Nature Atelier is a seasonal outdoor enrichment program where children create, build, explore, and discover through art, nature, movement, and open-ended play. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and nature-based education, each class offers thoughtfully prepared invitations that encourage creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning.Unlike a traditional art class, there are no step-by-step crafts or expected finished products. Children are encouraged to follow their own ideas, experiment with materials, and enjoy the creative process.

We offer two classes:Child & Caregiver Nature AtelierAges 18 months–3 years90-minute classAdult participation requiredDrop-Off Nature AtelierAges 3–6 years2-hour classChildren attend independently

Each class is unique, but children can expect a balance of creative exploration, movement, and nature discovery.Our outdoor studio may include:Open-ended art invitationsClay, paint, and drawing materialsLoose parts and natural materialsA child-friendly tool stationBuilding and construction projectsSlack line and movement challengesA hammock and quiet spacesNature exploration and imaginative playChildren choose how they engage, allowing each experience to be meaningful and self-directed.

Not in the traditional sense.Nature Atelier is a creative learning experience where art is one of many ways children express themselves. We focus on creativity, experimentation, problem-solving, and the joy of making rather than creating identical projects.

Not at all.Nature Atelier welcomes children of all abilities and experience levels. Curiosity is the only requirement.

Children thrive when they have time to build relationships, develop confidence, and return to ideas over many weeks.Our seasonal studio sessions allow children to become comfortable in the environment, deepen their creative investigations, and experience the changing seasons together.

Classes take place near downtown San Anselmo.Specific meeting locations and directions will be provided before the session begins.

We embrace the outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and encourage families to dress appropriately for the season.In the event of hazardous weather or unsafe conditions, such as poor air quality or dangerous storms, classes may be rescheduled or a make-up class may be offered when possible. We will likely have the use of a nearby indoor space as well.

Please dress for the weather and expect to get messy!We recommend:Closed-toe shoesLayersClothes that can get dirtySun hat and sunscreen when appropriateRain gear during wet weatherA labeled water bottleArt materials, mud, clay, and nature are all part of the experience.

Yes. Children in our drop-off class may have opportunities to use real child-sized woodworking tools under close supervision.We believe that with clear expectations, appropriate instruction, and careful supervision, children are capable of using real tools safely and confidently.

That's perfectly okay.Some children spend the morning building with wood, balancing on the slack line, exploring insects, creating imaginary worlds, or simply observing nature. Every child participates differently, and we celebrate each unique way of learning.

Our classes are intentionally small to foster meaningful relationships and individualized support.Child & Caregiver classes are limited to a small group of families, and our drop-off class maintains a low child-to-teacher ratio to ensure a safe and engaging experience.

Because our classes are small and build upon each week's experiences, we are unable to offer make-up classes for missed sessions.

Enrollment is for the full 12-week session.Cancellations made more than 30 days before the session begins will receive a refund, less a $50 administrative fee.Cancellations made within 30 days of the first class are non-refundable.Once the session begins, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.

An atelier (pronounced ah-tell-ee-ay) is a French word meaning artist's studio or workshop. In the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, the atelier is a special place where children explore, create, investigate, and express their ideas using many different materials and "languages."Our Nature Atelier brings this philosophy outdoors. Here, the natural world becomes both the studio and a source of inspiration. Children create with clay, paint, wood, natural materials, loose parts, and tools while exploring the forests, fields, and changing seasons of Marin.Rather than following step-by-step projects, children are encouraged to ask questions, experiment, solve problems, and express their own ideas. We believe creativity is not about making identical crafts—it's about nurturing curiosity, confidence, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning.At Nature Atelier, every stick, feather, leaf, stone, and brushstroke has the potential to become the beginning of a new discovery.