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.

Tolly Time at the Cook Library Center

The Cook Library Center had a very special Tolly Time guest this month. Yesterday Hank Meijer stopped by to read the book "Bunny Money" to a small but enthusiastic crowd. The book, with illustrations of fangs that glowed in the dark and cherry syrup that looked like blood, was a huge hit with the little boys in the group. In honor of Hank's visit, the tot alcove was converted into a Meijer store, complete with a Meijer sign, groceries on the shelves, a price check phone, and a cashier's station.

Thank You, State Farm

GAAH received a generous gift from State Farm Insurance this month. The company purchased enough art and program supplies to last the Cook Arts Center and the Cook Library Center the entire school year. Items included 500 pounds of clay and dozen containers of glaze, paints and brushes, markers and crayons, pencils and compasses, a portable dry erase board, and anything else we could think of to meet the needs of the creative and industrious children we serve. Jim Roderique, a State Farm Agency Field Consultant who is on the GAAH Board of Directors, also delivered 72 high-quality backpacks to distribute to our Library patrons. Thank you, State Farm, for making a difference in the Grandville Avenue neighborhood.

Day of the Dead

The Mexican holiday Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a time for family and friends to remember loved ones who have passed away. This past Monday GAAH and the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan teamed up to celebrate Day of the Dead on Grandville Avenue.

After school the children made papel picados (paper cutting) at the Cook Library Center and masks at the Cook Arts Center. The Hispanic Center hosted an evening event that included a performance by Grupo Tarasco and more mask making. Some 50 children painted colorful patterns and designs on their masks, many of which haunted the event the rest of the evening.