A Start With the Arts meets daily Monday-Friday and offers 4-5 year-olds the opportunity to work with an art educator  to explore the art, culture and wildlife of India through movement, drama, art making and other hands-on activities. The program for pre-schoolers parallels the school-age program in theme and content.

 For ages 4 – 5.

8:30am

The Taj Mahal, known as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World," the Red Fort of Agra, as well as the Golden Temple, and Qutub Minar are all grand examples of the Mughal empire which ruled India for 200 years. Work with artist Laurie Witzkowski to unlock the wonders of these structures. Then design and construct a modern building incorporating your own ideas and unique elements from these buildings.

10:15am

Elephants are not only a cultural icon in India and throughout Asia,they also help to maintain the integrity of the forest and grassland habitats. Learn about the environmental challenges Asian elephants face and what the people of India are doing about it. Work with artist Lisa Himmelstrup to create a clay sculpture, a container, and small amulet incorporating images of the Asian elephant. Additional $10 material fee.

For ages 9-12.

8:30am

Elephants are not only a cultural icon in India and throughout Asia,they also help to maintain the integrity of the forest and grassland habitats. Learn about the environmental challenges Asian elephants face and what the people of India are doing about it. Work with artist Lisa Himmelstrup to create a clay sculpture, a container, and small amulet incorporating images of the Asian elephant. Additional $10 material fee.

10:15am

The Taj Mahal, known as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”, the Red Fort of Agra, as well as the Golden Temple, and Qutub Minar are all grand examples of the Mughal empire which ruled India for 200 years. Work with artist Laurie Witzkowski to unlock the wonders of these structures. Then design and construct a modern building incorporating your own ideas and unique elements from these buildings.

For ages 6 – 8.

8:30am

Artist Shakun Maheshwari introduces you to India through art, dance, and story. Learn about traditional Indian dress, foods, celebrations like the Festival of Light or Divali, and the importance of the Ganges River considered the most sacred river in India. Create a mandala, henna art, and more.

10:15am

Kathputli is the Indian name for “string puppet theatre.” Native to Rajasthan in northern India, it is the most popular form of Indian puppetry. Work with artist Julie Boada to create your own marionette puppet and join the ArtStart puppet troupe to retell a favorite Indian fable.

For ages 9-12.

8:30am

India is known for its colorful paper and fabric lanterns. Get inspired by the beautiful star-shaped pieces commonly displayed during Diwali, and the fabric ones known in Rajasthan. Then work with artist Tara Fahey to create your own vibrant vessels of light to decorate your room.

10:15am

Kathputli is the Indian name for “string puppet theater.” Native to Rajasthan in northern India, it is the most popular form of Indian puppetry. Work with Gustavo Boada to create your own marionette puppet and join the ArtStart puppet troupe to retell a favorite Indian fable.

For ages 9-12.

8:30am

Kathputli is the Indian name for “string puppet theatre.” Native to Rajasthan in northern India, it is the most popular form of Indian puppetry. Work with artist Julie Boada to create your own marionette puppet and join the ArtStart puppet troupe to retell a favorite Indian fable.

10:15am

Artist Shakun Maheshwari introduces you to India through art, dance, andstory. Learn about traditional Indian dress, foods, celebrations like the Festival of Light or Diwali, and the importance of the Ganges River considered the most sacred river in India. Create a mandala, henna art, and more.

For ages 6 – 8.

8:30am

Kathputli is the Indian name for “string puppet theatre.” Native to Rajasthan in northern India, it is the most popular form of Indian puppetry. Work with artist Gustavo Boada to create your own marionette puppet and join the ArtStart puppet troupe to retell a favorite Indian fable.

10:15am

India is known for its colorful paper and fabric lanterns. Get inspired by the beautiful star-shaped pieces commonly displayed during Diwali, and the fabric ones known in Rajasthan.  Then work with artist Tara Fahey to create your own vibrant vessels of light to decorate your room.

For ages 6 – 8.

12:30pm

Rajasthan in northern India is the main center for brass engraving. Traditional designs and floral patterns are hammered or embossed on the surface of the metal. Work with artist Gustavo Boada to learn the technique of embossing. Then incorporate traditional Indian designs and create a beautiful photo frame or box wrapped in metal. Additional $10 materials fee.

2:15pm

Some of the best known Indian folk paintings are the Mithila paintings from the Madhubani region of Bihar state in northeast India. For centuries the women of Mithila have decorated the walls of their houses with these intricate paintings. Work with artist Melodee Strong to draw and paint your own Mithila inspired piece.

For ages 9-12.