Forest Arts
Forest Arts is a morning arts program starting in September 2024.
Autumn is the perfect time for a nature arts class. Fall is filled with creative possibilities!
For children 5 to 8 years. (please see info on ages below)
Wednesdays 9:00AM-12:00PM.
Fall 2024 Series:
8 classes--October 2, 9, 16, 23, November 6, 13, 20, 27.
$480 per 8 class series; includes materials.
Scholarships available through In Place.
Facilitated by Taira Restar.
About Forest Arts
Forest Arts is an environment of playful creativity. Interest-led activities are encouraged. Taira is happy to respond to children's spontaneous artistic interests as they come up.
Forest Arts includes:
Visual Art Experiences--an ongoing nature-based art project, such as gelli plate printing, collaging, found treasure sculptures, found treasure print making or nature journaling.
Nature Dance--mindful movement and dance in/with/as Nature.
Creative Writing--poetry, story writing and story telling. Taira's background is in multi-modal Expressive Arts Therapy and Education. Her approach is centered on Life Art Process. Each child can explore new and familiar art modalities--whatever there is interest in.
Our emphasis is on appreciation for and kinship with place. Artistic expressions are considered acts of care and reciprocity. Forest Arts is a program of In Place (new local non-profit) in collaboration with Taira Restar & Emerald Heart Forest School. Scholarships available through In Place.
Practicalities
Readiness
This is a drop-off program. Each of our forest artists has met these milestones in order to feel comfortable and confident in this program:
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Can express wants/needs with words--with other children and with adults.
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Can be away from parent.
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Will follow an adult's guidance and abide by rules.
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Do not wander off.
Ages
Forest Arts is for children 5 to 8 years old. Thank you for understanding that we will not be accepting children under 5 or over 8. Too wide of a developmental range will not work for this class--for the facilitator.
We are currently brainstorming on programming for 0-2, 3-4 and 9-12 year olds. Reach out if you have suggestions.
Snacks & Water
Parents provide water (or water bottle) and a hearty snack. We will have extra drinking water and a bit of fruit or raw veggies on hand in case it's needed. Due to food allergies and food preferences, Emerald Heart will not provide snacks for the whole group.
Gear
Because we are outdoors in all weather, including rain, our forest artists dress in appropriate gear. Yes, if it's raining, we will meet. And have fun with Rain Art or Mud Art! . . . However, if there are high winds that are unsafe, we will cancel.
