Artisan Studio Programs
youth art enrichment program
These free Saturday art classes are open to children ages 7 to 12 who attend public or charter schools—or are homeschooled—in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck. Each class nurtures creativity, teaches new artistic skills, and emphasizes sustainability in every lesson.
Fall 2025 session
Saturdays, September 20 – November 15, 2025
Session Times: 10:00–11:30 AM or 12:00–1:30 PM
The Curriculum
Our high-quality art education sparks joy, pride, and purpose in young creators. Led by practicing artists and grounded in the UNSDGs, the program introduces youth to inspiring Spotlight Artists. In every session, students light up as they bring their ideas to life, discover their power as artists, and recognize their ability to create positive change—while seeing their work, and their voices, celebrated in public spaces.
Fall 2025
A Note from The Director
This fall, we’re excited to focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: Good Health & Well-Being. Through hands-on art projects, field trips, and thoughtful discussion, students will explore the connection between creativity, mental wellness, and healthy communities—learning how art can be a powerful tool for self-expression, emotional resilience, and positive change.
Let’s make something beautiful together this fall. We can’t wait to see your child in class!
- Mandisa Smith
Fall 2025
Session Highlights
We're thrilled to welcome renowned letterpress printer Amos Paul Kennedy, who will bring his equipment and guide each child in creating their own original print.
This session includes two exciting field trips:
-A visit to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to experience the Luminosity exhibit.
-A tour of Wayne County Community College’s Brown & Juanita C. Ford Gallery at the Downtown Campus.
To conclude the session, students will have the opportunity to exhibit their own artwork at WCCCD—this time, in a gallery space fully dedicated to Hope for Flowers!
This SesSion's Sustainable Development Goal
Good Health & Well-being
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
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.
Saturday art classes are open to children ages 7 to 12 who attend public or charter schools—or are homeschooled—in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck.
What are the classes like?
In just 90 minutes, students embark on a creative adventure with our expert teaching artist, Taylor Childs—Cranbrook graduate and Kresge Gilda Award recipient. After a warm welcome, they discover the work of an inspiring spotlight artist and explore big ideas through Sustainable Development Goals. Then the fun begins! Using materials from our fully stocked Artisan Studio, students bring their ideas to life—creating collages, self-portraits, felted art, clay sculptures, mixed media masterpieces, and more—all while exploring their unique voices as young artists.
What is the class size?
Our Detroit Artisan Studio classroom can accommodate up to 18 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
Session Calendar
Winter Session
9 weeks
January - March
Spring Session
9 weeks
April - June
Summer Session
5 weeks
June - July
Fall Session
9 weeks
September - November
Map
119 Garfield St, Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48201
We are located on the west side of the Freelon building on the plaza
