Welcome to the Collective at

GROWING UP ART


HEY Homeschool Mama, Working mama, BUSY MAMA or DAD:

Looking for an easy and affordable way for your creative child to grow in the arts, contribute to your local art community, and make lasting friendships?

Growing Up Art

is here for you!


CHECK OUT OUR GALLERIES

Admire & Get Inspired

We Are...

GROWING UP ART

Nurture your child's creativity at Growing Up Art, a Charlotte-based family artist collective offering a creative concierge and supportive art community for children ages 3-5. Our program fosters a lifelong love of art through social gatherings, hands-on exploration, skill development, and an opportunity to graduate to Growing Up Art Legacies, a summer art camp and mentorship for ages 6-18 years old. Embark on your artistic journey with our free Socialite membership today!

Growing Up Art Collective's Socialite Membership includes:

  • Monthly Newsletter with DIY art and science projects

  • Private Social Art Club via Classdojo with separate, but linked child and parent accounts to connect with other creative families in your area

  • A Creative Concierge!

    Let your creative concierge find free and affordable art events around the city, curate artistic learning experiences to sharpen your child's skills, and arrange group meetups with other creative families to create lasting friendships.

    Growing Up Art will provide a stress free way to keep your family connected to the art scene without having to waste time searching the web and wondering how you will keep your creative child entertained.

But wait...We Are So Much More!!!!

Keep scrolling to unlock your child's potential, artistically and beyond...

We Are...

GROWING UP ART

Growing Up Art is a family artist collective based in Charlotte, NC with a focus on early art education and the creative development of all ages. It is our mission to empower young artists with the skills, experiences, connections, and family support needed to build a solid foundation for their art careers, rekindle the flame for artists that have lost their spark, and develop creativity in those who don't consider themselves as creative.


Growing Up Art is open to families with children ages 3-6 who are interested in the arts and science. Membership is free and includes a monthly newsletter and Family Fun Day play dates. In addition to our free membership benefits, families that join our collective will receive exclusive invitations to the events below to satisfy the participation requirement:

  • Virtual Art Preschool (3-5yrs)

  • Virtual Art Enrichment (5-6yrs)

  • Collective art gallery to display select works

  • Weekly creative collaboration on ideas for special events, projects, home decor & more

  • Collective events for the family

  • Priority Registration for Art Science Summer Camp

  • Monthly bonuses based on activities completed

We Are...

GROWING UP ART


Nurture your child's creativity at Growing Up Art, a Charlotte-based family artist collective offering a creative concierge and supportive art community for children ages 3 and up. Our program fosters a lifelong love of art through social gatherings, hands-on exploration, skills development, and family & community engagement.

Children may enter into our art education program as a PreK Plus member at preschool age and grow with us through 18 as a Legacy member! Our goal is to equip our members with a variety of artistic skills, a vast professional network, and a solid customer base by high school graduation. Additionally, we assist families in enhancing their understanding of the arts and building confidence in the arts as a viable career option for their child, rather than just a secondary source of income.

So, your child is 6 or older?

We offer a free membership called Socialites for children ages 3-11 that wish to join strictly for artsy fun!

Growing Up Art Collective's Socialites Membership includes:

  • A Creative Concierge!

    Let your creative concierge find free and affordable art events around the city, curate artistic learning experiences, and arrange group meetups with other creative families. Growing Up Art will provide a stress free way to keep your family connected to the art scene without having to waste time searching the web and wondering how you will keep your creative little one entertained. Just log into your Growing Up Art portal for creativity at your fingertips.

  • Private Social Art Club via Classdojo with separate, but linked child and parent accounts!

    Collective members are able to connect and socialize with class stories, group parent chats, child portfolios, Dojo Islands interactive building game, event calendars, and social-emotional learning with a point system to track progress.

  • Monthly Newsletter with DIY art and science projects!

    Receive collective news and hands-on DIY activities that can be done with materials you already have at home!

Grow With...

Growing Up Art PreK PLUS

Growing Up Art Virtual Preschool

Preschool Pals art class held once a month for ages 3-5.

Pricing:

$15 for first child/$10 for siblings

Bonus Content:

1 month access to Virtual Spanish Class, Virtual Cooking Class, Virtual Field Trip, PE and Nutrition Printables, Faith-Based PreK Class*

*Faith-Based PreK Class is Christian and available upon request only

Growing Up Art Virtual Enrichment

Fun in Foundation art enrichment class held once a month for ages 5-6.

Pricing:

$15 for first child/$10 for siblings

Bonus Content:

1 month access to Virtual Spanish Class, Virtual Cooking Class, Virtual Field Trip, PE and Nutrition Printables

GUA Evening of the Arts Class

In-person art class held once a month for all ages.

Pricing:

$20 for first child/ $15 for siblings/adults free

Bonus Content:

Virtual Field Trip

GUA Book Club

In-person book club meeting held once a month for each age group (3-5yrs; 5-6yrs)

Pricing:

$15 for first child/ $10 for siblings

Bonus Content:

1 month access to Epic Digital Library school account (M-F, 7am-3pm)

Growing Up Art Virtual Preschool

Preschool Pals art class held once/month

Ages: 3-5yrs

Pricing: $15 for first child/$10 for siblings

Bonus Content: 1 month access to Virtual Spanish Class, Virtual Cooking Class, Virtual Field Trip, PE and Nutrition Printables, Faith-Based PreK Class*

Growing Up Art Virtual Enrichment

Fun in Foundation art enrichment held once/month

Ages: 5-6yrs

Pricing: $15 for first child/$10 for siblings

Bonus Content: Virtual Spanish Class, Virtual Cooking Class, Virtual Field Trip, PE and Nutrition Printables

*Faith-Based PreK Class is Christian and available upon request only

GUA Evening of the Arts Class

In-person art workshop held once/month

Ages: All

Pricing: $20 for first child/ $15 for siblings

Bonus Content: Virtual Field Trip

GUA Book Club

Book club meeting once a month for each age group

Ages: 3-5yrs; 5-6yrs

Pricing: $15 for first child/ $10 for siblings

Bonus Content: 1 month access to Epic Digital Library school account (M-F, 7am-3pm)

You want the best preschool experience for your creative child, but local preschool programs don't focus on the arts enough for your little one to reach their full potential.

You have questions like:

  • Can I afford preschool and art-related activities for my child at the same time?

  • How can I incorporate the arts into our homeschool curriculum?

  • Do I have time to find art events on a regular basis?

  • What will happen if I don't nurture both their creative and academic sides at this age?

  • How do I meet other creative families and establish lasting friendships with them?

Our Plus Membership

is the solution for you!

Here's EVERYTHING you get...

Preschool Pals Virtual Art Club

We teach the elements of art and principles of design with self-paced art tutorials in our private learning portal ending each month with a virtual show and tell

Girl folds paper while watching teacher on laptop

Creative Concierge

Save time and worry less about how you will entertain your creative child. Enjoy having artistic opportunities loaded into your account by your concierge every month

Girl follows directions during arts and crafts time.

Space in The Growing Up Art Gallery Online

Our artists are able to submit their artwork into our online gallery exhibits every month to share with the world and participate in collective art projects

Child with headset smiles as he engages with laptop

Free Bonus: Private Social Art Club

Socialize with other creative families via Classdojo. Enjoy class stories, chats, child portfolios, SEL, rewards, event calendars and Dojo Islands Builder Game

Child waves at laptop

Free Bonus:

Monthly Art-Science Newsletter

Receive collective news, group event announcements, and hands-on DIY activities that can be done with materials you already have at home via Classdojo and your private learning portal

Child writes A in green sand

Free Bonus:

Art Themed ELA

Earn badges and sharpen reading comprehension skills with art-themed books, videos and quizzes assigned by your art teacher in Epic Digital Library Mon-Fri, 7am-3pm EST!

Boy picks paper out of different colored liquids

Growing Up Art Legacies

Graduate into our summer camp, mentorship, and volunteerism program for ages 6-18 yrs. This camp is only open to members who were active in our PreK Plus program through to age 6

Girl watches a lesson about the alphabet on a laptop

I'm super busy. Do I need to supervise my child online?

This is at the parent/guardian's discretion, as you know your child best.

Most Preschool Pals Art Club tutorials are designed for your preschooler to follow along independently. Once you have gathered the materials needed, you or your child can press play and you can enjoy some free time around the house! However, there will be some tutorials that may require supervision, as some lessons are designed to challenge your child to sharpen their fine motor skills and they may need your help to use the correct technique. The lessons will be sorted by difficulty level, so you can be prepared.

Is the Growing Up Art Learning Portal easy to access?

Yes. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access it anytime, anywhere, on any device.

Do I have to pay for events recommended by the Creative Concierge?

Yes, but our goal is to make access to the arts free or affordable for your family on a consistent basis. Your creative concierge will do her best to find local art events that fit this criteria. We also offer fundraisers to pay for art events that are curated by Growing Up Art. Group meetups are typically free and are eligible to be paid for with fundraiser credit if there is a cost.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes.

Do I need to buy supplies for the Preschool Pals Art Club?

Yes. Preschool Pals Art Club will utilize basic preschool art supplies that you may already have at home including, but not limited to:

Construction Paper

Copy Paper

Crayons

Markers

Washable Acrylic or Tempura Paint

Paint Brushes

Googley Eyes

School Glue

Glue Sticks

Safety Scissors

Pom Poms

Pipecleaners

Modeling Clay

If you need assistance with resources, then please contact Mrs. Carmen. We offer fundraisers throughout the year to assist our families with fees.

Who will lead the Preschool Pals Art Tutorials and facilitate the monthly Show & Tell...What are their qualifications?

Carmen Gripper is in her 6th year of teaching with experience in homeschool, public school experience with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, as well as Sabbath school experience with her local church. She attended Winthrop University and completed a degree in Business Administration. She then attended DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management and earned a Graduate Certificate in Big Data and Business Analytics. She is also certified in Basic School Age Care via the Southwestern Child Development Commission and certified in Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED via the American Red Cross.She co-founded Growing Up Art in December 2021 along with her two children, Connor and Addisen, to nurture their artistic abilities, teach them about business, grow their tribe of artistic peers and help parents do the same for their own children.

FAQ image

Why are there no events scheduled or recommended by the concierge from Friday evening to Saturday evening?

The Growing Up Art Founders observe the Hebrew Sabbath and are not available to work from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. Although we are not in charge of the events that go on during those times, we cannot recommend them because we would like to be available to our members in case they have an issue or question for us about our recommendation during the Sabbath. Our weekend events will be scheduled during the times below:

Friday 9am-3pm

Saturday Varies with sundown during Daylight Time (EDT) vs Standard Time (EST)

Sunday All day

Our concierge program focuses on finding activities during the school day for homeschool families, after school for families that take advantage of public/private school education, and families who wish to socialize on Sundays but can't typically find programming or groups that offer Sunday activities on a consistent basis.

Meet Your...

FOUNDING ARTISTS!

ADDISEN GRIPPER

Hi, I'm Addisen! I like more moving around art, like ballet art and plays. I can dance and make videos. When I do a project, I love to cut paper with my safety scissors and glue it to make a collage. What projects do you like? I'm ready for you to show me in Preschool Pals art class!

CONNOR STALLWORTH

Hi, I'm Connor! I love to draw and make projects out of things my mom tries to throw away. I like to add fire and ice to my drawings to make them look cool. Are there any cool things you think I should put in my pictures? I like to try new things. We can talk all about it in art enrichment class!

CARMEN GRIPPER

Hi, I'm Carmen! I'm your creative friend that stays ready for some artsy fartsy fun and my youngins didn't fall too far from the tree. I value collective creativity. Let's empower one another with ideas to make any time together a great time. Share with me in our weekly creative collaboration!

ADDISEN GRIPPER

Hi, I'm Addisen! I like more moving around art, like ballet art and plays. I can dance and make videos. When I do a project, I love to cut paper with my safety scissors and glue it to make a collage. What projects do you like? I'm ready for you to show me in Preschool Pals art class!

CONNOR STALLWORTH

Hi, I'm Connor! I love to draw and make projects out of things my mom tries to throw away. I like to add fire and ice to my drawings to make them look cool. Are there any cool things you think I should put in my pictures? I like to try new things. We can talk about it in our art workshops!

CARMEN GRIPPER

Hi, I'm Carmen! I'm your creative friend that stays ready for some artsy fartsy fun and my youngins didn't fall too far from the tree. Two heads are better than one, so I value collective creativity. Let's empower one another with ideas to make any time together a great time. Share with me in our creative collaboration sessions!

Network With...

Creative Collaboration

For parents only

  • Virtual collaboration via Google Meet by request (In-person collab is more than welcome as time and location permits)

  • Collaborate on ideas for parties, special events, art projects, home décor, wardrobe & more

  • Propose or plan collective events, meetups, field trips, art projects & more

Network With...

Creative Collaboration

Parents Only

  • Virtual meetups via Google Meet by request (in-person collab is more than welcome as time and venues permit)

  • Collaborate on ideas for parties, special events, art projects, home decor, wardrobe, work presentations, photos & more

  • Plan collective events, meetups, field trips, art projects & more

Get Social At...

Collective Events

In this era, we have become so socially distant. Growing Up Art Collective is all about coming together to create. We love to be outside...We love to see smiling faces! We'd love for your family to add to the joy of our artistic journey! Let your Creative Concierge save you time and energy by loading local art events for your family into your portal account, curate creative learning experiences for your child, and arrange group meetups to build lasting friendships within our private art community.

Get Social At...

Collective Meet Ups

In this era, we have become so socially distant. Growing Up Art Collective is all about coming together to create. We love to be outside...We love to see smiling faces! We'd love for your family to add to the joy of our artistic journey! Let your Creative Concierge save you time and energy by loading local art events for your family into your portal account, curate creative learning experiences for your child, and arrange group meetups to build lasting friendships within our private art community.

Inspire Others With...

Growing Up Art Gallery

Inspire Others With...

Growing Up Art Gallery

Included in Plus and Legacies Membership

Growing Up Art Gallery is a collective space for our artists to display their unique talents. We invite you to browse, admire, and get inspired to connect and create with us.

Growing Up Art Gallery is a collective space for our artists to display their unique talents. We invite you to browse, admire, and get inspired to connect and create with us.

SO HOW MUCH IS IT?

Get 70% Off PLUS When You Join Today And Ask About Our Raise Your Way Fundraiser Payment Option

FEATURED:

Carmen Gripper

American, Born 1987

Windy, 2020

Vector Drawing

"This piece came about as I made the decision to follow my dreams and step into the artistic pathway that has always been before me. I had the desire to be so inundated with God's creativity that it's all I can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Until it's the only way by which I can live and all that I can give. Windy is the visual image of that thought." - Carmen

Tell your walls to grow up!

Or They Can Stay Toddler Chic...

It's Fine...Either Way is Fine!

Tell your walls to grow up!


Or they can stay toddler chic...

It's fine...either way is fine!

Growing Up Art is a collective building artistic wealth to pass

Community Builder!

Growing Up Art Socialite

The fun, supportive community of creative families!

If you want your family to be assisted by a creative concierge and socialize with other families in a private art community to build lasting friendships, you'll love our Socialite membership!

$0/mo membership fee

  • Creative Concierge!

    Let your creative concierge find free and affordable art events around the city, curate artistic learning experiences to sharpen your child's skills, and arrange group meetups with other creative families to create lasting friendships.

    Growing Up Art will provide a stress free way to keep your family connected to the art scene without having to waste time searching the web and wondering how you will keep your creative child entertained.

  • Private Social Art Club!

    Gain access to our private art community via Classdojo to meet and socialize with other artistic families (Separate, but linked parent and child accounts) + Dojo Islands, an interactive play & build platform for kids

  • Monthly newsletter with DIY Art and Science projects, Collective news, and more!

  • Pay by FUNDRAISER available for events curated by Growing Up Art

  • Ages 3-11 years

Skill Builder!

Growing Up Art PreK Plus

The premier PreK creative experience...now online!

If you want your child to be a part of your local art community, build artistic skills at group meetups arranged by your concierge, and learn the art elements on-demand, you'll love our Plus membership!

Best Value!!!!!

$30/mo membership fee

$100 70% off when you join today

  • Preschool Pals Virtual Art Club On-Demand with Live Show & Tell!

    Self-paced art tutorials within our online learning portal and a monthly, live show & tell via Google Meet

  • Creative Concierge!

    Let your creative concierge find free and affordable art events around the city, curate artistic learning experiences to sharpen your child's skills, and arrange group meetups with other creative families to create lasting friendships.

    Growing Up Art will provide a stress free way to keep your family connected to the art scene without having to waste time searching the web and wondering how you will keep your creative child entertained.

  • Growing Up Art Gallery!

    Share your family's artwork in our online art gallery

  • Free Bonus: Monthly newsletter with DIY Art and Science projects, Collective news, and more!

  • Free Bonus: Access to our private social art club via Classdojo to meet and socialize with other artistic families (Separate, but linked parent and child accounts) + Dojo Islands, an interactive play & build platform for kids

  • Free Bonus: Art-themed ELA with Epic School (M-F 7am-3pm)

    Your art teacher will assign art related books and videos for you to read/watch at your leisure. There will also be quizzes available for comprehension practice

  • Free Bonus: Creative Collaboration sessions for parents only

    Meet with your Creative Concierge and other parents to collaborate on projects, event planning, decorating, etc. via Google Meet (In-person meetings are by request only and are subject to venue availability)

  • Pay by FUNDRAISER available for monthly membership fees

  • Ages 3-5 years

Future Builder!

Growing Up Art Legacies

The ultimate, creative childhood experience!

If you want your child to study art well beyond preschool with a summer camp, mentorship, and volunteerism, you'll love our Legacies program! (Only open to GUA PreK Plus Graduates 6-18yrs)

$105 Summer Art Camp

$350 70% off when you join today

  • Your child will complete a 1 week hybrid art camp with a dedicated art mentor

  • Free Bonus: Legacy members are eligible for volunteer opportunities for school credit throughout the school year (14-18yrs)

  • Pay by FUNDRAISER available for your summer camp tuition

Enjoy the benefits below for one year with your summer enrollment:

  • Free Bonus: Access to our private social art club via Classdojo to meet and socialize with other members (Separate, but linked parent and child accounts) + Dojo Islands, an interactive play & build platform for kids

  • Free Bonus: Family Fun Day Invitations

    Meet up with other creative families at community events

  • Free Bonus: Art gallery space online

  • Ages 6-18 years (PreK Plus Graduates only)

100% Satisfaction Guarantee Seal

We 100% guarantee that you will love everything you're going to get as a Growing Up Art Plus member!

If for any reason you don't feel that you got MORE THAN your money's worth, simply email us at info@wearegrowingupart.com within 30 days and we'll give your membership fee back... no questions asked.

But you should know we always over deliver, and you're going to be blown away by all the value you receive! There is literally no risk to you ... we're taking the entire responsibility on our shoulders to give you the absolute best experience possible.


*Money back guarantee is NOT applicable to events recommended by our creative concierge, special Growing Up Art events, Growing Up Art Gallery submissions, Growing Up Art Legacies camp, nor to ANY payments made by fundraiser. All fundraiser credit will be donated for the advancement of the Collective if you wish to cancel at any time.

Haven't Heard About Us?

Read Our Reviews

Quick FAQs

My child already spends a lot of time on screens. Does this replace the screen time?

With Preschool Club, it's not about quantity, but quality. Every minute is designed to be interactive, engaging, and beneficial for their development. You'll swap passive cartoon watching with active learning that preps them for kindergarten and beyond!

How can online preschool be as effective as local preschool?

While the experience is different, Preschool Club has crafted a curriculum that harnesses the power of digital tools to boost learning. Our qualified teachers create content ensuring your child gets the benefits of traditional preschool, right at home.

I'm super busy. Do I need to supervise my child?

Preschool Club is designed for busy parents in mind. You or your child can just click PLAY! It's user-friendly, and the activities are crafted to keep your little one engaged on their own. Plus, it gives you some free time, knowing they're in a safe, educational space.

Is Preschool Club easy to access?

Yes. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access it anytime, anywhere, on any device.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes.

Do I need to buy supplies?

No. Our curriculum is designed to be hands-on and self-contained within our preschool class each day so you don't have to buy any additional supplies.

Haven't Heard About Us?

Read Our Reviews

Check Us Out...

In the News

Meet Our Exhibitors

September 13, 2022 | Black Girl Art Show


ASC Artist Support Grants Provide Nearly $200,000 to Regional Artists

December 9, 2021 | ASC Charlotte


"Carmen Gripper, Mecklenburg—$2,501.14 to support the Growing Up Art & Science Camp."

ART EDUCATION Growing Minds

the Creative

Way!



Check Us Out...

IN THE NEWS

Image

July 10, 2023 | By Joy Anderson


If you’re looking for the best online preschool to enroll your preschooler, then look no further! Listed below from A-Z are the best online preschools for children ages 3-5!

"What an Awesome Shot of Growing Up Art Family Members Chalking..." -Charlotte Chalk Art Festival

October 22, 2023 | By Melvin D. Nix

September 13, 2022 | By Black Girl Art Show

Image

December 9, 2021 | By ASC Charlotte


"Carmen Gripper, Mecklenburg—$2,501.14 to support the Growing Up Art & Science Camp."

GROWING MINDS THE CREATIVE WAY

Check out our art education opportunities

GROWING MINDS THE CREATIVE WAY

Check out our art education opportunities

Growing Up Art

Virtual Preschool

Growing Up Art has established a preschool that is the heart of creative thinking and expression, encouraging our children to nurture their passion, use their imaginations to be resourceful, bring their individuality into a collective group, and allow exploration of the arts to guide them through the Process of Self-Discovery.


Growing Up Art & Science Camp

Sponsored by the Charlotte Art & Science Council, Growing Up Art will be offering a FREE 5-day virtual S.T.E.A.M. camp during Charlotte-Mecklenburg School's 2022 Spring Break. PreK-2nd Grade scholars will have access to 5 on-demand art classes that offer education enrichment in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.

GROWING MINDS THE CREATIVE WAY

Check out our art education opportunities

GROWING MINDS THE CREATIVE WAY

Check out our art education opportunities

Growing Up Art Virtual Preschool

Growing Up Art has established a preschool that is the heart of creative thinking and expression, encouraging our children to nurture their passion, use their imaginations to be resourceful, bring their individuality into a collective group, and allow exploration of the arts to guide them through the Process of Self-Discovery.

Growing Up Art & Science Camp

Sponsored by the Charlotte Art & Science Council, Growing Up Art will be offering a FREE 5-day virtual S.T.E.A.M. camp during Charlotte-Mecklenburg School's 2022 Spring Break. PreK-2nd Grade scholars will have access to 5 on-demand art classes that offer education enrichment in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.

GROW ART WITH US!

Growing Up Art

P.O. Box 68197

Charlotte, NC 28216

Info@wearegrowingupart.com

980-294-4769

Office Hours

Tuesday 6pm-7pm

Thursday 6pm-7pm

Growing Up Art

P.O. Box 68197

Charlotte, NC 28214

Info@wearegrowingupart.com

980-294-4769

© Growing Up Art 2022