Artisan Studio Programs
About the Artisan Studio
The Artisan Studio’s Art Enrichment Programming launched in Fall 2021, providing free, reliable, community-rooted arts education that centers creative expression and sustainable life skills. In our classroom, Detroit’s artists and creatives collaborate with our staff in designing youth classes, adult classes, and sustainability workshops. From fiber arts and clay to collage, watercolor, machine sewing, screen printing and more, our classes invite each student to explore new skills and discover artistic freedom through creative expression.
Since the launch of the Artisan Studio’s Art Enrichment Programming, we have served over one thousand individuals in our community, and we look forward to serving many more!
Mission
We nurture creativity, community, and conscious living through free youth and adult art classes and sustainability workshops that promote artistic expression and eco-friendly habits for the well-being of individuals, neighborhoods, and the planet.
Vision
Our innovative K-7 and adult education programs center artistic expression through the lens of sustainable living. Free, accessible programming for neighborhood youth and families uplifts Detroit’s arts community and nurtures the creative practices and sustainable life skills rooted in our community's culture.
Values
Our Programs
Youth Art Enrichment Programming
Ages 7-12
Sessions meet on Saturdays with morning and afternoon classes. Winter, Spring, and Fall sessions run for 9 weeks, and Summer session runs for 5 weeks.
Adult Art Enrichment Programming
Ages 18+
These 4-week Thursday classes for adults explore a wide range of mediums for creative self-expression.
Community Sustainability Workshops
All Ages
These 2–3 hour hands-on workshops build practical, sustainable life skills while fostering awareness of how our everyday choices impact our environment, locally and globally.
Centering Sustainability in the Arts
Sustainable Development Goals
Our Art Enrichment Program incorporates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), a set of 17 global goals that are essential to promote sustainable development worldwide. By centering UNSDGs in our curriculum, the program promotes lifelong sustainability principles among participants and equips them with skills to be responsible global citizens
Who We Serve
The Studio’s Programming serves residents of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park.
Youth Art Programming is designed for children ages 7 to 12 who attend area public or charter schools, or who live in these cities and are homeschooled.
Adult Art Programming and Community Sustainability Workshops are for residents seeking avenues for creative self-expression and a deeper engagement with sustainable art practices.
About our Funders
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our funders, both past and present. Early funding support allowed Hope for Flowers to securely launch both business and community initiatives while our current partners sustain and enrich our free programs for the community each year.
Since we opened our doors in 2021, we have served over 1100 Detroiters. Thanks to the generosity of our funders, we offer 32 weeks of youth art enrichment programming, eight 4-week adult classes, and 10 workshops annually.
Organizational Leadership
Tracy Reese
FOUNDER
Tracy Reese is the Founder and Designer of Hope for Flowers and launched her namesake fashion brand in New York City in 1996. With over three decades of experience, she brings deep expertise in all facets of the fashion industry, enabling her to anticipate trends and champion sustainable practices. A member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Board of Directors for 10 years, Reese is also dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. She currently serves on the boards of the NEST Artisan Guild, Remake Our World, and the College for Creative Studies Fashion Accessories Design Program. Her return to her hometown of Detroit reflects a deep commitment to using fashion and the arts as tools for community empowerment and sustainable change.
Mandisa Smith
ARTISAN STUDIO DIRECTOR
Mandisa Smith brings extensive experience in the arts, entrepreneurship, and program administration to her role as Artisan Studio Director. A practicing fiber artist, her work has been exhibited locally at institutions such as Detroit Institute of Arts, Scarab Club, and Detroit Artists Market, as well as nationally in New York, Chicago, and California. Her contributions to Detroit’s arts community have earned her the Detroit City Council’s “Spirit of Detroit” award, and she was named one of the Detroit Free Press’ “Women to Watch” in 2020. Mandisa is also the founder of AKOMA Art House & Dye Garden, located on Detroit’s North End.
Taylor Childs
YOUTH TEACHING ARTIST
Taylor Childs is a multimedia artist and experienced arts educator dedicated to inspiring young creatives. In recognition of her impact, Childs received the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards’ Inspiring Educator Award in 2021 and the prestigious Gilda Award from the Kresge Foundation in 2025. She holds a B.F.A. from the College for Creative Studies and an M.F.A. from Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Questions? Get in Touch
Map
119 Garfield St, Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48201
We are located on the west side of the Freelon building on the plaza
