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.
Summer 2026 session
Saturdays, June 20 – July 25, 2026 (No class on July 4)
Class Time: 11:00–12:30 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.
Summer 2026
A Note from The Director
This summer, students will explore United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger. Through artmaking, storytelling, and conversation, students will learn about healthy food systems, gardening, community care, and the importance of access to nutritious food for all people. Projects and discussions will encourage students to think creatively about sustainability, caring for the earth, and how communities can work together to build a healthier future.
This program is ideal for young artists who are curious, creative, and excited to learn through art-making, discussion, and community engagement. We can’t wait to create with your child!
- Mandisa Smith
This SesSion's Sustainable Development Goal
Zero Hunger
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
Summer 2026
YOUTH ART ENRICHMENT
Celebrate the summer with art, imagination, and community!
Children ages 7–12 from Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck are invited to join our FREE Saturday art classes! Open to students who attend public or charter schools-or who are homeschooled.
Join us this summer for the Hope for Flowers 5-Week Summer Youth Art Enrichment Program - a creative and inspiring experience designed to encourage self-expression, imagination, and artistic exploration in a supportive community environment.
Participants will engage in hands-on art activities inspired by contemporary art, sustainability, creativity, culture, and community. Throughout the program, youth will explore a variety of artistic techniques and materials while developing confidence in their creative voices.
As part of the summer program, students will participate in a special field trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit to experience the OLAYAMI DABLS: Detroit Cosmologies exhibition. This exciting opportunity will introduce students to the visionary work of renowned Detroit artist Olayami Dabls, and encourage discussion about art, storytelling, culture, history, and community transformation. Parents will be welcome to join us!
Summer classes meet for five weeks on Saturdays.
Dates: June 30 – July 25, 2026 (No class on July 4)
Class Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
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
