Two Exciting New Groups at the Cook Arts Center! 

The Cook Arts Center's very own Sarah Bruxvoort has been a very busy bee these past few weeks. Why, you ask? Apart from tending to the day-to-day needs of our students during program hours, occasionally helping Ms. Sue at our Library Center, and helping run the front desk, she's also been developing curriculum for two new and exciting groups that are taking place at the Cook Arts Center. Those groups are the Gardening Group, which was officially launched a couple of weeks ago, as well as a Girls Group, which is set to begin June 3rd. 

Gardening Group is an initiative geared specifically towards Cook Arts Center teenagers. As programming options wane the older these students get, we're hoping this group will serve as an engaging way for teens to stay involved with us. Sarah gave us a little insight into what she is hoping this group will instill in our teens, commenting that she desires that this group give our students "opportunities that develop responsibility and a sense of pride in a place - a beautiful place that they helped create with their own hands and hard work." Teens will be tending to our garden plots in the back of our building. They have plans to put tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cantaloupe, carrots, and cauliflower (affectionately nicknamed by our students "white trees") in the ground. All vegetables were selected by our teens and will hopefully bear many a fruit! 

Girls Group is set to be launched Monday, June 3rd and is open to any neighborhood girl who is currently in the 7th grade or higher. For Girls Group, Sarah is hoping to create a space that is "encouraging for teen girls to develop meaningful relationships, recognize their value, make healthy choices and fulfill their life goals." New topical discussions will take place each Monday the group meets. 

If you know of any teens that live in our neighborhood who are looking to get involved in something meaningful, please don't hesitate to let us know! :)   

Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities administers the programs of the Cook Arts Center.