Ages 6 and up
9am-3pm
Drop off and Pick Up Location: Park Slope,
113 Prospect Park West (Ground level), between 6th and 7th st.

ART: During our 3 weeks together, we will learn traditional art techniques from around the world! Each day, students will have access to many materials such as clay, yarns, decorative papers, fabrics, metals, tile, beads, paints, foraged natural materials, and so much more. Students are taught traditional crafting methods and use authentic artisan tools such as batik tjanting pens, moulds and deckles, leather stamping tools, looms, and more. They learn about the way of life and arts from many countries around the world, like Japan, Mexico, Italy, Indonesia, just to name a few! Some examples of crafts that we have introduced at camp include basketry, natural ink making, weaving, textile dyeing, paper making, wet felting, botanical dyeing, candle making, and printmaking. Our work from each week culminates in an art exhibition each Friday afternoon, which students help to set up, and that families are invited to attend to celebrate our week’s accomplishments!

MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE: In addition to exploring the arts of many cultures, we delve into belief systems through ancient mythology and folklore, finding creative ways to weave what we learn into our artwork and storytelling. Over the years we’ve studied the Epic of Gilgamesh, Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, and other epics, legends and folktales from around the world featuring deities, heroes, sages, spirits, and other extraordinary beings. 

ARCHITECTURE: As we circle the world, we look at architectural feats and practice building inspired by these styles.  

TIME IN NATURE: While outdoors, we find peaceful clearings in forested regions of Prospect park, where students have the time to play or craft freely in nature. We learn about plants and trees in our park, including how to identify them, how they have featured in folklore, and how they have been useful to cultures through history. 

MINDFULNESS: Each day, we come to our circle times with meditations and breaths, and learn ways to transition from one activity to another with ease and calm. 

CLASS LOCATION: The indoor portion of our classes will take place inside of a beautiful multi-room townhouse space in Park Slope, at 113 Prospect Park West between 6th and 7th street. In this space, we create the atmosphere of a vibrant arts studio, where students are invited to work with different projects at stations. Additionally, students are offered spaces for rest and reading.

A NOTE ABOUT AGES: One of the distinguishing features of Spark classes is their wider mixed-aged structure, which fosters a collaborative, community-oriented environment, reminiscent of a traditional village. In this setting, younger students benefit from the guidance of older peers, while older students are given the chance to develop leadership skills. This approach encourages children to form meaningful connections based on shared interests in the arts and nature, rather than age alone.

These classes will be taught by Gigi, Fox, Jonelle, with the help of several wonderful teen Counselors in Training! Please reach out to sparkartsbk@gmail.com with any inquiries!