Art

Youth Art

Summer

drawing in nature series

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world through our Drawing in Nature series! Perfect for amateurs, artists, and nature enthusiasts alike, this program combines field exploration with hands-on drawing. Participants will learn to capture the intricate details of the natural world using close observation, curiosity, and a few fundamental sketching techniques. Whether you want to enhance your art skills or simply enjoy a peaceful outdoor activity, this program is for you! Please bring drawing supplies (paper, clipboard, journal, pencil, pen, coloring tools, etc.) and an easy-to-carry folding chair. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and participants will have the option to sit in one place or meander. All experience levels are welcome. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $25r/$40nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Field Sketching: Thur, June 25 | 5:30-7:30 PM
  • Botanical Drawing: Thur, July 16 | 5:30-7:30 PM
  • Little Landscapes: Thur, July 30 | 5:30-7:30 PM
  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464  - 84th Ave Entrance - Meadow Path)

watercolor in nature - beginners

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Join us to explore nature’s beauty while learning the techniques of watercolor painting! Participants will learn a few field sketching and watercolor techniques to help get what you notice onto your paper as we look closely, ask questions, and develop our skill of observing the world around us. All supplies will be provided and participants will go home with a watercolor journal, watercolor field kit, and water brush. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and participants will have the option to sit in one place or meander. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $75r/$90nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Date: Fri, July 17
  • Time: 5:30-7:30 PM

  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland - Meadow Path)

watercolor in nature - intermediate

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Build on your watercolor experience and enjoy the community of other watercolor enthusiasts as we look closely, ask questions, share ideas and techniques, and develop our skill of observing the world around us through painting what we see. Bring your own preferred watercolor supplies and a comfortable, easy-to-carry folding chair. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and participants will have the option to sit in one place or meander. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $25r/$40nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Date: Sat, July 18
  • Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland - Meadow Path)

art club

3rd-8th Gr (2026-27 Grade Level)

Join our Art Club to continue growing your artistic skills over the summer! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting, this 4-day program will help you explore different art mediums, learn new art techniques and fall more in love with art! Each day we will focus on a new art medium while we create a new project to take home. All skill levels are welcome! 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $60r/$75nr
  • Instructor: Taelia Spencer (Art Education Major at GVSU)
  • 3rd-5th Gr: July 20-23 | 4:00-5:00 PM 
  • 6th-8th Gr: July 20-23 | 5:30-6:30 PM 

  • Location: Cityside Middle School – Art Room

settlers camp

7-10 Yr Olds

Step back in time with the Zeeland Historical Society for a fun, hands‑on experience that brings the life of early settlers to you! You’ll get to try your hand at bread baking and hand‑sewing a pillow — just like folks living in the mid‑1800s did — while learning what daily life was really like back then. Through these activities, you’ll gain a richer understanding of pioneer life and appreciate the skills, challenges, and traditions of Zeeland’s earliest residents.

  • Register Here
  • Registration Deadline: Wed, July 15 (or when full)
  • Cost: $40r/$55nr
  • Instructors: Zeeland Historical Society Staff
  • Dates: July 27-28
  • Time: 9:30-11:30 AM

  • Location: 1881 New Groningen Schoolhouse (10537 Paw Paw Dr, Zeeland)