Creativity flourishes in a rich environment of integrated arts and nature. Children choose freely from the many artistic experiences offered daily. A talented staff nurtures and guides each child in the techniques and disciplines of the various arts.

No previous experience is necessary for participation. The opportunity for performance is available to every child. It is offered as a choice..


Daily offerings at Willowbrook include:

Puppetry Students have the opportunity to fashion a variety of puppets. Using art, storytelling from around the world, and drama, they breathe life into the inanimate. There are also opportunities to create and perform puppet shows.	Dance The dance program is for all ages and abilities, from the 3 & 4 year old beginners to advanced students. The program includes classical ballet, choreography, creative movement and dance, world folk dance, jazz, and tap, dance for the theater, and dance combined with other art forms. Opportunity exists for dance in major theater productions.	Film Making This new area will give students opportunities to learn the art of visual storytelling, and gain the tools needed in order to create their own films. Opportunity also exists to work on pieces of a larger oral history of Willowbrook
Nature Discovering beauty and wonder in the natural world of field, woods, and marsh is an integral part of the Willowbrook experience. Through the study of plants, animals, and earth sciences, children become aware of our responsibility in maintaining the sensitive balance of nature on earth. Included are nature walks, and hands-on experiments.	Creative Writing, Journalism, & Bookmaking In this area creative writing skills are developed, and awareness of life is fostered, through preparation of original stories, poetry, books, scripts, and interviews. Willowbrook’s publication of "The Babbling Brook" is created weekly by the students. Photography Visual art through the photographic processes reveals an exciting way to view the world, using varied mediums and photographic techniques. For 12 – 18 year olds, darkroom processes are also introduced.	Ceramics Hand building techniques in coil, pinch, and slab pots are taught at every level, from 3 -18 years. Ages 5 - 18 have use of potter's wheels for throwing experience, and 8 - 18 year olds also learn methods of finishing, glazing, and firing clay. Advanced Ceramics is offered for those more proficient students who are 12 - 18 years old, where advanced hand and wheel techniques, and finishing, firing, and glazing methods are used in creating functional and artistic objects. Note: Clay pieces will be fired only upon request by students who will be able to come back to pick up their finished pieces by Aug. 8.
Art Centers Fine Arts, 3 - 18 yrs: painting and drawing, and artistic techniques Arts & Crafts, 3 - 7 yrs: a hands-on experience with varied mediums Calligraphy, 8 - 18 yrs: lettering, borders and books World and Folk Arts, 8 - 18 yrs: an area of connected arts, including mask-making, myths, international and folk arts and cultures Native American Cultural Arts, 8 - 18 yrs: legends, native crafts and cultures are explored Weaving, 3 - 18 yrs: hand weaving and use of looms, with varied fibers Basketry, 8 - 18 yrs: use of various natural materials to create traditional and modern baskets Stained Glass, 12 - 18 yrs only: techniques in color designs and images	Music Music instruction is offered at every level in instrumental and vocal music. Rhythm and Orff instruments are used to teach basic technique. Artisan students (age 8 - 18) may also explore theory, dynamics, arranging, composition, choral works, vocal techniques, and a variety of instruments. Group and individual lessons are offered in violin and cello at all levels; in guitar, piano, and recorder for 5 - 18 year olds, and in woodwinds, brass and percussion for 8 - 18 year olds. Younger student's lessons will be arranged in their areas with their own music staff. Artisan lessons will take place in the large music area.	Theater Theater is an integration of the arts, drama, dance, music, and stagecraft. Theater allows a child to become many things. It opens doors to an understanding of other people and other times, and increases understanding of self and life situations. Theater begins with Mother Goose Theater for 3 & 4 year olds, and Peter Pan Theater for 5, 6, & 7 year olds in the Village. The Intermediate and Advanced Theaters provide dramatic experience for 8 through 18 year old students. Special productions are arranged for each age and experience level. Some major productions welcome all ages and levels. For roles in major productions, plan to attend 2 weeks prior to performance. Drama Drama for all ages includes drama games, creation of stories that become plays, production of favorite fairy tales, legends and myths.