In-Person Classes and Events in Michigan:

Doodles Academy’s Michigan chapter customizes the Doodles Academy programs to provide support to students, teachers, and community centers in the broader Detroit metropolitan area.

• We offer after-school classes and camps through Rec and Ed Ann Arbor
• We offer workshops and community events at local festivals and events or through community partners, such as public libraries.
• We support classroom teachers with in-school programming. 
• We support art teachers with support, training, and professional development opportunities through partner organizations such as the MAEA.
• We also provide arty parties for birthdays or special events.

Reach out to info@doodles-academy.org if you want more information about any of the above opportunities.

Quick Links:

• Interested in Classes or Workshops? sign up here to be notified of student-facing workshops, classes, and camps
  • Scroll down to see Upcoming Events and One-Day Workshops, as well as Upcoming Classes and Camps
• Interested in volunteering? You can visit here to see what volunteer opportunities we currently have available. You can also sign up here to be on our volunteer list, and be notified when new opportunities come up.
• Interested in supporting our work? You can donate to support our mission to increase access to high-quality art education here. 

We also welcome collaborating and partnering with businesses and organizations and encourage you to reach out if you have an idea about how we can work together. 

Upcoming Events and One-Day Workshops:

Sept 24th:  Visit Found for a Day of Giving, which will include a drop-in mini watercolor doodling activity.  Information and RSVP here. 

October 1st, 3-6pm: Join Doodles Academy at the Abbot Neighborhood Arty Party and participate in drop-in art activity. More information here. 

October 7th & October 14th: Visit the Ypsi Public Library and participate in two free events Family Art Walk and the Enchanted Land program

Classes and Camps:

We’re working with AAPS Rec & Ed to bring the Doodles curriculum to after-school programs around the city. These classes are for students in elementary school. You can scroll down this page to find: 

• A description for the upcoming classes 
• A form for AAPS parents to be notified when classes open 

Upcoming Classes:

A Toy’s Story

Where does your toy go in your imagination?

Calling all young artists! Join Doodles Academy on an extraordinary art adventure. Throughout this series of lessons, let your imagination soar as you explore storytelling through art. Learn exciting marker techniques and use vibrant colors to not only bring your favorite toy to life but also illustrate the amazing places it can go! Come enjoy a variety of fun and creative activities that’ll spark your imagination and bring out your artistic flair.

When: Starting early September 2023 and continuing for 8 weeks

Where: Bach, Dicken, Lakewood, A2 Steam, Haisley, Pattengill, Allen, Carpenter, Mitchell, Abbot, Bryant, King, Eberwhite, Logan, Wines Elementary Schools through the Rec and Ed afterschool program

How to Sign Up: When enrollment opens through the Rec and Ed website. Make sure you are on our email list (below) to be notified when enrollment opens. 

Designing the Zodiac

Have you ever wondered about the stories in our night sky?

Embark on a celestial adventure through the power of art. With Doodles Academy, you’ll explore constellations and learn about their myths from diverse cultures. Unleash your creativity to create a constellation — complete with its own unique myth! Brushes in hand, you’ll bring it to life by depicting a dynamic night sky that showcases your constellation as the shining centerpiece. Throughout this course, you’ll experiment with painting techniques and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultural stories woven within the stars. Become a stargazer, storyteller, and painter extraordinaire as you connect with the wonders of the universe to create breathtaking celestial artwork.

When: Starting Winter 2024 and continuing for 8 weeks

Where: Schools TBD, run through the Rec and Ed afterschool program

How to Sign Up: When enrollment opens through the Rec and Ed website. Make sure you are on our email list (below) to be notified when enrollment opens. 

Artist, Explorer, Scientist

Did you know that science and art go hand in hand?

Join Doodles Academy as we explore where the worlds of art and science intertwine. Step into the realm of drawing and discover how scientists utilize this powerful tool in their studies. Start with field sketches to learn the art of observational drawing and hone your skills while embracing a scientist’s eye for detail. Then, select an animal figurine of your choice, and draw it as if you were doing field research. Study its environment and create an immersive background that shows your animal’s habitat and habits. But the adventure doesn’t stop there — you’ll take your artwork to new heights by transforming it into a vibrant watercolor painting. Take part in this exciting expedition to explore the natural world and uncover the remarkable connection between visual art and scientific inquiry.

When: Starting Spring 2024 and continuing for 8 weeks

Where: Schools TBD, run through the Rec and Ed afterschool program

How to Sign Up: When enrollment opens through the Rec and Ed website. Make sure you are on our email list (below) to be notified when enrollment opens. 

Stay in touch by signing up using the form below. At the beginning of each term, we’ll contact parents with the names of the schools we will be serving, and we will introduce the topic and project(s) that we’ll be exploring for the next eight weeks. Scholarships will be available through Rec & Ed.