SHINE ART ACADEMY

SHINE art academy provides opportunities for environmental education and leadership skills through experiential learning out of doors. Our students grow to become environmentally informed, civically engaged, and proactive leaders among their peers.

In addition to our Online Virtual Program and at Home Tutoring, SHINE engages curious minds in Science, Language, Math, History and Art. Whether at a parent's  house, backyard, deck, or public park (conveniently located near you), outside learning follows pedagogical best practices, and is connected to grade level expectations.  Pleas see our SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS on the LESSONS page.

We follow all CDC guidelines as set forth by King County Public Health. 

• wearing a mask
• washing hands 
• social distance
• avoid crowds
• outdoor learning

We guide lessons across all mediums, genres, and cultures to enrich an artist’s vocabulary while exploring the Principles of Art. (Color/Value, Line, Pattern, Texture, Rhythm/Motion, Unity/Harmony, Shape, 3D Form). Introducing students to the Principles of Art encourages self-confidence, creative thinking, and collaborative problem solving as students learn to create, perceive, understand and evaluate.

We nurture creativity by giving students freedom to explore and express their knowledge in a way that suits their unique learning style. We think art offers an opportunity to solve problems, communicate ideas, express emotions, connect with others, and understand the world around us. 

We integrate academic curriculum every step of the way (meeting and exceeding WA state and NCSS science standards). We inspire leadership and imagination when we offer big problems to solve, and allow students to use their creative and critical thinking skills.

 Experiential, immersive, kinesthetic and sensorial, SHINE Art Academy activities allow students to interact with all parts of their being. Our classroom IS the natural environment. Leading with artistic expression, projects are strategically woven into outdoor learning, grounded in real world experience, and serve the physical and practical aspects of life. 

Lessons are differentiated at all student levels and abilities, so children feel empowered and successful. Mixed ages classes, offer peer to peer support, often invite leadership, and enhance self-confidence. 

 We nurture positive relationships among youth through Social/Emotional team building activities, and teaching positive communication skills at a developmentally appropriate level of responsibility. Freedom of choice encourages ownership of the activity, engaged involvement, sustained attention, and feelings of accomplishment. 

We partner with adult volunteers, and professionals from our local community to assist in sustainable, eco-conscious project-based learning. We work in partnership with parents, and local educators. We succeed in collaboration with exceptionally capable partners.

 Outdoor Learning + Leadership
We provide opportunities for environmental education and leadership skills development through experiential learning. In a natural, outdoors setting, children experience their true self. They grow to see connections with nature and the greater world. We offer freedom of choice within a prepared environment.

Our Outings are Outstanding!
On any given afternoon, you might find us examining bedrock geology of a slip-fault, pounding clay, singing rounds in chorus, writing poetry in our nature journals, assigning historical significance to the rings of a tree, discovering the area of a circle, or making animal spirit monoprints from natural found objects. Hunting for arthropods while turning over compost is kinda’ fun, too.

Outdoor Learning Objectives:
Environmental awareness, investigative science, foraging for edibles, identifying native species, nutrition, natural art installation, local history, geology, earth science, understanding ecosystems, animal study, cultural study, story telling, biology, macro/micro invertebrates, marine ecology, hunting and gathering, harvesting and making organic dyes.

Collaboration
At SHINE Art Academy group accomplishment is always supported by individual effort. How we work together as a team tells us a lot about our ability to thrive. Truly, we are better together. We are who we are through other people. In South Africa, the word for this is called, “Unbutu.” It’s kind of like a sun butter and homemade jam sandwich. One ingredient alone, isn’t quite as tasty as both together.

Exploration
Creative expression, at times, can be a messy experience. We believe by placing more emphasis on process than on product, we follow your child’s natural curiosity, sense of exploration, and self-discovery. Your child’s self-esteem, self-expression, inner-discipline, and inner voice are nurtured in this way. Many activities are project-based, sensorial experiences. Learning with all of our senses lets understanding take root on an emotional level, solidifies concepts into long-term memory, and lets imaginations SHINE!

Communication
Everyone needs to be acknowledged and heard. Yet, our tone of voice is more of a whisper as we quietly observe what the universe is saying. In a safe learning environment where it is okay to make mistakes, we provide students with ample room to voice opinions, receive constructive criticism, grow public speaking skills, and become leaders. Offering instruction with clarity, transparency, and high expectations is key.

Concentration
We inform self-actualized individuals. We guide self-awareness that can only be recognized once an individual becomes aware of their strengths, challenges and behavior. Educators call this self-discipline. We call it making a mess with art! The by-product of student engagement is serious concentration that leaves one feeling fulfilled and satisfied.

Inclusivity
We believe diversity is strength! We strive to reach ALL students' cultures and cognitive learning styles. No one knows your child better than you. We are happy to discuss prior to class any specific learning concerns you may have.

Responsibility
All students are expected to participate, try their best, and be accountable for the choices they make. 

Rules:  Respect for Self, Others and the Environment.