Forest school of the arts learn more
Welcome to Our Art Forest School
Discover the Beauty of Art and Nature
Our Forest School of the Arts offers a one-of-a-kind experience where elementary-aged students can immerse themselves in the wonders of art and nature through our drop-in workshops. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Charlotte Mason educational philosophies, our program celebrates child-led exploration and creativity while fostering a deep connection to the environment. Our workshops are designed to nurture your child's artistic potential in a supportive and engaging setting.
Why Enroll in Our Art Workshops?
At our Forest School, we believe that children are natural artists and learners. We provide them with the tools and freedom to explore and express themselves while developing essential skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. By integrating homesteading practices and sustainable art methods, we aim to connect children with the earth and its resources, inspiring a lifelong appreciation for both art and nature.
Key Features
- Reggio Emilia and Charlotte Mason Inspired: Our program emphasizes child-led exploration, allowing students to pursue their interests and express themselves uniquely.
- Flexible Drop-In Format: Families can select workshops that fit their schedule, ensuring flexibility while providing a rich learning experience.
- Sustainable Art Practices: Students use recycled and found materials to create art, promoting environmental consciousness alongside artistic skill development.
- Nature Journals: Children document their observations in personal journals, encouraging reflection and a deeper connection with nature.
A Day at Our Art Forest School
Each workshop day is structured to provide a balanced mix of guided activities and independent exploration. Students begin the day by engaging with nature through walks or journaling, capturing their observations and inspirations. They then move on to various art stations set up both indoors and outdoors on our homestead, where they can experiment with different techniques and mediums.
Art Stations
- Nature Journaling Station:
- Supplies: Sketchbooks, watercolor pencils, natural ink pens
- Activities: Document flora and fauna observations.
- Recycled Sculpture Station:
- Supplies: Recycled materials, glue, wire
- Activities: Construct sculptures using found objects.
- Natural Dyeing Station:
- Supplies: Fabrics, plant-based dyes (such as beetroot, turmeric)
- Activities: Create dyed fabrics with natural patterns.
- Painting Station:
- Supplies: Easels, eco-friendly paints, brushes
- Activities: Paint nature-inspired scenes.
- Weaving Station:
- Supplies: Looms, twine, natural fibers
- Activities: Weave using materials like grass and wool.
- Collage Station:
- Supplies: Recycled paper, leaves, twigs, glue
- Activities: Create collages with natural and found materials.
- Clay Station:
- Supplies: Natural clay, sculpting tools
- Activities: Shape and mold clay into nature-inspired creations.
Year-Long Curriculum Rhythm
Our curriculum is structured around the changing seasons, using nature as a source of inspiration and material for art projects. Each month features workshops with themes that explore different aspects of nature and the elements of art and design.
Seasonal Themes
- Spring Awakening: Celebrate rebirth and renewal with projects focused on life & weather cycles, budding plants and returning wildlife.
- Art Focus: Perspective, botanical illustrations and watercolors
- Summer Adventures: Dive into the vibrancy of summer with activities inspired by sun, water, and the energy of the season.
- Art Focus: Mix media, dyes and sun-based art
- Autumn Harvest: Embrace the colors and textures of fall with workshops centered on the abundance of the harvest.
- Art Focus: Color Theory, natural pigments, texture
- Winter Wonders: Discover the serene beauty of winter through art that highlights snow, shadows, ice, and the stark landscapes.
- Art Focus: Value (light/dark), lines and 3D Forms
Monthly Themes
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January: Winter Wildlife
Create bird feeders and explore animal tracks. -
February: Forest Textures
Use bark and leaves for texture rubbings. -
March: Spring Blooms
Press flowers and delve into plant anatomy. -
April: Earth Art
Construct land art with rocks and soil. -
May: Herb Artistry
Craft botanical prints using garden herbs. -
June: Water Magic
Capture water reflections in art. -
July: Insect Study
Observe and sketch insects and their habitats. -
August: Tree Tales
Identify trees and create leaf prints. -
September: Harvest Art
Use fruits and vegetables in crafting. -
October: Shadow Play
Explore light and create shadow art. -
November: Natural Homes
Design miniature habitats for woodland creatures. -
December: Seasonal Crafts
Make nature-inspired decorations.
Join the Adventure
Signing up for our workshops is simple! Visit our registration page to choose the sessions that align with your child's interests and schedule. Each workshop promises a unique and enriching experience that will inspire a lifelong love of art and nature.
We look forward to guiding your child on a journey of creativity and discovery at All On One Crafts Forest School of the Arts. Let’s create, explore, and grow together!