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"I am continually impressed with the high caliber and super FUN art education my daughter receives at GAK. All the projects foster critical thinking and creative problem solving and the curriculum aligns with the National Core Arts Standards. As a teacher myself--I appreciate the focus on building skills of collaboration, play and creativity instead of "making a product". As a mom--I appreciate the high standard of personalized care that I see from ALL the staff. Bellingham is so fortunate to have GAK!" 

Susan Haines
Integrated Arts Professor and Dance Specialist,
Woodring College of Education,
Western Washington University

REGISTER

At Gabriel’s Art Kids, our after-school program is a canvas of possibilities. We pick up right where the school day ends, 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 classes span the creative spectrum—music, culinary arts, theater, drawing, and more—each led by passionate teachers who turn every afternoon 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.

THE ARTS

Schedule and Pick-up

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. ​

Dive into our diverse course offerings

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:
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• 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.

Teaching Artist Series: Enriching Education Through Art
Our Teaching Artist Series is a cornerstone of our educational offerings, bringing accomplished artists.
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.
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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.

Capturing Creativity: Radu Sava's engaging photography class brings our students' visions to life. Explore more of Radu's work here.

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.

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
• Early Release Thursdays
  • Pick-up Time: 12:20 PM at the respective schools
  • Drop-off Time: 1:15 PM at our main facility

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.

Registration and Tuition
For details on registration and tuition, and to choose the best option for your child, please visit our registration page.

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