Winter Break Camp at the Cook Arts Center

Winter Break Camp was a blast at the Cook Arts Center this week. About 20 children ages 5-13 participated in the various arts and crafts activities that were offered. The camp ran from Monday through Wednesday of this week from 1pm to 3pm. Activities included making gingerbread houses, creating cinnamon dough ornaments, watercolor painting and jewelry-making.

Grupo Tarasco Celebrates 20th Anniversary

On Saturday, December 19 the Cook Arts Center celebrated the 20th anniversary of Grupo Tarasco, the Arts Center's resident dance troupe. Josie Cedillo-Guillen, who founded the group 20 years ago this fall, was honored for her dedication and the impact she has made on countless Latino youth through mentoring and preserving their culture through Mexican folkloric dancing. About 100 people attended the celebration and were treated to a fantastic performance by Grupo Tarasco, including the first ever performance by the Arts Center's beginning folkloric dance students.

The Cook Arts Center has teamed with Feld Entertainment and the Van Andel Arena to offer discount community tickets to a variety of events at the Van Andel Arena this winter and spring. Bring this coupon to the Van Andel Arena box office and you can buy up to 4 tickets at $10/piece. Plus, a portion of each pass redeemed will be donated to the Cook Arts Center!

Holiday Fun at the Cook Library Center

Last week, a group of students at the Cook Library Center enjoyed a little holiday cheer as they created festive gingerbread houses. Using colorful candies and milk cartons the students saved from Cesar Chavez Elementary, the children constructed some very unique houses.

In addition, students also got in the holiday spirit by creating their very own Polar Express train.
Judging by some of the train track designs, I think we may have a few future architects and engineers
among our library crew!

A Look Back at Fall 2009...

Now that the snow is upon us, we are quickly reminded that fall classes at the Cook Arts Center are nearly over. Classes end next week on December 17. It has been a busy 12 weeks packed with a variety of art, dance, clay, music, fabric arts and theatre activities. With over 25 class offerings and 238 students, the Cook Arts Center has been a bustling hub of creative activity this fall! Check out these photos for just a taste of the fun learning and creative expression that has been happening here.

Cook Arts Center Winter Class Schedule Released

Winter classes at the Cook Arts Center will be starting soon and NOW is the time to register! A variety of classes including Tiny Tots Clay, Wearable Art, Drumming, Hip Hop Aerobics, Sewing, and Handmade Books will be offered during the winter class session which runs from January 11 to April 1. There are options for children as young as 2 years old all the way up to adult classes. Families are also encouraged to come and make art together in two special classes that are open to all ages. In addition, all programs are free for participants who reside or attend school within the Grandville Avenue Neighborhood boundaries. Check out the schedule here for more information about classes and for a special coupon to various family shows at the Van Andel Arena. To register call the Cook Arts Center at 742-0692.