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...
top of page
Spring Break Art Camps
Get ready to have fun, make new friends, and get creative in our spring break art camps!
Morning Session: Miniature Worlds
9-12pm
Join us for a hands-on adventure in building and designing your own miniature worlds. In this spring break camp for kids ages 6-12, we’ll focus on model making, sculpture, and diorama creation. Each day, students will explore architecture and design principles as they create tiny buildings, landscapes, and characters. Using materials like clay, cardboard, wire, and paint, campers will craft their own imagined environments, from tiny cities to enchanted forests.
By the end of the week, students will have completed detailed dioramas, incorporating architectural elements and sculpted figures.
We will end the week with an art show to share our creations with family and friends.
Snacks are included
Course Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9-12pm
Course Starts: April 7, 2024
Course Ends: April 11, 2024
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Afternoon Session: Storybook Creators
1-4pm
In this camp for kids ages 6-12, students will write, illustrate, and publish their own original stories. Each day, they will develop characters, create settings, and craft storylines while learning how to bring their tales to life through both words and illustrations. Using drawing, painting, and mixed media, campers will illustrate their books, and by the end of the week, they’ll have their very own completed storybook. With permission, we will publish this book on Kindle so each student will be a published author!
At the end of the camp, we will hold a special reading showcase where campers can present their stories and artwork to family and friends, giving them a chance to share their creative work in a fun and supportive environment.
Snacks are included
Course Schedule: Monday-Friday, 1-4pm
Course Starts: April 7, 2024
Course Ends: April 11, 2024
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Morning Session: Eco-Art Explorers
9-12pm
In this spring break camp for kids ages 6-12, we’ll explore the intersection of art and nature. Each day, students will use natural and eco-friendly materials to create sculptures, prints, and installations inspired by the environment. From building nature-inspired sculptures to making leaf prints and creating collaborative outdoor art, campers will discover how to use found objects and sustainable practices in their artwork.
By the end of the week, students will have a collection of eco-friendly creations that reflect their connection to the natural world. We’ll conclude the camp with an art show where they can share their projects with family and friends.
Snacks are included
Course Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9-12pm
Course Starts: April 7, 2024
Course Ends: April 11, 2024
Location: Kendall College of Art and Design, 17 Pearl St
Teen Spring Break Camp
Afternoon Session: Drawing and Painting
1-4pm
This intensive camp is designed for teens ages 13-17 who are passionate about exploring and developing their drawing and painting skills. Students will dive deep into technique and personal expression, learning how to work with a variety of materials including graphite, charcoal, ink, acrylics, and watercolors. Each day, participants will experiment with composition, form, color theory, and mark-making, while also being encouraged to explore their own artistic voice.
Students will have access to individual critiques, group discussions, and hands-on demonstrations that mimic the experience of a true art studio. The week culminates in a gallery-style exhibition, where teens will showcase their completed works to friends and family, reflecting their growth as artists.
This immersive experience is designed to push students' creative boundaries, allowing them to experiment with styles and mediums while gaining valuable insights into the artistic process. Students will take a trip around the college - seeing classrooms, meeting students, and seeing the opportunities at Kendall College. The class will conclude with a session on portfolio development, offering tips on how to curate and present their work effectively for AP Art or college applications.
Snacks are included
Course Schedule: Monday-Friday, 1-4pm
Course Starts: April 7, 2024
Course Ends: April 11, 2024
Location: Kendall College of Art and Design, 17 Pearl St Grand Rapids
All Day Camps, or Half Day for a fun-filled day of art making and creativity!
Schedule:
8am-9am Open Studio, Before Care, and Drop Off Time
9am-12pm First Session: Art Experiments Camp, with snacks provided at 1015am
12pm-1pm Pickup Time from First Session, Open Studio and Lunch, and Dropoff Time for Second Session
1pm-4pm Second Session: Character Camp, with snack provided at 2:30pm
4-5pm Pickup from Second Session, Open Studio for After Care
Please drop off children 10-15 minutes before class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like in your camps?
Our camps are vibrant, immersive spaces where kids dive into the world of art through hands-on experimentation with various materials and techniques. Each day, students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, allowing them to express their creativity in new and exciting ways. While they’re learning and developing their artistic skills, they’re also having fun and expanding their imaginations. Parents and caregivers appreciate that, beyond the art, our camps foster social-emotional growth by encouraging critical thinking, collaboration, and self-awareness. Through both solo projects and group art collaborations, students practice communicating their artistic ideas, build relationships, and gain confidence in their creative voice.
What are the ages?
We welcome children ages 6-12, with an intentionally broad age range inspired by Montessori principles. Older students are encouraged to step into leadership roles, guiding younger participants and creating a collaborative, supportive learning environment.
What do we need to bring?
For students staying through lunch, we ask that they bring their own meals. Other than that, all they need to bring is an open mind and a willingness to create!
Tell me about the art share!
On the final day of camp, students host a special exhibition to showcase their work. We mentor students through the process of preparing their art, setting up the space, and hosting their families for the event. It’s a proud moment for each child, as they present their creations with confidence, alongside snacks and juice boxes that they help organize.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our spring break camps, please reach out to our Director at hello@cultivategrandrapids.org.
"This camp was a perfect mix of fun and learning for my child. Every day, they came home excited about the new techniques they were exploring. The social aspect was also wonderful — the kids worked together and developed important communication and collaboration skills. The art show at the end was the icing on the cake, seeing all the kids proudly display their work. We’ll definitely be signing up again next year!""
- Parent from 2024 Spring Break Art Camp
"Art camp was awesome! I got to try so many new things, like using wire to make a sculpture and making prints with leaves. I didn't know art could be like that! I made a bunch of new friends too, and we all worked together on a big project."
- Six-year old student
Cultivate Conversations:
Art and Education Discourse
Read the Cultivate Arts Publication
bottom of page