Adult Art Enrichment Programs

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

Mosaics: Shards Into Shine

Teaching Artist: Lorna Braxton

Thursdays: July 23, July 30, August 6, and August 13

Session Times: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Registration open

Adult Art Enrichment | 4-Week Series

Upcoming Class

Join mosaic artist Lorna Braxton for Shards Into Shine, a creative journey that transforms discarded and broken materials into beautiful works of art. In this four-week hands-on class, participants will learn the art of mosaic-making while exploring themes of renewal, storytelling, and creative reuse.

Using repurposed vinyl records as the foundation for their artwork, students will design and create a unique mosaic garden piece incorporating glass, ceramic fragments, broken jewelry, and other found objects. Along the way, participants will learn about mosaic traditions and contemporary mosaic art, develop design concepts using the elements of art and design, and safely work with mosaic materials and tools.

Through demonstrations and guided instruction, learners will explore every step of the mosaic process—from planning a design and preparing surfaces to cutting materials, arranging glass, grouting, and finishing their artwork. Whether creating an abstract composition or a realistic image, each participant will leave with a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects their creativity and personal story.

Participants Will

Create a themed mosaic garden artwork using recycled and repurposed materials
Develop an original abstract or representational design
Practice safe techniques for handling and assembling mosaic materials
Explore how art can tell stories, express identity, and strengthen community connections

Reflection Questions

Participants will be encouraged to consider:

What inspired your design?
Which mosaic techniques worked best for you?
How might you incorporate other found objects into future artwork?
How does your piece connect to your community or tell a story?

UN Sustainable Development Goals Alignment

This class supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting Quality Education (SDG 4) through lifelong learning and encouraging Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) through creative expression, mindfulness, and community connection.

Teaching Artist

Lorna Braxton is a mosaic artist whose work explores transformation, resilience, and storytelling through glass. She describes mosaic art as “painting with sharp edges,” a medium she discovered later in her teaching career. Through the process of breaking and reassembling glass, Lorna found both artistic expression and personal healing. Her work often features portraits and cultural, biblical, social, political, emotional, and musical icons. For Lorna, mosaic art demonstrates that what is broken can become whole again—beautiful, meaningful, and renewed.

Class Dates:
Four consecutive Thursdays
July 23, July 30, August 3, and August 13

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.

Registration Open

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

“
I enjoyed the sense of community I felt the second I stepped in the studio. I met so many lovely people who were so open to helping me learn and sharing their knowledge.
- Adult Participant

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These classes open my eyes to a whole new field of arts and fellowship.
- Adult Participant
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The community has become a staple in our lives, making accessible the passion for art that lay dormant, while teaching valuable lessons about sustainability, community, and lost traditions (arts) of the ancestors.
- Adult Participant
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“
Thank you for offering adult classes. It definitely assists with providing a means to self-express while dealing with everyday life.
- Adult Participant
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