My 3 yr old son loves going to the STEAM classes! We've done two different sessions and he retains…read moreideas and vocabulary as well as gets to make something new every week. Teachers are patient and kind.

My two kids just began attending the weekly Science class here. Both kids enjoyed the hands on…read moretasks and lessons learned while there! Highly recommend this location!

The citizens of Maple Valley are lucky to have such a artistic resource within its city limits!…read moreThis nonprofit organization facilitates a breadth of creative opportunities for artists of all ages and ability levels. From their open mic nights to the art gallery openings, every project they embark on is well planned and executed. I look forward to supporting this organization for years to come!

The Maple Valley Creative Art Council is a nonprofit community arts organization that promotes a…read morewide variety of art in both the performing and visual arts. It has been wonderful to see the contribution of this organization's efforts in nurturing a growing arts community in Maple Valley. They started with Art Festival as a part of the community's Maple Valley Days and have expanded into supporting many local performing arts groups from the Youth Symphony to MV Big Band to the creation and production of new plays and creative writing. Every month at their center - The Leaf, they have a new visual arts exhibit with an opening night reception where you can meet the artist, Open Mic which brings so many amazingly talented performers together for a very fun evening, artist critique groups, Third Word where writers share their stories and various classes . This is a wonderful community treasure, not only because of its broad support of the arts, but it brings our community together through their events, programs and projects. Check out their events calendar on the web. (The center is a little hard to find since it is behind the businesses which face the Maple Valley Highway. Just drive around back.)

Update: We're still loving the teachers and community at Benson Hill Cooperative School with our 2…read moreyear old in Ms. Kellys class! My family started at BHCP with our 2 year old kiddo in 2019. She was our first kid so it was a relief to be in class with her learning from the teachers, other parents working in the classroom and the Bates Technical College parent educator. My daughter learned to be more independent and play with kids her age. We now attended BHCP for three years and love the play based learning. Ms. Kristie keeps the kids engaged and laughing during opening circle. She encourages them to improvise in songs and guess what's going to happen in the story. The kids take turns bringing a class pet home (stuffed animal) and telling the other kids about their adventures. Art is a sensory messy creative play experience. Kids are encouraged to explore materials and come up with their own ideas about how to use them. Ms. Kristie supports them as they create and explore. We have class field trips like going to the pumpkin patch; seeing plays at Carco theater and visits from the firefighters with their trucks. BHCP has a large outdoor play space with swings, sand and plays to climb. Parents work in the classroom once a week which I've come to love. I get to see how my kid interacts at school and learn from other parents and the teacher. There isn't a focus on letters or counting however BHCP and Bates Technical college just held a kindergarten readiness panel and apparently it's more important that kids go to the bathroom independently and know how to use scissors. My 4 year old child participated in the 5 day program this year. So in additional to 3 days in the 4 year old class she also spent 2 days a week in the class for 3 year olds, which I was doubtful about at first but see how she gets to be a leader in class. She'll help open snack packets or demonstrate how to use a tool. Also since it's a play based school she does more projects on her own those days or with the help of a parent volunteer. Such as threading beads or dictating poems for her grandparents. Parents can choose to either serve on the board or have a parent job like laundry or playdough making. It's another way to build friendships with other parents. There are a lot of "thank goodness, your kid does that too?!" The preschool is in a church but is not religious. There is a Noah's Art Mural on one wall that the church as asked not be removed. But Christmas and even St. Patrick's day isn't topic of books or art projects. We actually had Purple Day on 3/17. They have trial classes. Worth checking out.

This is my daughter's first year at this co op school. Three of my friends and their kids had a…read moregreat educational journey at their local co op schools (Renton, Bothell and Bellevue) and their high recommendations inspired me to join. Two times a week we go to school together and play and learn for two hours and thirty minutes each day. My family tends to be more introverts and this easy separation transitional time and experience really works for us. Ms. Kristie is super attentive and caring. She is so dedicated to this school and her students. I cannot ask for a better teacher, environment and wonderful group of parents!

I am not an artist and am not in any way crafty. I can't draw for the life of me and honestly, the…read morevery thought of attempting to put paint on a cavas terrified me. A friend had an extra groupon and invited me along with a group of ladies in Jan. I went because my friend asked me to,not because I wanted to. 3 hours later, I was totally hooked. I am not an alcohol drinker, but, the selection is nice. And, she has a nice selection of things for us non-drinkers. Anyway, what started as a terrifying experience for me, quickly turned into something amazing and almost therapeutic. With guidance and teaching, I learned how to mix paint and put it on the canvas. And what I brought home that night actually looked like someone important painted it. I made thedecision during that class that this would be my new year's resolution: to attend one class a month for the year. And, it is now November and I must say that I have done that and a couple extra. The price is great and is the same as a night out to a movie or other activity. And for me, it is a time to turn off the cell phone, chat with friends, learn something new and leave with art. Everything I have painted is worthy to be on the wall. It is a cozy setting with umbrellas on the ceiling and sample paintings everywhere. Music plays through the sound system and the instructor is very personable and knowledgeable. The no clean up part is pretty amazing too. For me, this has been a great monthly experience and even if you just come once, you will have a great time, enjooy some wine, and take home your own art, worthy to be put on your wall!

My boyfriend wanted to take me out and plan something that I liked to do and naturally, when he…read morethought of me, two things came to mind: booze and painting pictures of cats. We decided to go on an adventure and take a painting class together. He, an engineer, didn't think himself a painter or an artist at all. I consider myself more of the artsy-fartsy type and was completely ecstatic about going to this class! I walked into this little hole-in-the-wall in Renton and was greeted very kindly by the owner, Bev, and a guest artist. Some booze and snacks were had and then we entered the art room. Not officially called "the art room," but I thought it was a clever description. The painting process was explained and easy to understand. Every painting seemed very unique and easy enough to learn. Even though my bf wasn't an artist, his painting turned out wonderful! We had a great time. I recommend going after work with the girls or for a birthday party. I brought home a complete work of art and it was a really good time. Some suggestions: eat dinner ahead of time, come early to find parking, and you might not want to be a perfectionist because the two hours we had went by really quick. I'd like to go to a longer session. All the paintings look so RAD!