Children’s Expressive Arts & Play
A creative, nature-based program for children ages 3½ to 7. Outdoor exploration, natural play and daily art-making, in a small group at our Field Campus.
Pilot cohort: October 19 to December 17, 2026. Monday to Thursday, 1 to 5pm.
Useful program information
Ages
Children 3½ to 7
We select a well balanced group of children, so each group feels cohesive.
Schedule
Mon – Thur 1 to 5pm
The pilot cohort runs October 19 to December 17, 2026. Enroll full or part time
Group size
Up to 8 children
2 instructors for a group of 5 or more children
Tuition
Sliding scale
$100 to $230 a week
In addition to sliding scale, Tuition Assistance is available.
Our approach
We nurture curiosity through outdoor exploration, natural play and creative arts every day. Children have room to explore, take risks and discover what they love.
Afternoons
- Outdoor exploration on the Field Campus
- Natural, open-ended play
- Hands-on art-making every day
- Movement and connection with the natural world
Small by design
- Up to 8 children in each group
- 2 instructors whenever 5 or more children attend
- Groups placed with care, so each one feels cohesive
- Enroll for 2 days or all 4 days
Meet the instructors
Sierra O’Connell
Sierra is an experienced early childhood educator who fosters creativity and confidence in young children. She builds spaces where children feel safe to explore, take risks and discover their own interests.
Sierra believes play, meaningful movement and connection to the natural world are the building blocks of healthy development. At the Alchemy Art Farm she guides small, balanced groups on their artistic and outdoor adventures.
Ava Crawford “Ms. Ava”
Assistant Teacher
Ava holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Behavior Science with a minor in Global Health from the University of Delaware. She has experience working in nature-based and play-based preschool settings, where she discovered a deep appreciation for the wonder and curiosity of early childhood. Her background in health and wellness coaching, outdoor education, and child development has shaped her belief in the importance of nurturing the whole child – mind, body, and spirit. Inspired by her experiences working with children, Ava plans to pursue a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, with the hope of continuing to support children’s development, independence, and well-being.
Outside of the classroom, Ava is an avid bird watcher, traveler, yoga teacher, and Sudoku-doer. She is excited to bring her love of the outdoors, movement, and lifelong learning into her work with children.
How to enroll
We prioritize a cohesive group, so enrollment starts with a short interest form.
- Fill out the enrollment interest form.
- We get in touch to talk about placement and find the right group for your child.
- If cost is a barrier, apply for tuition assistance. Nearly every program qualifies.
Plan your visit
Field Campus
The Art Barn and the fields of the former lavender farm.
Good to know
- Small groups: up to 8 children, with 2 instructors whenever 5 or more children attend.
- Sliding scale: $180 to $230 a week, and tuition assistance is available.
- Pilot cohort: October 19 to December 17, 2026, Monday to Thursday, 1 to 5pm.
Creativity is a human right.
Alchemy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Grants and gifts of every size keep classes, studios and free programs open to everyone on the island. Tuition assistance is available for nearly all classes and all memberships.