Since 2020, IDEA Collective has proudly collaborated with educational centers, non-profits, and schools, fostering connections between children and their local communities and natural surroundings through engaging STEAM-based workshops and eco-friendly craft kits. It is with profound sadness that we announce the permanent closure of our operations.
Regrettably, we will no longer be offering classes and producing kits. However, Sam Castner will continue his educational endeavors through his personal studio. For workshop inquiries, please reach out to him directly at 315-759-9740.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support throughout the years. Your encouragement and participation have been invaluable to us.
Warmly,
Sam and Lindsey Co-Founders
We are IDEA (Innovation. Design. Education. Art.) Collective - a sustainable toy company and mobile art classroom that connects kids with nature through hands-on activities and STEAM education.
Our eco-friendly craft and garden kits bring fun, STEAM-based learning to homes, while helping families and educators provide meaningful experiences to their children. Kiddos will learn about important environmental topics while exercising hand skills, connecting with nature, and creating fun memories through art!
Our in-person craft workshops engage students in entertaining hands-on activities that integrate art with environmental education to empower the next generation of creative Earth stewards.
OUR VALUES
HANDS-ON LEARNING
We want all children to succeed. By offering a hands-on approach to learning, we provide an alternative learning environment to traditional public schools.
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Through our projects students will experience subject areas, rather than just being told about it. They'll have the opportunity to exercise fine motor skill by integrating craft with environmental education!
CREATIVE THINKING
We want children to hold onto that sense of imagination, creativity, and belief in the impossible.
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Creativity promotes thinking outside the box and independent problem solving. It is a prerequisite for innovation and allows people to express themselves, have fun, and give themselves a sense of purpose.
COMMUNITY
Community involvement provides a sense of belonging and social connectedness, and creates meaning and purpose to everyday life.
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By hosting all-inclusive, collaborative workshops we create communities and belonging. By sourcing materials from either local, small, or American made companies we build relationships and invest in communities.
SUSTAINABILITY
It's our passion to inspire a community of mindful makers and little Earth stewards!
Our kits focus on environmental education, and our material inputs are just as intentional. All of our products are hand-manufactured in our studio in upstate NY, and materials are recyclable, water-based, and locally and sustainably sourced.
OUR WORKSHOPS
paper model-making, STEAM learning, and craft woskshops.
OUR FOUNDERS
IDEA Collective was founded by Sam Castner and Lindsey Dean, two artists whose highest excitement is to inspire young people to learn with their hands, positively impact the environment, and enjoy the journey of making. Their studio resides and operates on a farm overlooking Keuka Lake, which for 9 generations has been intimately intertwined with their community in the Finger Lakes Region of New York.
Outside of IDEA, Sam and Lindsey lead many community-driven art projects, and operate Sam + Lin Designs, a collaborative metal sculpture studio. As a team, Sam and Lindsey are exploring new ideas to bring hands-on, eco-friendly, and art-integrated learning to youth.
OUR PARTNERS
IDEA Collective is supported by the Penn Yan and Dundee Central School Districts, ELEVATE Youth, and the Yates Community Center.
Footage provided by Sarah Alexander
