Parent Reviews

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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. — Steve and Lauren

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.

Gigi is a gifted educator and a loving and joyful human who finds the beauty and wonder in so many things, including children. She has a wonderful way of finding and encouraging the unique gifts of each child in the group and fostering an atmosphere of curiosity and respect. The children become more mindful of how they treat the earth and each other. There is a big emphasis on natural and found materials.

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. — Meredith

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. — Anthony

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. — Amy

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. — Gaby

Gigi and Angus put so much effort into planning and designing every day of this camp it’s truly incredible. They are amazing with the kids and they’re both such wonderful, kind, inspiring teachers I really can’t say enough great things about this experience. It’s outside in the park which is a great contrast to our kid’s downtown Brooklyn school days … Every day when he comes home from camp I ask what they did and if he’s willing to tell (about 10% of the time) I learn so much about other cultures, their customs, and history of arts and craft techniques! Just a great warm educational heartfelt summer experience. Will definitely send him again as many years as he keeps begging us to go. — Anthony 

Our kids have LOVED Spark Arts this fall and have recommended it far and wide! Wednesdays this fall was my kids’ favorite day of the week because it was the day they got to do Sparks Arts Camp. As we would walk over after school, they would eagerly chat with each other about what kind of new project they would get to do and wonder what they would learn. When I asked them what made it so great, they said, “cool projects and great teachers!” And I couldn’t agree more. Over the last six weeks, they made beautiful corn husks dolls, paintings from natural dyes, hand beaded bracelets and other treasures. Gigi and Angus were warm and calm and engaged. We will be back! — Katherine 

My daughter absolutely adored Spark Arts this summer—she keeps talking about it and said it was her favorite camp she’s ever done… She said that you always have the most interesting craft projects! And she’s always referencing the places and things she learned about in Spark Arts this summer, it’s amazing how much she got out of just two weeks of camp with you! — Jennifer

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! — Carmela 

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! — Jennifer

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 — Tamar 

You guys are the best! Simone loves your classes and I am full waterworks with emotion about them! … I am so moved by what educators are doing to make creative, safe spaces for children within the confines of the pandemic. — Bryn

Best time ever! That’s all there is to say. Pure joy and excitement and bliss — Shira

After class yesterday, as N and I were walking back from Prospect Park, she said: “that class is so inspiring! I want to do something, just like that, when I’m older, I’d love to teach this class to younger kids!” So you have a big fan! — Michal