ArtStart
ArtStart is the MAC's summer art program for children ages 4 1/2 to 9 years, offered in June and July each year.
ArtStart teachers are specialists in music, dance, theater, and art, most of whom teach throughout the year and are professionals in their fields. Activities include arts and crafts, theater, music, games, and storytelling. The ArtStart program runs weekly, from 9:00am‒12:30pm daily, except for July 4 (if it falls on a weekday). Children must bring a bag lunch and water every day. MAC members have access to early registration and receive a significant discount on ArtStart tuition.*
Received discounted tuition by joining the MAC family today!
*Current MAC membership at the Family level ($75) or above is required for discounted ArtStart tuition and early registration. Visit our membership page here to join the MAC. If you are uncertain if your membership is current, please call the MAC at (508) 748-1266. Any nonmember who registers during early registration period will be placed on hold until registration opens to nonmembers.
Due to very limited capacity, ArtStart fees are nonrefundable unless ArtStart is cancelled.
Registration for ArtStart 2025 opens to MAC members on Tuesday, January 28.
Registration opens to nonmembers on Tuesday, February 18.
Want to get a jump on early registration? Click the button (right) to become a MAC member!
Membership at Family level or above is required for discounted MAC tuition.
ArtStart 2025 Schedule
ArtStart runs 9:00am‒12:30pm daily.
Cost per 5 day session: MAC Members: $255| Nonmembers: $295
Cost per 4 day session: MAC Members: $205 | Nonmembers: $240
Four day session occurs week of July 4 only - no camp on Friday
- Session 1: Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27
- Session 2: Monday, June 30 - Thursday, July 3 (4 days, no camp July 4)
- Session 3: Monday, July 7 - Friday, July 11
- Session 4: Monday, July 14 - Friday, July 18
- Session 5: Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25
ArtStart 2025 Program Director
Elyse Laurelle
Since Elyse was a child, she wanted to be an artist and particularly was inspired by her grandfather’s skills as a professional painter and violinist in Detroit. However, her career began as a college English teacher. She grew up in metro-Detroit and later in the suburbs not far from Ann Arbor, MI. She moved in 2014 to New England for a PhD program and teaching position. She has worked at universities, a community college, tribal college, and military prep school. After having her son, she left college teaching and academia to explore new opportunities in education while also building up her side art business and taking her artwork more seriously. After getting some guidance at RISD in their continuing education painting program, she worked as a floating art teacher with a non-profit in RI for Social Services. She did some work for New Bedford Public Schools while she and her son began their move to the SouthCoast of MA in Spring 2023.When she became a member of the Co-Creative Center in New Bedford that spring, she began working more as a professional artist and art teacher. Elyse had her first solo art exhibition for her acrylic, abstract seascapes in May 2024 at the Co-Creative Center, entitled “Called to the Sea.” Elyse works as a professional artist/educator out of the Co-Creative Center in downtown New Bedford, MA. Her mediums are acrylic and watercolor paint on canvas or paper. Elyse and her son live in Mattapoisett and she is happy to now be part of the Marion Art Center.
Job Openings for ArtStart
Music Instructor
The Marion Art Center is in search of a creative movement and music instructor for ages 4.5-9 for its summer program, ArtStart. The music instructor should have ample experience in working with young children, as well as the ability to create an engaging music curriculum based on games, play, movement, creativity, and having fun! The ideal
candidate will have a ready assortment of musical games that gets kids up and moving. The instructor may choose to use simple percussive instruments, scarves, and other accessories that aid in creative, musical play. The prime candidate delights in creating a nurturing, safe space for interactive, imaginative exploration where children can blossom and grow. Ideally, instructors will be available to teach all five weeks of the program, but some exceptions may be made if a suitable replacement can be found for any dates the teacher is unavailable.
To apply for an ArtStart teaching position, please send resume, cover letter, and three references to info@marionartcenter.org no later than May 1, 2025.