Nurturing Creative Thinkers: The Role of Art in Building Skills for Lifelong Learning
At Cultivate, our Elementary Art Program is more than just a place to learn how to draw or paint; it’s an environment where children...
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Progressive Levels Teen Art
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.
General Arts Program
Our Teen Art Program for ages 13-18 provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop artistic skills across a range of mediums. From drawing and painting to sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media, students build technical expertise while exploring personal expression and contemporary art practices. This program is crafted to prepare teens for advanced artistic development, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and portfolio preparation for college or future artistic endeavors.
Level A: Foundations in Traditional Art Disciplines
A-1: Drawing Foundations
This six-week course introduces teens to essential drawing techniques using graphite and charcoal, focusing on line, form, and shading through observational practice. Historical and contemporary artists like Toyin Ojih Odutola and Wangechi Mutu are incorporated into the learning process.
A-2: Introduction to Painting
Students explore acrylic painting basics, learning about color theory, brush techniques, and simple compositions. Contemporary painters like Amy Sherald and Kerry James Marshall are studied to understand the use of color and emotion.
A-3: Sculpture Basics
This introductory sculpture class focuses on hand-building techniques with clay and plaster, emphasizing form, texture, and volume. Classical and modern sculpture movements, including the works of Simone Leigh and Rachel Whiteread, provide context.
A-4: Printmaking Basics
Teens learn linocut and block printing techniques, mastering carving and creating single-color prints. They explore printmaking history, with a focus on artists like Albrecht Dürer and Elizabeth Catlett.
A-5: 2D Design and Composition
This class covers the principles of two-dimensional design, such as balance, rhythm, and harmony, guiding students through hands-on projects. Students study artists like Faith Ringgold and Julie Mehretu to explore visual hierarchy and impact.
Level C: Pre-College Advanced Art Techniques and Portfolio Preparation
C-1: Exploring Personal Themes and Inquiry in Art
Students focus on developing a body of work based on personal themes, preparing them for college-level art portfolios. Artists like Kara Walker and Njideka Akunyili Crosby provide inspiration for personal and societal themes in art.
C-2: Sustained Investigation: Building a Series
This course guides teens through creating a cohesive series of works around a chosen theme. The importance of technical proficiency and conceptual depth is emphasized, with examples from artists like Agnes Martin and Julie Mehretu.
C-3: Portfolio Development and Artistic Presentation
Students refine their existing work and curate a professional portfolio for college admissions. They also learn how to write artist statements and present their creative vision.
C-4: Advanced Critique and Reflective Practice
This course helps students develop critique skills and engage in reflective writing, fostering a deeper understanding of their artistic process. Renowned artists like Mickalene Thomas and David Hockney are studied for their use of feedback and reflection.
C-5: Exhibition Design and Professional Practices in Art
Teens learn to plan and execute a professional art exhibition, selecting works, designing spaces, and writing artist statements. Artists like Kara Walker and Olafur Eliasson provide inspiration for exhibition design and presentation.
Level B: Developing Artistic Techniques and Creative Expression
B-1: Advanced Figure Drawing
Building on basic drawing skills, this course teaches teens about human anatomy, gesture drawing, and dynamic poses using live models or references. Artists like Käthe Kollwitz and Kehinde Wiley are studied for inspiration.
B-2: Introduction to Oil Painting
Students explore the unique properties of oil painting, learning techniques like mixing, layering, and blending. The works of Old Masters and contemporary artists such as Kehinde Wiley are used to explore modern oil painting techniques.
B-3: Sculptural Form and Installation
Teens work with plaster, wire, and found objects to create three-dimensional sculptures, focusing on construction and balance. The class examines monumental works by artists like Louise Bourgeois and Richard Serra.
B-4: Advanced Printmaking Techniques
This advanced printmaking course introduces multi-color printing, screen printing, and etching techniques. Students learn how contemporary printmakers like Carlos Hernandez and Elizabeth Catlett address social issues through print.
B-5: Mixed Media Exploration
Teens experiment with a variety of materials and techniques, including painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture, to create multi-dimensional artworks. Artists like Wangechi Mutu and Mark Bradford are explored to understand mixed-media innovation.
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
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