best painting programs in Madison, WI

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.

Discover 16 acres of outdoor gardens at Olbrich Botanical Gardens that feature stunning landscapes and Midwest-hardy plants. Step into the Bolz Conservatory and encounter exotic plants, flowers, orchids, birds, and an incredible waterfall. Enjoy concerts, classes for adults and families, flower shows, and events year-round. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to explore nature, learn more about plants and flowers, and connect with the community. Whether you are a long-time gardener or just beginning your green thumb journey, Olbrich Botanical Gardens provides something for everyone. Spend time outdoors admiring the beautiful landscapes and hardy plants or step into the Bolz Conservatory for a tropical experience. There are frequent classes and events that take place throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar for the latest happenings.

From her years of teaching in the middle school classrooms of Madison and Janesville, Amy Mietzel has learned the importance of creating art and the value of not taking anything a middle schooler says personally. Now, she is the proud owner of Bare Knuckle Arts – a welcoming, vibrant, independent art center. Here, children and adults alike can take classes to learn, create, dream, imagine, and make meaning. With a friendly atmosphere, this artistic home invites everyone to problem solve, think, engage with life, and make new friends. Amy believes with her whole heart that Bare Knuckle Arts is a place where creativity and self-expression flourish.

Our commitment to free and equitable access to cultural and educational experiences, and our celebration of ideas, promotes creativity and connects people. At Madison Public Library, visitors can explore and discover a wealth of resources, including books, movies, music, magazines, databases, tools and more. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are available to help patrons find what they need and provide access to materials and services to meet their educational, cultural, and recreational needs. From toddler storytimes to after-school programs to online classes, Madison Public Library offers something for everyone. The library also hosts events for all ages, from special guest speakers and author visits to film screenings and concerts. Whether you are looking to learn something new, find a book to read, or just need a quiet place to work, Madison Public Library is your place to learn, share, and create. Visit us today and see why Madison Public Library is your partner in learning and discovery!

At Madison Public Library, our goal is to provide free and equitable access to educational, cultural, and creative experiences for all ages. We strive to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster connections between people and ideas. Whether you’re looking for books, resources, or events to attend, we have something for everyone. Madison Public Library is the perfect place to learn, share, and create. Our welcoming staff and diverse selection of materials are here to help you find what you need. We invite you to come explore the wonderful world of learning and creativity with us.

At our pottery-making studio, we believe that every visit should be meaningful and special. Whether your goal is to make something beautiful or to make lasting memories, we promise that you’ll leave our studio with both. Our experienced staff is dedicated to helping you create something unique and memorable. From your very first visit, you’ll appreciate the creative atmosphere that our studio provides. Our extensive selection of materials and tools gives you the opportunity to make a piece of pottery that you’ll cherish for years to come. We pride ourselves on offering a space that allows you to unleash your creativity and have fun! We understand that making memories with your loved ones is just as important as making pottery, so we strive to make every visit special. We’ll ensure that you and your family have the best experience possible. With us, you’ll leave with more than just a piece of pottery. You’ll walk away with an unforgettable experience and lasting memories.

At Expressive Lindsey, we understand that special occasions bring about special moments. That’s why we specialize in creating art and entertainment that celebrates people and the moments that matter. For any special celebration, we offer Expressive Portraits, Live Event Painting, Art Workshops, and Portrait Commissions to make the event a meaningful and lasting memory. Our Expressive Portraits are unique and fun - think caricatures or cartoon-like sketches of you and your guests. We also offer Live Event Painting, where we’ll capture the moment as it’s happening with a live painting session. For those looking for more of an interactive experience, our Art Workshops are a great way to get creative and have fun. We even provide Portrait Commissions for those looking for a more personal touch. At Expressive Lindsey, we believe that special occasions are an opportunity to create lasting memories and celebrate the people that matter most. That’s why we specialize in art and entertainment that help make your event as meaningful and memorable as possible. With our Expressive Portraits, Live Event Painting, Art Workshops, and Portrait Commissions, we make sure your special celebration is as unique and special as you are.

Recent research has confirmed what Young Rembrandts has been teaching for years: there is a strong correlation between involvement in the arts and academic success. With exciting lessons that engage both body and mind, our program helps to develop the skills children need to excel in school. Young Rembrandts classes focus on the development of the whole child. Our unique method of teaching art helps children develop spatial reasoning and fine motor skills, order and sequencing abilities, visualization, and self-discipline, as well as fundamental art skills. With engaging activities that introduce concrete ideas and techniques, we strive to enlarge children’s vocabulary, enrich their imaginations and build strong minds.

For the last decade, the open source community has been a major influence in my life. The willingness of people to reach out to complete strangers and help them solve a problem is truly inspiring. This connection has taught me a lot and inspired me to give back to my local community. In turn, this has been the driving force behind Community Unity Arts. Our goal is to create the same sense of connection and community, but through art. If you are looking at this website and wondering why it is so generic and basic, it is because it is freely hosted and created from scratch. As our organization evolves, so too will the website. If you would like to get involved and help out on the tech side, please reach out to us. We also welcome any and all collaboration on community created art. Everyone’s input is necessary for us to achieve our goals.