainable and creative textile solutions.
Level C: Advanced Fiber and Textile Arts
C-1: Advanced Weaving Techniques
Focus on large-scale weaving projects, mastering complex patterns and multi-harness loom techniques. This course emphasizes managing large projects from planning to execution, incorporating non-traditional materials.
C-2: Conceptual Fiber Art
Develop narrative-driven and concept-based textile works, exploring themes like identity and personal expression. Students will integrate thematic concepts into their fiber practice, creating pieces with depth and meaning.
C-3: Interdisciplinary Textile Art
Combine textiles with materials like metal, ceramics, and wood to create mixed-media works. This course explores the integration of textiles into other media, pushing artistic boundaries in fiber arts.
C-4: Professional Practices for Fiber Artists
Learn how to prepare fiber artwork for exhibitions, develop a professional portfolio, and navigate gallery or market spaces. The course emphasizes exhibition logistics, networking, and portfolio development for fiber artists.
C-5: Fiber Art Mastery
A project-based course where students refine their personal style and receive advanced critique. Participants will work independently on a final fiber art project, preparing their work for exhibition or professional presentation.
Level B: Intermediate Techniques in Fiber Arts
B-1: Intermediate Weaving and Pattern Development
Build on foundational weaving skills, advancing to multi-harness looms and complex pattern development. Students will experiment with textures and non-traditional materials in more intricate weaving projects.
B-2: Advanced Dyeing Techniques
Explore advanced dyeing methods such as shibori and batik, focusing on layered patterns and complex color applications. Emphasis is placed on achieving intricate designs through multi-step dye processes.
B-3: Advanced Surface Design and Fabric Printing
Learn advanced screen printing, hand painting, and block printing techniques to create complex, layered patterns on textiles. This course focuses on refining surface design skills and achieving professional-quality prints.
B-4: Embellishment and Decorative Stitching
Master advanced techniques in embroidery, applique, and beading to create richly decorated textiles. The course emphasizes precision in decorative stitching and balancing embellishments for cohesive designs.
B-5: Experimental Textiles
Push the boundaries of traditional fiber arts by experimenting with felting, fiber sculpting, and unconventional materials. Students will explore tactile creativity and new textures in experimental textile projects.
Certificate in Sculpture: Continuing Education Series
Our Adult Sculpture Program offers a comprehensive pathway for individuals to develop their skills in three-dimensional art, from foundational techniques to advanced sculptural practices. Beginning with courses in clay modeling, plaster work, and basic assemblage, students build an understanding of form, structure, and material properties. As they progress, participants delve into intermediate techniques such as mold-making, metalworking, and mixed media sculpture, exploring more complex materials and processes. The program culminates in advanced courses focused on large-scale projects, experimental forms, and professional practices, enabling students to refine their personal voice and prepare their work for exhibitions. This structured approach fosters creativity, technical mastery, and individual expression in a collaborative, hands-on environment.
Level A: Foundations in Sculpture
A-1: Sculptural Foundations
Introduction to foundational materials like clay and plaster. Students will learn basic hand-building, modeling, and casting techniques, focusing on form and material properties.
A-2: Clay Modeling and Fabrication
Learn basic clay modeling techniques and simple fabrication methods. This course focuses on creating small-scale models and developing textural surfaces with precision and visualization.
A-3: Sculpting with Plaster and Wire
Explore techniques in plaster sculpting and wire armature building. Students will work with additive and subtractive processes to understand form-building and structural integrity.
A-4: Introduction to Assemblage
Combine materials like wood, metal, and paper to create assemblage sculptures. Emphasis on composition, balance, and spatial awareness in integrating various materials.
A-5: Figurative Sculpture Basics
Introduction to sculpting the human figure using clay and malleable materials, with a focus on proportion and anatomy. Develop observational skills and an understanding of expressive forms.
Level C: Advanced Sculpture Techniques
C-1: Personal Projects and Mentorship
Advanced techniques in a chosen medium, with personalized mentorship to refine methods and techniques. This course supports the development of a unique artistic voice.
C-2: Advanced Metalworking and Fabrication
Focus on advanced metalworking techniques, including precision fabrication and detailed finishing. Students will plan and execute complex metal sculptures.
C-3: Large-Scale Sculpture
Techniques for constructing large-scale sculptures, addressing material weight, structural integrity, and transportation. Emphasis on project management and advanced fabrication.
C-4: Experimental Sculptural Forms
Explore unconventional forms and materials, pushing creative boundaries with abstract concepts. This course encourages experimentation and narrative integration in sculpture.
C-5: Professional Practices in Sculpture
Prepare work for professional presentation, focusing on portfolio development, exhibition planning, and artist statements. Learn how to navigate the professional art world and present cohesive bodies of work.
Level B: Intermediate Sculpture Techniques
B-1: Intermediate Mold Making and Casting
Advance mold-making skills using plaster, rubber, and casting with resins. Students will refine accuracy in casting techniques and explore new materials.
B-2: Intermediate Carving Techniques
Refine carving skills using materials like wood and soapstone. This course emphasizes precision in carving, surface detailing, and tool safety.
B-3: Metal Sculpture and Welding
Introduction to metalworking techniques, including welding and soldering. Focus on understanding metal properties and mastering fine motor skills in sculpture.
B-4: Exploratory Mixed Media Sculpture
Combine traditional and non-traditional materials like fabric, paper, and plastics to create experimental sculptures. This course challenges conventional boundaries of form and texture.
B-5: Small-Scale Installations
Focus on creating small-scale installations that explore space, narrative, and viewer interaction. Emphasis on composition and conceptual storytelling in spatial environments.
Certificate in Comics: Continuing Education Series
Our Adult Comics Program offers a structured pathway for individuals to explore and refine their skills in comic art and storytelling. Starting with foundational courses in drawing, character creation, and basic comic storytelling techniques, participants gain essential skills in figure drawing, composition, and visual narrative. As they advance, students dive into more complex aspects of comic creation, such as world-building, inking, and lettering, while mastering techniques for dynamic page layouts and engaging storytelling. The program culminates in advanced courses focused on sequential art, long-form comics, and professional portfolio development, helping students prepare for self-publishing, exhibitions, or a career in the comics industry. This program supports the growth of both artistic skill and creative storytelling, fostering a deep connection between personal expression and visual narrative.
Level A: Comics Introduction
A1: Character Basics
Introduces young artists to comic character creation, focusing on designing characters with basic shapes, facial expressions, and body language to convey personality and emotion.
A2: Storyboarding Start
Teaches students how to organize comic stories into panels, focusing on visual storytelling, narrative flow, and guiding the reader through the sequence of events.
A3: Inking Intro
Introduces basic inking techniques, emphasizing line quality, shading, and transitioning pencil sketches to finished inked drawings.
A4: Storytelling, Narratives, and Text in Comics
Explores how to integrate text and visuals to create compelling narratives, focusing on the role of dialogue, captions, and sound effects in comic storytelling.
A5: Color and Tone in Comics
Teaches basic color application techniques to enhance mood, tone, and emotional impact in comic panels, with an emphasis on color theory and visual storytelling.
Level C: Mastering Comic Art
C1: Advanced Character Development and Dynamic Poses
Challenges students to create complex characters with detailed backstories and depict them in dynamic, action-packed poses while maintaining design consistency.
C2: Complex Story Arcs and Subplots in Comics
Teaches how to weave intricate storylines and subplots, focusing on character development, pacing, and maintaining reader engagement over longer narratives.
C3: Advanced Inking and Coloring Techniques
Explores refined inking and coloring methods, emphasizing the use of texture, depth, shading, and contrast to create professional-quality comic pages.
C4: Graphic Novel Creation: From Concept to Completion
Guides students through the entire graphic novel creation process, from initial concept development to final inking and coloring, focusing on project management and long-form storytelling.
C5: The Comic Showcase
Teaches students how to prepare their comics for presentation, curating a professional portfolio, and developing communication skills to showcase their work in a final exhibition or portfolio presentation.
Level B: Developing Comics Skills
B1: Character Development
Focuses on creating detailed and consistent characters with backstories, refined expressions, and body language, ensuring continuity across different scenes.
B2: Storyline Expansions
Guides students in developing more complex comic narratives, incorporating multiple story arcs and subplots to create dynamic, multi-layered stories.
B3: Graphic Novel Creation
Teaches the process of creating a graphic novel, from structuring a long-form narrative to maintaining consistency in character design and visual themes across chapters.
B4: Dynamic Storyboarding and Layouts
Explores advanced storyboarding techniques, teaching students how to create dynamic layouts that enhance pacing, guide the reader’s eye, and depict action effectively.
B5: Experimenting with Comics and Color Mediums
Encourages students to experiment with various color mediums (colored pencils, watercolors, pastels) to enhance texture, mood, and depth in their comic art.
Browse Classes: Use the search options below to filter by age, skill level, price, or medium. If desired, you can access the complete course catalog and progressive course sequences, with downloadable plans, to help identify the appropriate path or pattern that aligns with your artistic development and skill level.
Register Online: Once you've found the class that speaks to your creative interests, register online to secure your spot.
Fall 2024 Classes
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 hello@cultivategrandrapids.org
"My daughter absolutely loves the art classes at Cultivate! The variety of projects keeps her interested, and she enjoys trying out new materials and techniques every week. The teachers are so supportive and do a great job of encouraging each child’s unique style. It's wonderful to see her excitement about art and watch her confidence grow as she develops new skills. This program has been such a positive experience for her!"
~Parent of an eight year old
"I love going to the art classes at Cultivate! We get to try so many cool things. The teachers are really nice and help us if we don’t know what to do. I like that we can make mistakes and try new things without worrying about getting it perfect. My favorite part is showing my art to my family at the showcases—they always tell me how proud they are. I can't wait for the next class!"
~Nine-year old student
""Finding a quality art program for my homeschooling kids has been a challenge, but Cultivate’s art classes have been a game-changer for us. The classes are diverse and engaging, allowing my kids to explore different art forms in a way that's fun and educational. I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in their creativity and problem-solving skills, and they’re always eager to share what they've made. The program has really enriched our homeschooling experience by providing a creative outlet that we couldn’t offer at home.""
~Homeschooling Dad