Artisan Studio Programs
adult art enrichment program
These free 4 week classes meet on Thursdays and are open to adults 18+ who in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck. Each class nurtures creativity and teaches new artistic skills, and emphasizes sustainability in every lesson.
This program offers skill-building workshops led by local artists with a focus on self-expression, sustainability, and community. Designed for adults of all experience levels, the program creates a welcoming space for creative growth, connection, and healing through art. Gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and contribute to a vibrant culture of lifelong learning and collective care!
Upcoming Class
True to Life: Acrylic Portrait Painting
Teaching Artist: Joye Ofei, Multidisciplinary Artist and Educator
Thursdays: February 12, 19, 26, and March 5
Session Times: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Adult Art Enrichment Program
Upcoming Class
This four-week painting experience invites participants to slow down, look closely, and translate what they see—particularly the human face—into vibrant, living color. Guided by multidisciplinary artist and educator Joye Ofei, participants will explore the fundamentals of portraiture, including proportion, likeness, and expression, while discovering the emotional and visual power of color, tone, and light. Together, we’ll examine how flat reference images can be transformed into paintings that feel dimensional, expressive, and alive.
Beginning with thoughtful color mixing, tonal exploration, and foundational portrait sketching, participants will gradually build their paintings through layering, refinement, and intuitive decision-making. Along the way, each artist is encouraged to trust their eye, develop their own visual voice, and capture not only physical likeness, but presence and personality.
The class culminates in a shared moment of reflection and appreciation, honoring both individual growth and the collective joy of creating together.
This class supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3: Good Health & Well-Being and Goal 4: Quality Education, by fostering mindfulness, creative confidence, and accessible, skill-based arts learning in a welcoming community studio.
Accessibility Note: Our studio is ADA compliant. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us in advance so we can best support your participation.
Registration is required. Please register only if you are available for all four class dates.
FAQ
Who is eligible to participate in free classes at the Artisan Studio?
All Hope for Flowers Artisan Studio Programming is free for residents in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and funders.
What are the classes like?
Classes are 2 hours long and meet over 4 weeks on Thursdays. Unless otherwise noted, classes are open to students of all abilities and experience levels.
Expect to meet other community members curious about art and sustainability, learn a few new skills, and end the class with a completed project.
What is the class size?
Our Detroit Artisan Studio classroom can accommodate approximately 20 students. We work with each teaching artists to determine the best class size for the medium at hand, which can range from 8 to 20 students.
Where is the classroom located?
Hope for Flowers is located at 119 Garfield Street, Suite 500, Detroit MI 48201.
Our classroom entrance is on the plaza on the west side of the Freelon building. Google Maps may be inaccurate, so look out for our sign outside on the plaza.
I have more questions about the class. Who do I contact?
Please reach out to the Artisan Studio Director Mandisa Smith at artisanstudio@hopeforflowers.com
Upcoming Classes
Previous Classes
Map
119 Garfield St, Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48201
We are located on the West side of the Freelon apartment complex building on the plaza around the corner of Cure Nailhouse.
