At Gabriel's Art Kids, our after-school program in Bellingham is a canvas of possibilities for elementary students in grades K-5. We pick up right where the school day ends—with convenient transportation from Birchwood, Silver Beach, Happy Valley, Lowell, Northern Heights, Parkview, Roosevelt, Sunnyland, Geneva, and Columbia Elementary—transporting your child into a world of artistic exploration.
In our dedicated space, little hands are encouraged to shape, paint, and create with a variety of materials, from clay to fabric, instilling the joy of creation over perfection. Our after school classes span the creative spectrum—music, culinary arts, theater, drawing, and more—each led by passionate teachers who turn every afternoon (3:00-6:00 PM, Monday-Friday) into a discovery-filled adventure.
Interested in exploring our space? Take an interactive visit through our virtual tour and see where creativity blossoms. To delve deeper into what we offer, including details about the arts and schedule and pick-up, please click on one of the buttons below.
Hear From Our Families
Discover what makes our program special through the voices of the families who know us best. Watch their stories and see why they chose GAK for their children.
Experience GAK Before You Commit
Want to learn more about our program? You can schedule a personalized tour or let your child try a full day of creative fun. Make the best decision for your family!
Schedule a School Tour
Experience our vibrant learning community firsthand! A tour is the perfect way to see how your child could thrive in our supportive, creative environment. One of our program supervisors will contact you to schedule your personalized visit.
Book a TourTry GAK Friday
Give your child a full day of creative fun with no commitment required! Join us Friday afternoons (3:00-6:00 PM) for hands-on art activities, creative exploration, and community building with our experienced instructors.
Sign Up for Trial Day< Dive into our diverse course offerings >
At Gabriel's Art Kids, we believe in nurturing creativity and confidence through a vibrant array of classes. Our fun-filled atmosphere is designed to bolster self-esteem, verbal communication skills, and artistic expression.
Visual Arts & Art Explorations
Dive into a vibrant world of art with our Art Explorations program, where young artists engage with an array of creative disciplines. Guided by our experienced teachers, each bringing their unique expertise, students are encouraged to express themselves while learning about various art forms and techniques. Our curriculum is crafted to nurture cognitive skills, self-esteem, and artistic self-expression.
Our Visual Arts program includes an exciting range of activities:
- Drawing & Painting: Dive into various techniques using pencil, ink, watercolors, and acrylics. Enhance creations with our advanced painting supplies for both traditional and modern art forms.
- Sculpture & Ceramics: Shape imagination with materials like clay, wire, and papier-mâché.
- Printmaking & Collage: Learn the art of printmaking and create unique mixed media collages.
- Digital Art & Design: Explore the digital world with graphic design and digital painting, including the exciting realm of 3D printing.
- Textile Arts & Weaving: Engage with the tactile beauty of textiles and the art of weaving.
- Jewelry Making & Crafts: Craft intricate pieces using beads, wire, and a variety of crafting materials.
- Photography & Film: Delve into the world of visual storytelling with photography and basic filmmaking.
- Woodworking & Puppetry: Develop skills in woodworking and animate stories with puppet making.
- Stop Motion Studios: Bring animated tales to life with our state-of-the-art stop motion technology.
Music Explorations & Discoveries
Our after-school music program is a symphony of fun and learning. Here's what our young musicians experience:
- Beginning Ukulele: Dive into music with our beginner-friendly ukulele classes, where chords and melodies come to life.
- Choral Explorations: Harmonize and sing in a group, experiencing the joy of choral music.
- Movement and Rhythm: Discover the exciting interplay of music and movement.
- Rock Band Experience: From playing drums and guitar to recording a music video, feel the thrill of being in a rock band.
- Instrument Crafting: Unleash creativity by building your own musical instruments.
- Music Theory Basics: Explore the building blocks of music in a fun and engaging way.
- Global Music Discovery: Journey through different cultures and sounds, broadening your musical horizons.
Stagecraft & Storytelling: Theater and Living Literature
Our drama program, designed for ages 5 to 12, is a dynamic blend of theatrical learning and creative expression. We focus on developing speech clarity, fluent delivery, and essential social skills through a wide range of theater activities. Students engage in theatrical exercises that build confidence and foster self-understanding, while our improvisation sessions enhance their spontaneity and creativity.
Key components of our program include:
- Speech Exercises & Dramatic Movement: Sharpening communication skills through engaging vocal and physical activities.
- Improvisation & Scene Work: Cultivating imagination and quick thinking, leading to improvised scenes and structured play creation.
- Self-Expression & Interaction: Encouraging personal growth and understanding of others through theater games and exercises.
A highlight of our program is the Living Literature segment, where children's books are brought to life on stage. This part of the curriculum combines music, drama, and design, allowing students to collaborate and develop production skills. Each year culminates in a grand showcase, where families are invited to enjoy a performance fully conceived and executed by our students. This annual event celebrates the creativity and hard work of our young performers and is a testament to the power of theater in fostering collaboration and community.
Culinary Creations: Cooking and Baking Adventures
Step into our kitchen and embark on a delicious journey through the culinary arts. Our cooking and baking classes are more than just mixing ingredients; they are a hands-on exploration of flavors, techniques, and cultures. Here, children learn the essentials of cooking and baking, from measuring and following recipes to understanding the science behind each delicious creation.
Key experiences in our program include:
- Practical Skills: Mastering the basics of kitchen safety, measuring, mixing, and recipe execution.
- Diverse Tastes: Experiencing a wide range of flavors, encouraging adventurous eating and appreciation for different cuisines.
- Cultural Connection: Each dish tells a story. We delve into the origins and cultural significance of the foods we prepare, offering a taste of the world.
Teaching Artist Series: Enriching Education Through Art
Our Teaching Artist Series is a cornerstone of our educational offerings, bringing accomplished artists into our classrooms. Whether it's a single day session or a month-long immersive experience, students have the extraordinary opportunity to learn and create under the guidance of creative professionals from a variety of artistic fields.
Our diverse lineup has included puppet artists, jewelry makers, manga artists, and professional photographers, among others. These guest artists impart a wealth of knowledge and skills, significantly enhancing the learning experience and fostering a deeper cultural understanding. This series exemplifies the enriching effect of integrating creative processes into education, showcasing the boundless possibilities of art.
Schedule
Our program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of our families. Here's what you need to know:
- Regular Days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)
- Pick-up Time: 2:30 PM at the respective schools
- Drop-off Time: 3:00 PM at our main facility at 1405 Dupont St., Bellingham, WA 98225
- Program ends at 6pm
- Early Release Thursdays
- Pick-up Time: 12:20 PM at the respective schools
- Drop-off Time: 1:15 PM at our main facility
- Program ends at 6pm
- Class Times: 4:00 - 5:30 PM daily
- Best Pick-up Times: 3:00 - 3:50 PM or 5:30 - 6:00 PM (we encourage parents not to pick up during class time so your little artist can fully enjoy their creative session!)
- Important: GAK closes promptly at 6:00 PM.
- Kindergarten Location: 1405 Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225
- 1st-5th Grade Location: 1405 Dupont St., Bellingham, WA 98225
Pick-up Options
We offer convenient pick-up options to suit your needs:
- Walking Pick-up: Available from Columbia School
- Van Pick-up: Available from Birchwood, Silver Beach, Happy Valley, Lowell, Northern Heights, Parkview, Roosevelt, Sunnyland and Geneva.
ASAP PROGRAM
After School • K-5th Grade
Monthly tuition from $275 - $875 based on days per week
Monthly Tuition
- 2 days - $550
- 3 days - $675
- 4 days - $800
- 5 days - $875
- Early Release - $375
- Friday Only - $275
Additional Services
K-5th grade, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Full Day $105 • Half Day $85
Monthly fee of $75 ($25 for Columbia Elementary) for all students picked up by GAK vans/teachers
$50 application fee
$75 yearly non-refundable enrollment fee
$200 supply fee collected with first month's tuition
15% discount for the first sibling
25% discount for the second sibling
Tuition Assistance Program
Scholarships & Reduced-Rate Tuition
Income-based sliding scale from 20% to 60% discount available
For complete details on registration, tuition, tuition assistance, and application, please visit our registration page. ✨
Ready to Join the GAK Family?
Starting your journey with Gabriel's Art Kids is simple! Here's our straightforward enrollment process:
Initial Inquiry
Contact us to learn about our programs. Fill out the initial inquiry form so we can get to know you, your child, and your family's needs.
Questions & Availability
We'll answer all your questions and introduce ourselves and our programs. This is an essential step to determine if our school is a good fit for your family. Tours are available upon request!
Application
You've made your decision! Fill out our application and pay a $50 registration fee to secure your spot.
Final Paperwork
Complete our enrollment paperwork to ensure we have all necessary information to provide a safe, nurturing, and educational space for your child.
Welcome to GAK!
That's it—you're now part of the family!
Start Your Enrollment Journey Today!
Ready to give your child an extraordinary after-school experience filled with creativity and growth?
Fill Out Initial Inquiry