An Enrichment Program Where Creative Arts, Nature, and Cultural Exploration
Meet To Ignite The Child’s Mind
Spark Arts is an enrichment program based in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn for children aged 5 and older. At Spark, we celebrate nature and cultural traditions through a holistic blend of artistic expression, cultural study, mindfulness practice, outdoor adventure, study of the natural world, and play. Our hope is to spark in our children a sense of wonder and appreciation for all life on earth. We believe that each child, when inspired, has the creative force for positive impact in the world.
While many of our classes take place indoors during cold and inclement weather and for more complex art projects, many classes are held in Prospect Park. We believe that connection to nature is an integral part of leading a healthy human life and we observe that children grow in confidence, joy and peace of mind when given access to meaningful experiences in nature. Spark classes explore off-the-beaten-path forest trails and hidden wild sanctuaries in our 526 acre backyard of Prospect Park, so as to give urban children a chance to feel entirely immersed in nature and apart from city life. Through hands on experience, we reintroduce children to the lost art of plant identification, survival skills, and traditional natural crafting techniques from around the world.
Spark has been the highlight of our son’s week for years now, and it never fails to amaze us what creative, beautiful, instructive and inspiring projects and lessons Gigi comes up with time after time. She has opened up whole worlds to him that he wouldn’t have known about otherwise, and that continue to fire his imagination and curiosity throughout all the activities of his week, and even into our family life. And perhaps more importantly, she does it with such kindness and care for each child, that it truly has come to be a place where he feels known, and at home, in a way that isn’t approached by any other class or program he’s experienced. For him and for us, Spark is something truly special.
This review is going to sound hyperbolic, but I could not be more genuine in my passionate admiration and appreciation for Gigi and her Spark camps and programs. My son has attended many Spark classes and camps and I truly credit Gigi for seeding and watering his deep interest in nature, creativity, different forms of artistic expression, as well as learning about different philosophies and cultures.
My child comes home from each session excited to show me what he has created and learned. He gave me a tour of Prospect Park and showed me which plants were edible, what different plants were used for, and which I should never eat! I wish she had classes for adults! Do not miss this magical opportunity for your kids. I’m limited to five, but I’d give this program a zillion stars if I could.
We have been devotees since the beginnings of Spark. Our 10 year old has been lucky enough to benefit for over half his life from Gigi’s positive influence and teachings. I am constantly amazed by what he learns, from the practical to the esoteric — including art, science, history, philosophy, meditation …. I couldn’t possibly recommend Spark and anything else Gigi comes up with any more positively. She is truly devoted to making our world and our kids happier and more beautiful. If only more of our world were like this.
Spark Arts does a deep dive into culture and the arts in so many magical ways that you will want to sign up for classes and camps every week. Gigi is a master educator who teaches children in the most genuine and meaningful ways. My daughter came home every day from camp with stories of what she created from foraging through prospect park, identifying plants and how to use natural materials to create; bark turned into sewing projects, carved soaps, felt making, Japanese lantern homes, dyes from berries, candle dipping. Spark Arts is what you dreamed of as a child and wished for adult classes as well!! I almost didn’t want to post this because I don’t want the word to get out! It’s just that amazing.
Spark Arts is an absolutely gorgeous, magical program. My daughter has attended camps and after school classes with Gigi and other teachers for years, and she’s loved all of it. They learn about nature, crafts from around the world, architecture, mythology, history, and more – but perhaps even more important, they practice mindfulness, kindness, and collaboration. Any child would be lucky to attend Spark Arts.
Sera’s been so enthralled with learning what you’ve been teaching them about how to identify plants. She can’t stop talking about Spark. She picked camp with you over vacation! Thank you, you’re such an inspiration to her. She loves you!
Thanks so much for running the best classes in the whole wide world. I am not exaggerating when I say that she was more excited about Wednesday’s Spark class than she was for her birthday on Monday!
My kids were over the moon about how much they loved yesterday’s class. So, so happy and relaxed. Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful, warm, creative environment!!! I was worried about signing them up for another after school thing, we’re so frazzled and busy all the time, but this class was the ultimate Anti-Frazzle
Best time ever! That’s all there is to say. Pure joy and excitement and bliss
sparkartsbk@gmail.com
(646) 409-8268
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