Youth
Programming
In a partnership with schools and teachers throughout West Michigan, ACT brings the wonder of art and creativity to thousands of students.
About Youth Programs
Inclusive
Open to children in early childhood programs, K-12, and in transition programs.
Classroom-Friendly
Offered to special education classrooms, inclusion programs, and/or classrooms looking for an inclusion opportunity.
Various Locations
Offered at the ACT Studio or on location, depending on the program.
Professionally Taught
All youth programs are taught by professional
Teaching Artists.
Questions? Contact our Program Coordinator.
Summer Program Offerings
Art of Gardening
Wednesdays, July 8 - July 29
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9:30 - 11:30AM
In this 4 week class, students will learn to plant, grow, and harvest their own produce at ACT's new rooftop garden! This class also includes visual art projects to beautify the space, culinary art lessons in which students will use what they’ve grown to assemble a seasonal recipe, and a site visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens on July 15. On July 29, students are invited to celebrate the season at our Harvest Brunch, from 9:30am-11:30am at the ACT studio.
Cost: $65
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Location: ACT Studio
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Music Lessons
45-minute
sessions
An ACT teaching artist will meet you at your home as you hone your guitar, ukulele, piano, or drum skills. Sessions are 45 minutes and are scheduled to fit your needs. Students must have their own instrument.
Cost:
$140 for 4 lessons
$210 for 6 lessons
​ $280 for 8 lessons
​ $350 for 10 lessons
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Location: Your home
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Open Studio
2nd Wednesday of the month
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6:00 - 7:30 PM
Join us in Artists Creating Together's studio to explore art and creativity inspired by artists from around the world! Open Studio welcomes those with disabilities, their friends, siblings, and peers of all abilities! Feel free to visit our Open Studio page to learn more!
Cost: $10 per session (caregivers and guardians are free)
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Location: ACT Studio
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April 15 | Kara Walker Inspired
June 10 | El Anatsui Inspired
August 12 | ACT's "We Belong" Open House (FREE)
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Get Creative Saturdays
3rd Saturday of the month
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11:00AM - 1:00PM
Join us in Artists Creating Together's studio to explore and create art inspired by Caldecott award-winning picture books. Get Creative Saturdays welcomes those with disabilities, their friends, siblings and peers of all abilities! Pre-registration is required. Kids under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Cost: $10 per individual, $25 per family (3+ kids), parents/guardians free
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Location: ACT Studio
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May 16
June 20
July 18
August 15
AccessGR Membership
Membership valid through June 30, 2021
AccessGR makes the arts more accessible to all. Members get access to free tickets to local participating arts and cultural venues and special events. You must be registered in an ACT class to become an AccessGR member.
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Cost: $20
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Events: Visit our AccessGR page to see a list of our current partnering venues!
ACT's "We Belong" Open House
Wednesday
August 12
4:00 - 7:00PM
We are opening the doors to the ACT studio and welcoming one and all to join us for interactive arts, music, and more! Whether you are new to ACT or have been with us for years, we invite you, your family, and friends to drop in anytime between 4 and 7PM!
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Cost: FREE
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Location: ACT Studio
Creativity Unboxed: An ACT Mobile Art Studio Celebration
Saturday,
June 13
12:00PM - 5:00PM
Join the fun at Creativity Unboxed, a celebration of creativity for all! Enjoy performances, art making and more at this free community event open to anyone!
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Cost: Free!
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Location: Mary Free Bed YMCA
