Another Great Year at Hope for Flowers

 In 2023, the Hope for Flowers Art Enrichment Program experienced significant changes, relocating to a splendid new classroom at Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese flagship studio, located at the Freelon at Sugar Hill in Midtown Detroit. Our fresh space caters to both youth and adults, and we remain dedicated to providing quality art enrichment through free classes for Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck residents.

 

ADULT ART ENRICHMENT

Welcoming exceptional teaching-artists, this year we expanded our adult class offerings with new courses like Feel Better Stitching (knit & crochet) with Parker Avenue Knits, Wet Felting with Judy Sledge, and Ceramics & Mosaics with Ricky Blanding of Ricky Blanding Ceramics. Anticipate even more diverse adult classes in our 2024 schedule!

 

YOUTH ART ENRICHMENT

In this year's youth classes, we maintained our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, teaching the children the value of using recycled materials as a way to care for the earth. During our Saturday youth art sessions, we presented captivating visuals and details about our featured "Spotlight Artist," inspiring children to craft their own artwork influenced by the artist's style. The young participants engaged in a wide range of artistic activities, including crafting life-sized self-portraits, mastering weaving techniques, experimenting with collage, exploring mixed media, delving into fiber arts, and exploring various other creative mediums. Here is a short testimonial from one of our talented youth artists! 

 

SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOPS

Hope for Flowers is driven by a central commitment to sustainability. Over the course of the year, we conduct family-friendly sustainability workshops, often in partnership with like-minded Detroit-based organizations such as Keep Growing Detroit and Walker-Miller Energy Services – a trailblazing Black-female led energy company. This year, our workshops covered a range of topics, including gardening, mending, home energy efficiency, and various other aspects of sustainable living.

 

YOUTH ARTS BY PRESCRIPTION

Watch Video Here!

Several months ago, we accepted an invitation to join a pioneering initiative titled "Youth Arts by Prescription." This collaborative effort is spearheaded by Children’s Hospital of Michigan and DEYA - Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts, with support from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council. The program aims to introduce young patients to the world of art, help them understand the healing power of youth art mentorship, and encourage them to explore youth art programs upon their discharge from the hospital. In this recently released video, our Youth Art Instructor, Taylor Childs, and one of our talented youth participants, Maric’iauna Coleman, take center stage. Click the link above to watch the video! We take immense pride in Maric’iauna’s artistic development and Taylor’s exceptional ability to empower our youth participants with such compassionate guidance.

 

THINGS TO DO WHILE ON BREAK!

 

Three Major Cultural Exhibits in the Detroit-Metro Area: 

 

WHAT : AFROFUTURISM IN COSTUME DESIGN

Click here for more information.

This new exhibition features over 60 of Ruth Carter’s Academy Award winning original designs from iconic films such as Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Malcolm X, Do The Right Thing, and more. 

WHERE: Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History 

315 East Warren Avenue

Detroit, Michigan 48201

313-494-5800

WHEN: Now through March 31, 2024

 

WHAT : Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit

Click here for more information. FREE admission for children 12 and under.

This landmark exhibition features 20 contemporary artists who have worked in Detroit over the last decade and demonstrate exceptional skill.

WHERE: Cranbrook Art Museum

39221 Woodward Avenue

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0801

248-645-3320

WHEN: Now through March 3, 2024

 

WHAT : MANDELA: THE OFFICIAL EXHIBITION

Click here for more information.

Mandela: The Official Exhibition takes guests on a personal journey through the life of the world’s most iconic freedom fighter and political leader, Nelson Mandela.

An immersive and interactive experience, the exhibition features previously unseen film, photos and the display of over 150 historical artifacts and personal effects on loan from the Mandela family, museums and archives worldwide.

WHERE: The Henry Ford

20900 Oakwood Blvd

Dearborn MI 48214

313-982-6001

WHEN: Now through January 15, 2024

 

OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES!

 

WHAT : WILD LIGHTS

Click here for more information.

Enjoy nearly 500 festive displays featuring millions of twinkling LED lights illuminating buildings, trees, sculptures and a walk-through tunnel.

WHERE: The Detroit Zoo

8450 W. 10 Mile Road

Royal Oak, MI 48067

248-541-5717

WHEN: Dec. 8-10, Dec. 13-23, Dec. 26-31, Jan. 2-7

 

WHAT : FREE HOLIDAY SUNDAYS - FEATURING FESTIVE FILM SCREENINGS

Click here for more information.

WHERE: The Detroit Historical Museum

5401 Woodward Ave. 

Detroit, MI 48202

313.833.1805

WHEN: December 10 AND December 17, 2023 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM

WHAT : FREE DETROIT PUBLIC LIBRARY HOLIDAY EVENTS

 

Click here for more information.

 

WHERE: Detroit Public Library - Various Branches

WHEN: Various Dates

The Detroit Public Library hosts many free family-friendly events, including crafts, story time, Santa visits, and more. 

 

REGISTER NOW!

 Beginning on Saturday, January 13, our 2024 Youth Art Enrichment program will take place across three nine-week sessions during Winter, Spring, and Fall, with an additional five-week session in the Summer. Our commitment to the United Nations Sustainability Goals remains firm, and we will continue to ignite inspiration by spotlighting visual artists of color. The registration form is available here. Our programs remain free for children aged 7-12 who attend public or charter schools in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck. Please share the registration link with other parents who want to give their children this wonderful opportunity to learn about art and sustainability in a safe and caring environment.

 Exciting updates are on the horizon for our adult art enrichment program as we prepare to unveil a range of new classes. Stay tuned for more details!

As this year comes to a close, we give thanks for your ongoing support and engagement. Parents, we thank you for trusting us with your amazing children. Witnessing their artistic expression is such a joy, and THEY teach US so much!

We extend warm wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season filled with love. We eagerly anticipate reconnecting with you in the New Year!