Growing through the Arts
The Arts Academy at First Christian Church serves to develop the next generation of artists – trained with excellence for the task of ministry. It also serves as an avenue for growing disciples of Jesus Christ and expressing his love for people in our community.
Arts Academy for 2025-2026
The Arts Academy is kicking off for the 2025/2026 school year. Students of all ages — including adults — can sign up for FREE classes where they can explore a variety of different art forms. See class options below.
Dates for Arts Academy classes:
September 17, 24 • October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • November 5, 12, 19
(Note: Some classes meet on different dates/times)
K-1 Art
FULL!
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Number of Students: 10
Ages: 5 - 7 years old
Calling all young creators! In this fun and hands-on class, Kindergarten and 1st grade students will get to explore a world of creativity through a variety of artistic adventures. Each week brings a new opportunity to dive into the arts—whether it’s making music, painting colorful masterpieces, or creating tasty treats in the kitchen. With age-appropriate activities designed just for them, kids will discover the joy of expressing themselves through music, visual arts, and culinary fun. It's the perfect place to play, learn, and let their imaginations shine!
2nd - 3rd Grade Art
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Number of Students: 9
Ages: 2nd - 3rd Grade
Get ready to create like a true artist! In this exciting class, students will dive into the world of art by learning essential skills and techniques like color theory, sketching, and design—and that’s just the beginning! Each week, they’ll experiment with a variety of art materials including watercolors, colored pencils, markers, pastels, and more. With every project, students will explore their creativity and bring home unique, one-of-a-kind masterpieces they’ll be proud to show off!
4th – 6th Grade Lego Art
FULL!
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Number of Students: 9
Ages: 4th – 6th Grade
Lego Art is a hands-on class designed for 4th – 6th grade students to learn foundational art principles, explore art history, and develop spatial awareness and architectural thinking using LEGO bricks. This class combines tactile learning with visual arts education, fostering both creativity and problem-solving skills in an engaging, playful environment.
Art Class
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Number of Students: 10
Ages: High School - Adult
Unleash your creativity and expand your artistic skills! In this dynamic, hands-on class, students will explore core art concepts while experimenting with a wide range of mediums—watercolor, pastels, ink, paper, pencil, and more. Whether you're looking to refine your technique or simply enjoy the creative process, this class offers the perfect opportunity to create expressive, original works of art in a supportive and inspiring environment. No matter your experience level, you'll leave each session with new skills, fresh inspiration, and a growing portfolio of diverse pieces.
Video Production
FULL!
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Number of Students: 5
Ages: 6th - Adults
Lights, camera… action! In this hands-on Video Production class, students will learn the fundamentals of creating compelling photography and videos from start to finish. Whether you’re filming a short story, capturing an interview, or producing a creative project for church or community, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to bring your vision to life.
We’ll cover the basics of storyboarding to plan your shots, explore techniques for filming with clarity and creativity, and dive into the essentials of editing to polish your final piece. Along the way, you’ll discover how to combine visuals, sound, and storytelling to create engaging, professional-quality videos that connect with your audience.
No prior experience? No problem! This class is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, offering a supportive environment to experiment, collaborate, and grow. By the end, you’ll have a finished project you can be proud of—and the skills to keep creating long after the class ends
Lyrical Dance (K-4th Grade)
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Number of Students: 10
Ages: K - 4th Grade
In this inspiring class, students will learn lyrical dance techniques rooted in graceful movement and expressive storytelling, all with a Christ-centered focus. Dancers will explore how movement can be a powerful form of worship as they learn and rehearse lyrical routines designed to honor and glorify God. Each session builds not just skill and confidence, but also a deeper connection between faith and artistic expression—culminating in powerful worship pieces that bring dance and devotion together.
Lyrical Dance (5th-12th Grade)
Time: 4:30-5:30pm
Number of Students: 10
Ages: 5th - 12th Grade
In this inspiring class, students will learn lyrical dance techniques rooted in graceful movement and expressive storytelling, all with a Christ-centered focus. Dancers will explore how movement can be a powerful form of worship as they learn and rehearse lyrical routines designed to honor and glorify God. Each session builds not just skill and confidence, but also a deeper connection between faith and artistic expression—culminating in powerful worship pieces that bring dance and devotion together.
Sewing
FULL!
Time: 5:00-6:30pm
Number of Students: 5
Ages: 4th Grade - Adults
In this hands-on class, students will discover the fundamentals of both machine and hand sewing, gaining the confidence to bring their creative ideas to life. They'll learn how to read and follow sewing patterns, master the basics of using a sewing machine, and complete a variety of fun and functional projects throughout the year. Whether you're brand new to sewing or ready to sharpen your skills, this class offers the perfect blend of practical techniques and creative expression—one stitch at a time!
Dramatic Arts
Time: 5:30 - 6:30pm
Number of Students: 10
Ages: 4th - 12th Grade
Step into the world where faith meets creativity! In this dynamic Dramatic Arts class, students will explore the beauty of God’s Word through scripture readings, storytelling, performance, and spoken word. Together, we’ll breathe life into biblical passages, transforming them from words on a page into powerful, moving expressions that inspire hearts and minds.
Through interactive storytelling, dramatic performance, and the artistry of spoken word, students will develop confidence in their voices, creativity in their delivery, and a deeper connection to God’s truth.
Whether you’ve been on stage for years or are stepping into the spotlight for the first time, this class is a safe space to explore your gifts, build community, and glorify God through the art of performance.
Questions? Contact Andrea Grunden at agrunden@firstdecatur.org or (217) 875-3350.