best visual-arts programs in Somerville, MA

Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.

Since 1896, EPH has been providing vital resources to low-income and immigrant families in the Boston and Somerville area. Our mission is to provide the tools needed to help these families reach their fullest potential, and to do this, we offer a range of services which include early childhood education, youth development, and family assistance. Every donation we receive goes directly to our programs and operating costs, and we are very thankful for the generous support of our community partners, neighbors, families, and supporters. With their help, we are able to continue our mission of empowering and strengthening our community.

Bright Horizons Family Solutions provides solutions that empower employees to reach their full potential at every stage of life. Not only do they offer comprehensive benefits to employers, but their modern approach to talent helps build a skilled workforce for your organization. Bright Horizons is trusted by employers on best workplace lists around the world, so you can be sure you are getting the best quality of work from them.

Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that allows children to explore, discover, and develop their unique talents. We strive to nurture our children’s creativity and help them to develop the skills necessary to be successful in the future. We also endeavour to strengthen our relationships with families by offering support, resources, and guidance. We take pride in the work we do and are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your little ones.

At Tree House Academy Child Care, we strive to achieve the highest quality of care and education. We are dedicated to building a strong foundation for your child’s future. With our emphasis on providing a safe, loving, and stimulating environment, your child will be nurtured and grow in a positive and enriching atmosphere. With our competent and loving teachers, your child will be able to explore, experiment, and develop to their fullest potential.

We host monthly parent meetings and offer parent education classes and workshops. For parents searching for a nurturing, caring, and educational environment for their child's early education, Bigelow Cooperative Daycare Center offers the perfect solution. Our program emphasizes a play-based approach to learning, inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Children are encouraged to build creative development and problem-solving skills through hands-on, interactive activities. At Bigelow Cooperative Daycare Center, we recognize that parents are a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to creating an ideal learning environment. We host monthly parent meetings and offer parent education classes and workshops. We also understand the importance of collaboration between parents and teachers, and are committed to providing an enriching experience for both children and parents.

In the summer of 2013, Marina Seevak acted on an idea she had been considering for years. She set up shop at the Artisan's Asylum, a maker space in the Boston area, and contacted local manufacturers to see if they were willing to save their industrial scrap material for her. Her mission was to provide teachers with treasures from the scrap piles, and to create a small creative reuse center. With a background in the Boston Children's Museum and the Cambridge Public Schools, Marina was familiar with the concept of recycling. Years ago, as a first grade teacher, she often visited the RECYCLE Center to gather materials for her classroom's 'junk' center. Now, inspired by her past experiences, she was ready to make her idea a reality.

Our female-led business now employs 300 creatives and provides an array of services. In 2020, we launched our Muse To Go virtual platform, allowing customers to pick up supplies online and have them delivered directly to their door. This convenience also extended to our in-store experiences, which are now available across the east coast. We also offer private virtual events and top-shelf instructional videos, making the Muse To Go experience accessible domestically and internationally. At Muse To Go, we’re passionate about creating a space for everyone to express their creativity. Our business has grown from a single concept to a culture of innovation and passion. When we opened our first location in 2012, we wanted to create an inviting atmosphere for anyone to come and use art as a form of self-expression. We never could’ve imagined the success our teams have achieved in the years since. We’re proud to be able to offer our services to customers all over the world, and strive to continue providing a fun and unique painting experience.

At Parts and Crafts, we offer a makerspace and community workshop in Somerville, MA. We believe that kids should have the opportunity to think, make, learn, and do through the exploration of the arts, science, computer programming, and engineering. We refer to this as “the creative application of technical skills”. We strive to create a supportive environment where kids can gain competency in basic tool use and work on creative projects in a safe and enriching environment. At Parts and Crafts, we are passionate about inspiring kids to use their imaginations, explore their interests, and develop a love of learning. We strive to create a space that encourages kids to think outside the box and gain new skills while creating something unique. Whether it’s learning to use a saw and drill, understanding the basics of coding, or creating a work of art, our programs will help your child develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Mudflat Studios in Somerville, Massachusetts provides classes, workshops, outreach programming and events that focus on the ceramic arts. Our mission is to create an environment where both students and professional artists can explore their creativity, learn new skills, and be part of a larger artistic community. Working with clay is a unique process that can be used to make both functional and decorative pieces. We believe that every student should have the chance to experience the joy of working with clay, discovering new ways to express themselves. Additionally, our studio provides a unique opportunity for our students to work closely with professional artists.