This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Serious Art Happenings in Maple Grove – Coming Soon Summer Art Camps for kids

The Maple Grove Arts Center is all about learning art on on levels. Learn more about what's happening at the center from summer art camp to art shows.

Seriously, you've probably heard about art activities popping up everywhere in Maple Grove, and that's a good thing.  Some of these activities involve "copying" a famous piece of art or a cartoon. That is not a bad thing, but only one way to experience art. The Maple Grove Arts Center is about learning the basics of art and experiencing art on all levels.  

Sign up now for Summer Art Camps at the Maple Grove Arts Center.  Check out our website for all the details and registration.  Classes start in June, and run during the week:  Printmaking for Kids, Let’s Paint, Painting Studio, Amazing Printing, Fun with Cartoons, How to Make Your Own Picture Book, Studio Arts for Kids, and Studio Arts for Teens and Tweens.  Make sure you plan now and sign up for these classes.  We have experieced art teachers because they are also artists – a great way to get a quality arts education. 

Looking for a class for your child now?   Painting for Fun, begins Tuesday, April 2 and is every Tuesday, 4-6 p.m. in April. See website, Classes.

Find out what's happening in Maple Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Saturday, April 6, Leo Benvenuti and Scott Hansen are hosting a Comedy Sitcom Writing Seminar.  The cost is $49 pre sign up and $59 at the door. A lot of screenwriters come from the Midwest and many people don’t realize that they might have a talent to write. The screen writing business has programs that help you create a play, movie or sitcom with out having to get a degree in writing!   Seminar attendees also will receive two tickets to their show that evening.

Also, Leo Benvenuti’s art is our featured artist at the arts center, there is just one week left of his show. Leo has a unique style of portraiture and this is a show you do not want to miss. You can also purchase his art. Please see website calendar for open gallery times. Leo’s art is very reasonably priced and the humor that he expresses in the style and name of each painting.

Find out what's happening in Maple Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

April 21, 1-5 p.m. is Nuno Felted Scarf for spring. Learn the fascinating art of nuno felting! Embellish a silk scarf with soft wool fibers to create a beautiful accessory for spring. Choose your color palette of beautifully dyed fibers, and then create any design from floral to geometric to abstract. Without knitting or sewing, you'll create a supple scarf using a little soapy water and a unique felting technique. Dress for mess!

Next up, the arts center is growing. We are always looking for volunteers to open the gallery and artists to use the space to do their art.  We have a great team of people who run the arts center and we welcome you to contact us about joining and helping us grow the arts in our community.   I would like to say the arts center is the “community’s art center” – meaning, we are there for everyone to experience the arts.  Our diverse selection of events, classes and art shows appeals to everyone.

Calling all artists to show their recycled art in the Green Show, a recycled art show that will be April 10 – May 30.  Opening reception is April 19, 6:30 p.m., with musical performance by Locklin Road. We will be celebrating Earth Day, so think green!

Every third Thursday we have the Underground Artists – a free evening for artists to bring their art supplies and do their art in the company of other artists.  The artists also critique and give advice and basically enjoy having company while doing their art. If you are inexperience or a professional—you are welcome to attend.

The Grove Student Artists meet every other Friday. This group is for teens 13 – 17 years old. The Student Art Show is June 5-29, with an opening reception June 14, 6:30 p.m., the Grove Student Artists find them on our website under artists & groups.

This summer “Comedy on the Green” returns. The city is hosting the Maple Grove Arts Center Comedians July 1 and August 5 during their music series.  The Maple Grove Arts Center features Comedians June 13 and August 22.

One of the partners at the arts center, The Night Writers, a writing guild will be hosting a writing clinic on May 18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  More information to come and the sign up will be on our website soon.

And, finally, the on going In The Company of Kids theater classes are about singing, dancing, acting and learning improv. Classes are great for building self-esteem and confidence. Several classes focus on children with downs syndrome and autism. Classes are every Monday evening – see website for times. Join the fun! 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?