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
Threaded Stories: A Slow Stitching Workshop
Teaching Artist: Denise Reed
Thursdays: June 18, June 25, July 2, and July 9
Session Times: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Adult Art Enrichment | 4-Week Series
Upcoming Class
In this intimate, hands-on workshop, participants are invited to slow down and reconnect with the quiet power of hand stitching. Threaded Stories centers on the creation of a personal fabric memory strip (2” x 18”)—a small but meaningful textile piece that holds stories of care, remembrance, identity, and connection.
Using fabric scraps, treasured textiles, and optional personal mementos, each participant will design and stitch a layered composition that reflects their own narrative. Through guided instruction and reflective prompts, this class blends technical skill-building with creative exploration, offering both a meditative experience and a tangible work of art.
No prior sewing experience is required—just a willingness to explore, reflect, and create.
What You'll Experience
- Learn foundational hand-stitching techniques including running, basting, whip, and slip stitch
- Explore composition, layering, and textile storytelling
- Incorporate meaningful materials and objects into your work
- Engage in a calming, mindful creative practice
- Leave with a completed, one-of-a-kind textile memory strip
Weekly Breakdown
Week 1: Introduction & Story Development
Participants are introduced to the principles of slow stitching and guided through the process of developing a personal theme. We’ll explore fabric choices, begin planning compositions, and learn basic stitches while starting the base strip.
Week 2: Building the Foundation
We’ll review progress and deepen technical skills with whip and slip stitches. Participants will secure layers, refine their designs, and continue building their compositions with intention.
Week 3: Embellishment & Meaning
This week focuses on storytelling through detail. Participants will attach personal memorabilia (optional), explore symbolism, and learn techniques for securing heavier or dimensional elements. Embellishment begins.
Week 4: Finishing & Reflection
Participants will complete their pieces by finishing edges and securing all elements. Optional hanging or display methods will be discussed. We’ll close with a group reflection, honoring each story shared through stitch.
Why This Workshop Matters
This class offers more than a sewing lesson—it is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and create with intention. Slow stitching encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and fosters a deeper connection to materials and memory. By working with reclaimed and repurposed textiles, participants also engage in sustainable creative practices.
UN Sustainable Development Goals Alignment
- Goal 3: Good Health & Well-Being – Promotes mental wellness through mindful, meditative art-making
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production – Encourages reuse of materials and sustainable textile practices
Teaching Artist
Denise Reed is a master sewist and educator with over 50 years of experience in garment production, design, and quilting. Known for her practical, hands-on teaching style, Denise empowers students to develop both creative confidence and technical skill—equipping them to express themselves and, if desired, build income through textile arts.
Class Dates:
Four consecutive Thursdays
June 18, June 25, July 2 and July 9
6:00–8:00 PM
FREE & OPEN TO DETROIT, HIGHLAND PARK AND HAMTRAMCK RESIDENTS
18 & OLDER
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.
