LIVING ARTS BLOG
Living Arts Detroit: Growing Impact
Not too long ago, Living Arts was invited to expand our Detroit Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts program to serve the needs of a network of Childcare Providers within the Brightmoor Community in Detroit. What makes these centers so exceptional is they are individually owned and operated within the private homes of the providers.
When Alesha Nicole and I were invited to create a program for the Brightmoor Quality Initiative (BQI) project, we were immediately excited by the possibilities and opportunity to serve. Alesha Nicole is a musician and a fellow Teaching Artist with Living Arts.
The mission was the same; “Deliver excellent experiences that integrate music, movement, storytelling and more with developmentally appropriate best practices supporting the learning needs as well as the social/emotional growth and development of young children.”
But we had questions:
What are the unique nuances and needs of this community of centers, the children, the families, and the providers themselves?
What new skill-sets would we need to hone?
What would we need to understand, shift, consider, or create in order to literally bring this work into someone’s home?
We were well on our way to developing these understandings and concluding our first round of implementation when COVID hit, introducing an additional question: In the midst of a global pandemic, social unrest, healthcare & resource disparities, and a digital divide, how can we do this intimate work, virtually?
We’re still figuring this out, but isn’t that what an artist does best? As we continue to remain present to, and live our way through these and other questions, we have identified that we should enhance our commitment to the following:
Listening deeply to the changing needs, interests, and goals of the providers, children and families, and ourselves.
Being flexible, patient, supportive, compassionate, and kind - everything that a robust early learning curriculum teaches and a successful Teaching Artist must embody.
Do, be, and bring our best selves as human beings who believe in the power of the arts to teach, heal, and build community.
To serve this purpose, we have recently launched weekly live virtual drop-in playdates on Zoom, with access to recorded sessions available, content available on-demand, featuring options that are family-centered and child-centered, and experiences that offer self-care strategies to providers.
We’re working on launching live, virtual residencies and professional development, designed to meet the needs of one or more centers and in-person residencies and professional development to individual centers.
The program that we are co-creating with the BQI learning community is definitely a work in progress. With more to tweak and understand, we are grateful for the trust and support of everyone making this initiative and the learning outcomes possible. Thank you to Living Arts, the Fischer Foundation, and other supporters, Development Center leadership, and most especially, the entire network of Brightmoor Childcare Quality Initiative, including their amazing providers, staff, and families.
By Kimberli Boyd, Master Teaching Artist/Dance
Living Arts Detroit Wolf Trap
Brightmoor Childcare Quality Initiative
Cesar Chavez Academy Art Residency
For more than 20 years, Living Arts has supported creative classrooms through arts integration programs in Detroit, pairing passionate teachers with professional artists. Last week, Living Arts launched a virtual residency with 3rd graders at Cesar Chavez Academy (CCA)! Teachers at CCA, in partnership with Living Arts teaching artist, Stephanie Howells, will lead a science/art residency with six classrooms.
Art activities are on a weekly basis during school hours where students use 3-D clay (model magic) to mold environments and animals. Learning objectives include identifying physical traits of the animals based on student designs and discussing why they are well suited for certain environments. Third-grade science teacher, Ms. Cady remarked, “It can be challenging to get students excited about a subject when they are tapped out for the day, and I don’t blame them! It’s so amazing to watch my kids light up and participate in learning about science!”
This is Stephanie’s 4th year teaching at CCA. This year, the class is virtual, so she encourages students to see their home as a laboratory and an art studio. She props a lab coat in the background to show the connection between art and science. Integrating hands-on sculpting into science instruction on a weekly basis allows students to develop their skills in creativity and self-expression. During the first day of class, there was so much excitement, engagement, and exploration!
Stephanie’s work as a Living Arts teaching artist at Cesar Chavez Academy has garnered her trust among teachers and school staff. This year she hopes to build even more deeply with students and create animal sculptures that will live beyond the residency.
Winter Art Kit Pick Up!
On Friday, youth artists from Ms. Stephanie's visual arts classes picked up their art kits, which included various supplies to explore watercolor, including some postcards. With her help, we had a great time in the snow, creating mini-snowpeople. It was so great to see everyone and enjoy the sunshine!
Below are a few photo highlights from the day:
GOAL LINE Partnership
The new year is a great time to announce new partnerships. With that in mind, Living Arts is delighted to share that we are partnering with GOAL LINE Online whose mission is to “engage Detroit students in high-quality enrichment experiences during the critical after school hours.” The partnership will focus on young painters, who will join Teaching Artist, Mr. Lamarr, as he shows students in grades K-2 how to mix colors and paint on canvas.
Mr. Lamarr has been a Teaching Artist with us for about a year and has ample experience with teaching after-school programs, as well as exhibiting his work throughout Detroit and co-owning One Hour Mobile Painting with his wife. He truly is a one-stop-shop for painting on the go!
We’re excited to include painting kits, with all the necessary supplies (listed below) for his “Making Art” class. Special thanks to Brent, Living Arts In-School Program Manager, and his mom who assembled the art kits!
Each Art Kit Includes:
One 8” x 10” canvas
One 12” x 12” canvas
Five paint bottles
One big brush
One small brush
Families that are already enrolled, can pick up their art kits directly from Northwest Activity Center (18100 Meyers Rd). Please email Kinyel (kfriday@cecdetroit.org) to schedule a time.
If you’re not yet enrolled, but interested, you can sign up here (look for the Living Arts Logo when you scroll) or click on the button below!
Once you are enrolled, follow along with Mr. Lamarr’s step-by-step instructions and make art! If you’re interested in sharing your young person’s work, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at brent@livingartsdetroit.org, or tag us on Facebook or Instagram and use the #LivingArtsAtHome. We would really love to see what the students create!!
Wolf Trap + Wayne Metro
Karilú Forshee
We’re excited to start Wolf Trap work in partnership with Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro)! Karilú Forshee and Audra Kubat will co-create with Early Head Start & Head Start teachers to serve families in Metro-Detroit. Our Living Arts team brings countless years of experience to the Wolf Trap program and we are eager to jump into the work.
Audra Kubat
Detroit Wolf Trap matches teaching artists with infant-toddler, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten classroom teachers to engage students in arts-based lessons that improve literacy and other critical kindergarten readiness skills.
This residency provides intensive, professional development for classroom teachers and engages parents/caregivers in arts-based family literacy workshops. Living Arts’ Detroit Wolf Trap program is one of 21 regional programs across the country implementing the Wolf Trap Institute’s best practices in performing arts-based early childhood education. Our program focuses on emergent literacy, STEM learning, and social-emotional skills to prepare young children for kindergarten and beyond. Children learn by moving, making music, and pretending and these art lessons support their innate learning abilities.
Reflection on 2020
2020 was a tremendous challenge.
Its disruptions led us to moments of beauty and growth as well as moments of exhaustion, heartbreak, and pain. As we enter the new year, we are taking account of 2020 to envision our purpose in the times ahead. I’ll begin by painting a picture of the year we experienced in the Out-of-School Arts (OSA) program.
The year began routinely with OSA in the heat of preparations for our Annual Student Showcase, which is our largest annual event. In March, when we went on lockdown, we were all grappling with the pandemic and trying to understand what it meant for our roles, relationships, and realities. When we canceled in-person classes for the rest of the year, we redesigned ways to keep our community safe while also using our resources to support our youth as much as we could.
By mid-April, we pivoted to a new program, Living Arts at Home. This turned into a beautiful and robust hub for online at-home arts-based learning for all ages. In the fall, we moved to virtual classrooms. We made modifications to our schedule so virtual classes were accessible to families, as well as to our Teaching Artists and administrative team. We sent art materials packets home with every visual arts student and distributed all costumes that were purchased for the canceled showcase. It was great to see Living Arts Families and students (all masked), who came to pick up the kits and costumes.
Despite being at home and on Zoom, our Teaching Artists and Youth Artists continued to find new ways to connect with each other, their art forms, and their own creativity. Shifting from our two beautiful studios to an at-home setting, our primary focus changed to connection, relationships, and creativity. Classes explored the birds in their yards and the sounds they made, created choreography and specific stretches for their home-bodies, wrote and edited screenplays virtually, collaborated on themes for art-making, and more.
We might not be doing the exact same warmups and stretches while at home, however, the arts have helped us explore and process our current reality, maintain connection and relationships, and supported us all through a period of extended trauma. As we know, whether in times of joy or pain and difficulty, the arts play a critical role in the lives of young people.
It has not always been easy or positive and there were inevitable barriers for families in their participation in online classes. While we are learning to do things differently, there is a sense of loss. We miss our in-person community the most; the conversations with parents, Teaching Artists, and youth, the impromptu performances, and seeing all the new art hung on the walls, to name a few. I cannot wait to see all of the familiar faces in-person as soon as it’s safe.
We have a lot of pride in how our program has navigated the pandemic. While it may not be what it was in 2019, or years prior, our program has transformed into the current model because of the dedication of our Teaching Artists, youth, parents, staff, board, and donors. Moving forward, we will continue to grow and transform to fit the needs of our youth, and we are poised to meet that transformation as a community. I am hopeful that we will be back to the studios in person sometime this year.
As the Out-Of-School Arts Program Manager, I am left with unending love and appreciation for our team of Teaching Artists, Youth Artists, family members, and staff who have helped us navigate 2020 together. May your 2021 be filled with health and joy, and may the difficult moments ahead lead you to reflection, clarity, and purpose in your next steps.
Stepping Out of 2020
Living Arts has so much to celebrate this year! With your support we've been able to stay connected to our youth and families. We’re also thrilled that we’ve successfully transitioned to 100% virtual program delivery for the 2020-21 school year.
All of our young people continued to amaze us with their artistry. We were proud to see two Living Arts students, Avril & Elise, called out in the Skillman Foundation's "60 Examples of Detroit Genius" and to be able to offer our advanced ballet dancers a masterclass with American Ballet Theatre thanks to Michigan Opera Theatre.
Over the summer, our high school youth took the lead to create a series of inclusive conversations, "Beauty in Ugly Times," so that their peers could have a safe place to talk about how they were feeling and moving through the challenges of this difficult year.
As always, our Teaching Artists continued to create their own artwork and share their talents with our youth. We were elated that four Living Arts Teaching Artists were recognized as Kresge Fellows this year.
As 2020 comes to a close, we want to thank all of the generous individuals who have supported us in reimagining our programs in virtual formats.
If you have not yet given, please consider making a $21 gift to keep the momentum going in 2021 by texting 21FORART to 44321. Or, visit Elaine B Jewelry to see our collaboration with their Rise Collection, which will direct 100% of your purchase of a beautiful necklace to support Living Arts' programs!
Cheers to Our 2020 Seniors!
Caroline and Vanessa, Living Arts Graduating Seniors, Class of 2020
It is no doubt 2020 is different from the last. With events being canceled, our 2 seniors, Caroline and Vanessa, were not able to show off their dances, let alone their beautiful tutu’s they were going to wear. So, we got together with photographer, Julianne Lindsey, and had a special photoshoot of the students in their tutus.
To make it extra special, we reached out to Christine Allen Carlson, who co-founded Living Arts and taught both of the dancers from the beginning of their careers, to ask her a few questions about Caroline and Vanessa’s journey.
Caroline Rodriquez, Living Arts Graduating Senior, Class of 2020
How long have you been teaching Caroline?
Caroline’s first class with me was pre-ballet, but at our COMPAS location at the time. She danced as a butterfly in the “Magical Garden” for her first Showcase and was probably 4 or 5 years old. I’ve taught her every year since, in just about every genre, until it was time for her to take flight after graduation — a bittersweet occasion.
Do you have a favorite memory of each of Caroline or a moment where she exceeded your expectations?
Again, it’s hard to choose just one, but first I will share two memories from the beginning and the end of her time at Living Arts. I can vividly remember her huge smile the first day she walked into my class — it was contagious, and the fact that I can remember it 13 years later should tell you it wasn’t an ordinary smile. Then, the last time I saw her perform on stage, I was sitting in the audience. She was the first one my eyes were drawn to because she had such striking stage presence, and of course, that beautiful smile. My daughter, who was sitting next to me, commented on the same thing. Whenever and whatever she performed — from hip hop to ballet, she looked like she was loving what she was doing! Caroline brought joy and laughter to every class. She was a confident leader. She often would “round up the troops” to get her fellow classmates focused, which would help me as well! As a teacher’s assistant, she was great with the younger dancers, getting them excited and helping them where needed. When I asked her to dance with the younger ones on stage, she played the part wholeheartedly, even with my crazy prop ideas of giant cakes and spy glasses.
I was looking forward to watching her perform her last pointe dance as a Bluebird, as well as her jazz and tap performances — which she always ROCKED!. That was before the pandemic hit. But I will cherish the 13 years of memories I have to look back on, and will never forget that smile!
Vanessa Galaviz, Living Arts Graduating Senior, Class of 2020
How long have you been teaching Vanessa?
I believe the first class I taught Vanessa was also pre-ballet when she danced “When You Wish Upon a Star” in the Showcase. She was probably about 5 years old. I distinctly remember her in the sparkly blue tutu, holding her silver wand so high and strong, with her eyes fixed on the star at the end. She had various teachers throughout her training, but I began teaching her more consistently starting in Junior Company, then into DanceCollage (now known as YDE), and most intensively in ballet and pointe during her last years. So I’ve had the privilege to watch her grow up in Living Arts!
Do you have a favorite memory of Vanessa or a moment where she exceeded your expectations?
It’s hard to pick one favorite memory of Vanessa. She has stood out to me from the beginning. Not only with her talent, but also her confidence, determination, and passion. She’s often been the youngest in her classes- but always rose to the occasion and danced her heart out. I have pictures in my mind of two separate occasions. The first is of her performing her first hip hop dance (I believe Mr. Aaron was the teacher). There she was, about 7 years old, on the stage with only one other student, looking cute in her outfit, and….BAM! She brought it! It was not an easy dance, but she was clearly leading the way. The second is a video of one of her high school performances, with the company she danced with for several years. The choreography was different than anything she’s done at Living Arts and quite demanding. She was stunning! This was definitely one instance where she exceeded my expectations and confirmed my belief that she was ready to meet any challenges.
In her later years at Living Arts, she was often highlighted. I can recall images of her opening the curtain as she demanded the stage in our “Masquerade Ball” pointe dance, reaching for the sky as she was lifted high by her fellow classmates in YDE, and striking an arabesque with her upper body reaching upward in “Waltz of the Flowers.” But even when she wasn’t in the spotlight, Vanessa always gave her all, realizing the importance of teamwork. She often offered help to either me or other classmates, including her younger sister (it was great to see their relationship work out in their classes together). Though she was generally quiet and focused in class, her dancing spoke loudly and vibrant whenever she stepped on the stage — you couldn’t help but watch her!
What is it that you hope for the two of them as they leap into the next part of their lives?
I have no doubt in my mind that both Vanessa and Caroline will go far, whatever they decide to do. The last I heard, Vanessa is studying dance and pre-physical therapy — which suits her well given her talent, smarts, and passion. I think Caroline is studying Elementary Education which, given her leadership qualities and great rapport with kids, I’m sure she would be an awesome teacher. But even if they decide to change their majors or change course entirely, my hope is that they would do what they love and love what they do, and then share their gifts with those around them. I hope that they can find their tribes and lean on them because we can’t have it together 100% of the time. We need each other and the world needs Vanessa and Caroline — they have so much to give! I truly look forward to seeing where their next journey takes them!
Christine Allen Carlson co-founded Living Arts (as “Southwest Dance”) in 1999. She transitioned out of her Co-Director and Dance Director roles in 2014 and continues as a Teaching Artist in Out-of-School Arts. Christine is a trained dancer and educator who is versed in ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement, and modern dance. Her training and performance experiences include scholarship study at Wayne State University, “Brain-Compatible Dance Education” teacher training in Seattle, Ballet Americana, MoreDances Contemporary Dance Company, and Detroit Dance Collective. She has been teaching in various studios, programs, and schools for more than 20 years. Her aim is to impart her passion for dance, not only to develop technical dancers but also foster critical thinkers and creative, joyful movers.
2020 Living Arts Impact Report
There is still time to create an impact. Your gift today can help Living Arts continue to create impact through the arts in 2021. Text Your Gift with just a few clicks or give a gift to a special someone. Whichever you choose, 100% of your contribution or purchase will keep the momentum going and help us ignite creativity in the lives of Detroit youth in the year ahead!
Living Arts Launches Search for New Executive Director
The youth arts education nonprofit is seeking a leader to deepen the organization’s commitment to racial and social justice
Detroit-based arts education and youth development nonprofit Living Arts has launched a search to hire a visionary executive director who will move the organization’s mission forward by igniting creativity in the lives of Detroit youth through tihe performing, visual and media arts.
Living Arts is seeking a leader with the skillset, passion and expertise to uplift youth voices and artistic talent in ways that provide culturally relevant educational experiences for young people in our region. This leadership transition comes after nearly a year of strategic discussions among the organization’s board and staff members — and in partnership with Living Arts’ community stakeholders and building on financial support from The Kresge Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
“This transition process has been propelled by joy, intensive exploration and reimagining, and our staff and board members’ shared commitment to transformative change,” said Alissa Novoselick, Living Arts’ current executive director. “Utilizing our core values, mission and equity principles as guides, this strategic decision is rooted in the voices of the entire board, staff, artists, young people, and donors who have been part of our process.”
Over the past 20 years, Living Arts’ 40 teaching artists have partnered with schools, organizations and communities to deliver high quality arts education experiences to Detroit youth ages 3 months to 18 years. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is supported by a $1.1 million budget, thanks to a multitude of individual, corporate and foundation partners, and was named the 2019 Best-Managed Nonprofit by Crain’s Detroit. The organization is seeking an executive director who will continue to place the community at the center of programs and recognize the power of the arts for Black and Brown youth.
The hiring of a new executive director is a community-led effort that includes a Search Committee of teaching artists, parents, youth, staff and board members so that all stakeholders have a voice in the decision. Koya Leadership Partners is assisting with recruitment.
Living Arts facilitator and Executive Coach Isabelle Moses has been a trusted advisor to Novoselick and the organization for the past three years. She believes it will be important for the next leader to increase arts education access to Detroit students while retaining the caliber of teaching artists and staff that have characterized the organization.
“The board is seeking someone who can authentically represent the Detroit arts community and ensure that the programming continues to bring out the best in Detroit's youth, especially Black and Latinx youth,” Moses said.
“We aren’t looking for a leader with just a list of credentials,” said Living Arts Board Chair Matthew Nahan, who has served on the board since 2015. “The right person will be able to fulfil the day-to-day tasks, but they will also have a true passion for the work. That passion may stem from their practice as an artist, their commitment to Detroit, or from their drive for quality educational experiences for our community’s young people.”
Dance Teaching Artist and Search Committee Member Miryam Johnson believes the next director will receive a nonprofit in excellent standing, but they will also receive an arts organization at a time when the art world is shifting.
“This next director will lead Living Arts as we work through navigating virtual learning, organizing and likely performance,” said Johnson, who has taught dance the past five years. “This undertaking requires a strong artistic understanding and a deep imagination. I hope whoever steps into this role sees the importance of our youth as leaders in this time and works to bring all members of our community together for this reimagining.”
Alissa Novoselick has served as executive director since 2016 and has had a transformational impact on the nonprofit. Over the past four years, Novoselick secured the organization’s vendor status with Detroit Public Schools Community District, expanded work with early childhood providers and formalized Living Arts’ values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
“We would have loved for Alissa to lead us for another four years,” Nahan said. “But through shifts that were brought about by COVID-19, Alissa saw this as the right time to move this important work forward. She is leaving us in a strong financial and programmatic position so a new, representative leader, will chart the important next phase of Living Arts’ responsiveness and growth.”
“We would like to thank Alissa for her tireless work and commitment,” Nahan said. “We are grateful for her willingness to continue working with us to make this a smooth and supportive transition for our next leader.”
Living Arts has partnered with Alicia Salerno of Koya Leadership Partners to seek our next Executive Director. For more information, you can find the position profile here.
For media inquiries contact Living Arts Board Chair Matt Nahan at boardpresident@livingartsdetroit.org.
TWO ways to give on #GivingTuesday!
This year, you can text your gift with just a few clicks or give a gift to someone special. Whichever you choose, 100% of your contribution or purchase will help Living Arts ignite creativity in the lives of Detroit youth!
Share the Love!
Elaine B Jewelry, in downtown Ferndale, has added a beautiful piece to their Rise Collection just for Living Arts and a full 100% of the purchase price will support our programs in 2021!
The design of the Tiny Cube & Crystal necklace echos the Living Arts logo, with a tiny Herkimer diamond nestled inside. It's available in three finishes and will arrive by Christmas if you order by December 16th.
Text 21FORART to 44321!
Make a gift of $21 (or more!) to help Living Arts kick off 2021 with after-school programs and artist residencies that have been reimagined in 100% virtual formats for the year ahead!
Your gift in any amount will help lift up Detroit youth by infusing their schools and homes with transformative arts experiences!
Sounds All Around Us
Alesha Brown is here today to share her joy and beautiful voice, along with an update on how she and Teaching Artist, Kimberli Boyd, are creating professional development workshops for educators and caregivers of young children. These interactive sessions will use strategies to increase teachers' confidence in working with youth as they learn how to foster creativity, critical thinking, emergent literacy skills, and skills that support kindergarten readiness domains!
*The song Alesha is singing is "Sounds All Around Us" by Teresa Jennings
Virtual Learning After-school
Living Arts Programming looks a bit different right now, as do most programs due to the pandemic. When we moved into Fall, we found new ways to stay connected virtually with our youth and parents. We recently caught up with Living Arts Dance Program Director and Teaching Artist, Marianne Cox, to learn how our after-school classes have adjusted, what it looks like, and what she’s looking forward to as an instructor.
What did programming look like over the summer?
This summer at OSA, a number of teaching artists continued connecting with their classes online in order to bring closure to graduating seniors, give students space and initiative to create, and maintain the guidance, connection, and healthy physical practices for our youth that they typically receive in our in-person classes. We also launched our Living Arts At Home residencies, which provided a space for artists to share their knowledge and talent from their own creative spaces and imaginations and expanded the virtual capabilities of our programming. For teens, we developed a teen-led virtual conversation series titled “Beauty in Ugly Times” which gave OSA students the opportunity to design and lead a program for teens, by teens. Discussion themes focused on the pandemic, mental health, and social justice and proved to be a healthy, enlightening, and necessary experience for the youth and adults involved.
Marianne Cox, Dance Program Director and Teaching Artist
What do Out-of-School Art (OSA) classes look like this fall? How have services changed?
Considering the health and safety of all participants, we modified our typical in-person schedule to a virtual format through December with a re-examination of returning to in-person class at the end of the year. The program is ready to transition back into the studios with proper safety precautions in place as soon as it is possible. Apart from technical instruction, our classes are also focusing on maintaining relationships among youth and with Teaching Artists that have developed over years of participation, connecting with each other on a personal level, processing this time in our world through artistic practice, and maintaining a connection to the art forms we teach. Now more than ever, our focus on social-emotional learning is important for our young people who are experiencing disconnectedness, emotional stress, and social disruption in their lives in a way we haven't seen before.
Ms. Cathy and her Intro to Dance 2 class
Ms. Marianne and her Level 1 Mix A Class
What/how are TA's adjusting to teach classes this fall?
Spatial and technical limitations as well as the inability to connect physically present challenges that are being worked through individually and collaboratively. Teaching Artists are focusing much more on artistic processes and integrating social-emotional learning than just on the artistic outputs. That way, our youth will learn to use their art forms as an outlet and a way to process what is happening in their lives while they also learn about the technical aspects of the art forms.
What are you excited about to explore this fall?
Being together after months apart is enough to get me excited, but I'm also looking forward to learning and growing with my students, fellow Teaching Artists, and Staff.
Sensei Robert Nearon and his Karate class
Ms. Stephanie and her Visual Art Class
Catching up with Mr. Marvin
At Living Arts, music is a big part of the In-School Programs. We're excited to launch music residencies at Schulze Academy for Technology and Arts because this Elementary School has some of the best and brightest young musicians! We caught up with Teaching Artist Marvin Thompson Jr. and asked about his outlook for this year's program.
“One, two, three, four”
“Rest, two, three, four”
“Rest, two, rest, four”
What is your practice around keeping your music instruction fresh and enjoyable?
To hear the above rhythm cadence being screamed out by 25 elementary students, as they feverishly bang tambourines and juggle shakers in their tiny hands, is the reason why I look forward to teaching the music scholars at Schulze Academy.
To keep each session with the students fresh and interesting, I often plan different ways to present the lesson; one day we’ll have a “marching band”, another day we’ll have a rhythm “battle” where I’ll divide the class into teams and they’ll duplicate the beats that I play. I believe every session can introduce the fundamentals of music in a variety of new and interesting ways.
What lessons are you excited to teach in this new virtual space?
While this new normal that we’re in has its challenges, it’s provided art educators as myself with a colorful palette of opportunities in which to teach and present to our students. While working virtually, my students will participate in musical scavenger hunts, where they’ll locate items around their homes that will double as musical instruments. I’ll also host virtual concerts, where students will watch short videos of musical artists past and present, and we’ll discuss different music genres. And of course, we’ll sing!
It’s always a joy to see how students progress over the course of our sessions, so I’m looking forward to a virtual performance in which the students will perform for their teachers and parents. This performance will also give students a goal to work towards as they learn music.
Although this school year looks a little different, with the support of Principal Kemp and the staff at Schulze Academy, along with Living Arts, I’m committed to providing our students with a fun and energetic experience that will teach the fundamentals of music within a creative virtual environment.
Art Material Pick Up!
Our Program Team was super lucky and had the chance to see families not too long ago (at a safe distance, with our masks on, of course). We needed to make sure that they had access to materials for their virtual classes since we wouldn’t be meeting in person for the fall semester. It was a lot of fun to put together their art material packets for them. The team set up a couple of days where families could come pick them up, safely, take them home, and use for their classes! These were filled with art supplies like a drawing pad, drawing utensils (like markers, colored pencils, graphite pencils, etc), and one class even received Model Magic Clay!
Those enrolled in dance, received therabands and a variety of balls (like dodge balls and tennis balls) for exercise, strengthening, and stretching. Rachael, one of our Teaching Artists, included a notebook and pastels for reflective and expressive projects as part of her work on artistic process and early choreographic thinking work!
Karen Hernandez, Detroit Wolf Trap Program Assistant
Sara Vargas and Monica Hernandez
Marianne Cox, Dance Program Director
Marianne, our Dance Program Director said that “It was great to get outside and see everyone in person after months apart. Once we saw students and families we all lit up. Oddly enough, it didn't seem like it had been so long since we've seen everyone. Energy with everyone felt mutual and content.”
It was so great to see the families, some actually hung around for a bit in their cars to chat and catch up and many families picked up for others in our classes. The youth were SO excited to get their packets and even more so when they got to show them off during their classes.
Jasmin and Maria Alemán posing for a quick car picture!
Shakara, Security Guard
Myrna Blancas with Sam, Carolina, and Omar Aguilar
The Skillman Foundation's 60 Examples of Detroit Genius
Living Arts is thrilled to announce that two of our students, Avril and Elise, have been named in the Skillman Foundation’s 60 Examples of Detroit Genius. Both students have been involved with our after-school classes at the Ford Resource and Engagement Center for over eight years and have showcased their work around the city as celebrated artists!
From 2008 to 2017, both Avril and Elise attended the Detroit Waldorf school. Although these twins have a lot in common, they explored different mediums through the arts-based curriculum while focusing on different topics. Each has a different way of communicating through their art.
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Elise is an illustrator, digital artist, and has loved animals her whole life. She began creating anthropomorphic animal characters when she was just five years old! Her love for creating animal-centered art grew and in 2016 when she decided to turn it into more than “a silly hobby” (her words, not ours).
Her work centers around sci-fi and fantasy, however, she still makes room for the more realistic and natural animals that she creates in her work. Elise focuses her visual art in digital painting, animation, oil painting, medieval-style manuscripts (with its elaborate calligraphy), and marker cartoon drawings.
In 2019, Elise was awarded The Grand Prize at the Detroit Can Film Festival for her animation, MacArthur, for which she received a full scholarship to Interlochen Center for the Arts’ summer media arts program and a $500 cash prize. It is a deeply personal animation about learning to live with your reality, emotions, and struggles.
Elise also pours her creativity into many musical instruments such as the violin, cello, lyre, soprano recorder, piano, and guitar. She explains, “Living Arts has impacted me in so many ways. Not only did I learn tons about art -- I got so much support from the instructors, and made many social connections with other students.”
Avril was introduced to digital art at a pretty young age. Their family had a Windows 98 computer and had an old version of Microsoft Paint, which both Avril & Elise, would use the mouse to draw on the computer. Avril mentioned that “even though it was hard to draw with a mouse, it was pretty fun!” Since then, access to digital painting programs has allowed them to dive in headfirst and soak up anything and everything they can to help both become better artists.
Avril has excelled in many mediums beyond digital illustration, which is their main jam. Avril let us know that they don’t really finish anything traditionally anymore, however, they’ll still work in pencils, fine liners (specialty thin-tipped pens), coptic markers, watercolors, and washi tape.
Even more exciting is that they also play multiple instruments including, violin, cello, piano, guitar, lyre, recorder, alto recorder (which is very different from a recorder), drums, and voice. (Avril claims that last one is only for fun.)
Art is a healing medium. We bear witness to that in their response to our question of “Why do you love the arts?”, Avril opened up and explained,
“Due to my autism, I have a lot of trouble explaining things to someone's face. With art, I can show my feelings and tell stories without the anxiety I face actually talking to someone. Art is also the main source of my happiness. Creating new worlds and characters is so much fun!”
Avril went on to talk about what they’ve enjoyed most about Living Arts,
“I enjoy the community! I'm not the best at making friends (or talking, or..anything social), but everyone there is so easy to talk to since we have similar interests. I've made many friends through Living Arts, and will always be thankful for them. Living Arts has given me the space to create, learn, and experience new things. I would definitely not be where I am if it weren't for Living Arts.”
In 2017, Avril was given the distinct pleasure of designing the Michigan’s Children Hero Night Award and was able to be there as the award was presented. Pictured below with Avril, are Sharon Peters and Cynthia Wilbanks. The Hero Night Award honors “individuals whose work or organizational efforts positively impact the lives and life-outcomes for our state’s children and families.” The award that year went to Tonya Allen, of the Skillman Foundation.
Avril and Elise have also been involved with many wonderful organizations like Detroit Waldorf School, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensemble, Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy, Lyre Association of North America, Urban Stringz, and Motown EDU.
Avril and Elise, thank you so much for setting an incredible example of what a Detroit Genius looks like. We’re so grateful that we have been able to be a part of your artistic journeys!
“The Skillman Foundation: A voice for children since 1960, The Skillman Foundation is a private philanthropy that serves as a fierce champion of Detroit children. The Foundation works to ensure Detroit youth achieve their highest aspirations by strengthening K-12 public education, afterschool learning opportunities, and college and career pathways.” https://www.skillman.org/
Beauty In Ugly Times: For Youth By Youth
A team of 4 teens from Out-of-School Arts, led by Diamond Davis, is organizing and hosting a series of conversations "for youth, by youth" this summer. The topics focus on themes that are affecting teens right now. The Teen Leaders want to come together to discuss, process, and support each other in a safe, judgment-free space. Teens who want to join the conversations can sign up here. They will also receive a free art journal and a few supplies so they can doodle during the discussions, make art afterward as a way to process and reflect, or use it for their own personal practice.
These conversations will be taking place each Thursday during the month of July from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. The first topic will be Coping with the Pandemic: Greif & Isolation. The teens will be using Instagram mainly, however, you’ll be able to see updates through our Facebook page, Twitter account, and e-blasts as well.
Living Arts Appreciates Erika Villarreal Bunce
This month, Living Arts is sharing our deep appreciation for Erika Villarreal Bunce, our Director of Programs, who is leaving her position to attend to needs in her personal and family life.
Erika has been an incredible force in Living Arts’ program innovation and expansion for the past six years--impacting thousands of young people, Teaching Artists, educators, and families. She helped establish Living Arts as the leading provider of early childhood performing arts services in the region and created amazing opportunities for our youth artists to work with and learn from master artists. In our after-school space, her leadership elevated and centered youth and parent voices and strengthened our community of families.
We will miss her convictions, artistic sensibilities, and friendship, but are endlessly grateful that we will continue to have her in our corner, advising and cheering us on. Please join us in wishing Erika the absolute best!
Going Into Summer With So Much Gratitude!
Three months ago, school closures and social distancing created a $200,000 revenue gap that held the potential to impact our ability to serve Detroit's young people—and our community has come together in unprecedented ways to make sure that Living Arts could continue to support our youth and families throughout this crisis.
With support from generous individuals like you, local businesses, foundations, and federal funds from the CARES Act, you have helped us raise an incredible $175,158!!
Because of your generosity, Living Arts was able to compensate our Teaching Artists for the time they were scheduled to work when schools were closed and create a whole new suite of first-time digital programs, Living Arts At Home, to reach youth remotely with arts experiences to nurture their resiliency and social-emotional wellness.
With your support, encouragement, and participation in our adjustment to the virtual world, we are ending our program year on solid footing and excited about what the year ahead will hold for Living Arts and the youth we serve. We are energized and already reimagining all the ways our programs can keep young people safe while addressing their needs for creative self expression
Living Arts couldn't have done this without you and we hope you feel great about your role in bringing joy and art into the lives of Detroit's youth!
Thank you!
Tara Tuomaala
Director of Development
A Message from the Director
Living Arts condemns, and has always condemned, police brutality and structures of oppression that lead to and result in racially motivated violence of all kinds.
We mourn the death of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and stand in solidarity with the families, friends, and communities who knew them best. We stand also with ALL those touched by racial harm, force, and violence everyday.
This week, we are pausing our work to reflect, heal, and discuss ways in which we can actively contribute to a better community, state, and country through the lens of our mission. We know that art is intimately tied to justice, and we will continue to reflect and act to dismantle the notions of white supremacy and inherent bias, in our work our organization, and the structures in which we operate. We will continue to hold young people and families at the center of our conversations. We are committed to this work beyond the weeks ahead, and will endeavor to address the issues that we still see in our organization.
At this time, we urge our donors and network to engage their resources towards action by donating to the following organizations:
The George Floyd Memorial Fund
Minnesota Freedom Fund
Justice for Ahmaud/I Run with Ahmaud
Justice for Breonna Taylor
Detroit Association of Black Organizations
I also, personally urge fellow white folks to continue educating yourself on how to be actively anti-racist with this growing list of anti-racists resources.
With hope and love,
Executive Director
Living Arts condena, y siempre ha condenado, la brutalidad policial y las estructuras de opresión que se dirigen y resultan en violencia motivado por el racismo de todos tipos.
Lamentamos la muerte de George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, y nos solidarizamos con las familias, amigos, y comunidades que los conocían mejor. También nos solidarizamos con TODOS los afectados por el daño, la fuerza, y la violencia racial todos los días.
Esta semana, estamos pausando nuestro trabajo para reflexionar, sanar, y hablar sobre formas en las que podemos contribuir activamente a una mejor comunidad, estado y país a través de la lente de nuestra misión. Sabemos que el arte está íntimamente ligado a la justicia, y continuaremos reflexionando y actuando para desmantelar las nociones de supremacía blanca y prejuicio inherente, en nuestro trabajo y nuestra organización, y las estructuras en las que operamos. Continuaremos manteniendo a los jóvenes y las familias en el centro de nuestras conversaciones. Estamos comprometidos con este trabajo más allá de las próximas semanas, y nos esforzaremos por abordar los problemas que aún vemos en nuestra organización.
En este momento, instamos a nuestros donantes y a nuestra red a comprometer sus recursos para la acción mediante la donación a las siguientes organizaciones:
The George Floyd Memorial Fund
Minnesota Freedom Fund
Justice for Ahmaud/I Run with Ahmaud
Justice for Breonna Taylor
Detroit Association of Black Organizations
También, personalmente, exhorto a mis compañeros blancos a que continúen educándose sobre cómo ser activamente antirracistas con esta creciente lista de recursos antirracistas.
Con esperanza y amor,
Executive Director