Artisan Studio Programs
Community Sustainabiilty Workshops
These free 2–3 hour hands-on experiences bring people of all ages together in creativity, reflection, and purpose. Workshops focus on practical life skills like mending, upcycling, composting, and more while expanding the definition of sustainability to include creative expression, cultural connection, and personal well-being.
Upcoming Class
Vermicomposting
By Ricky Blanding of Scrap Soils
Date: October 4, 2025
Session Time: 2:30 PM 4:30 PM
Community Sustainability Workshops
Upcoming Class Details
Vermicomposting: Turn Food Scraps into Garden Gold!
Join us on Saturday, October 4, from 2:30–4:30 PM for a hands-on vermicomposting workshop led by Ricky Blanding of Scrap Soils—a skilled gardener, environmentalist, and ceramicist with deep expertise in worm composting.
Vermicomposting is a clean, odor-free, and incredibly effective way to recycle food waste using worms. These hardworking little helpers transform your scraps into a nutrient-rich, microbe-packed soil amendment that enhances plant health and enriches your garden. Done properly, this method produces no odors or insects.
Perfect for apartments, condos, or any indoor space, this method helps you reduce waste and close the food loop right at home. During the workshop, you’ll receive live worms, essential materials, and step-by-step guidance to start your own composting bin. You will need to bring your own plastic bin or purchase one in class. We will be in touch before class begins to give you more details.
Upcoming Workshop
Clean Green: DIY Natural Home Care
Date: To Be Announced
Community Sustainability Workshops
Upcoming Class Details
Breathe easier and clean smarter at our Sustainability Workshop at the Hope for Flowers Artisan Studio. Led by our own Artisan Studio director, Mandisa Smith—who is deeply passionate about “doing no harm” to our environment—this hands-on session will explore the benefits of ditching harsh chemicals in favor of all-natural, effective cleaning solutions.
You’ll learn simple, affordable recipes for everyday home care and make your own window cleaner, laminate floor cleaner, shower spray, and refreshing room spray to take home. Come for the knowledge, stay for the inspiration, and leave with eco-friendly products you can feel good about using. Let’s create a cleaner home and a healthier planet—together.
Ingredients will be provided, but we encourage you to bring empty spray bottles for re-use.
Space is limited, so register today!
This workshop is FREE for all Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck Residents 12 and older.
Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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?
Workshops are 2-3 hours long and meet either in the artisan Studio classroom or on-site at a partner organization. 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 and earn a few new skills! These workshops are hands-on and require active participation.
What is the class size?
We work with each teaching artist or community educator to determine the best class size for the medium at hand, which can range from 8 to 24 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.
Community workshops sometimes meet off-site at a partner organization. Check your registration materials for specific instructions for off-site workshops.
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 Workshops
Previous Workshops
Map
119 Garfield St, Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48201
We are located on the west side of the Freelon building on the plaza.
