Local arts studio promotes creativity, learning

A local arts education studio is working to help everyone find the true artist in themselves. Whether you are three years old or 83 years old, you can find inspiration to create something with your own hands at Blackbird Arts.

Located in Traverse City, Blackbird Arts is a place where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can come together to learn and create, says Blackbird Arts owner and educator Melissa Johnson.

"We wanted a place where people felt part of a community and safe to create without criticism--to play, explore, and really challenge the notion that talent is innate. We can all develop our skills and nurture our creativity," Johnson says.

When  Johnson opened the studio in 2011, she found out quickly that Blackbird Arts was going to become part of the community, as she saw support for the studio's mission from artists, community partners, and others working in creative mediums. Catering to most age groups, Blackbird Arts sees different generations affected in different ways by the programs they offer, Johnson says.

"With adults, I see this slow unfurling of creative power--many have spent years convinced they're no good at art or aren't creative," she says. "The teens find a voice and expression in a way very different from their day-to-day schooling. The toddlers are such a joy as they're completely uninhibited and are thrilled to try new art materials for the first time."

Moving art beyond crayons and coloring books is particularly important to children and their development because it teaches skills in a unique way. From problem solving, to creative thinking and new-found understanding, the arts can enhance childhood in many ways, says Johnson.

Summer is the perfect time to participate at Blackbird Arts through their summer classes and camps which range in age groups from three to five years old up to adults. For kids' classes, it is all about fun, adventure and developmental needs, and having the perfect teacher in place, says Johnson, while children learn how to throw a mug on a potter's wheel, fuse glass, and create jewelry out of metal.

Blackbird Arts expands arts education for children to the whole family as they host family programs where mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters can join together to learn something new, like cooking a new recipe, learning a new dance or making a face out of clay.

"It's exciting to sit side-by-side with a child or a friend and create something," Johnson says. "We're inherently communal and want that connection with other people. Art is an active, engaging way to do that. It is also a really unique opportunity for families to spend time together doing something where everyone can contribute."

In addition to reaching out to traditional demographics, Blackbird Arts practices the philosophy of inclusive arts--making sure to include everyone.

"Too often, children and adults with disabilities have been marginalized in our community. I've heard some heartbreaking stories from parents and students where they've been excluded, taunted and worse. The arts are a great equalizer," Johnson says. "I work with adults with disabilities who are activists and advocates; they've really helped to educate me about how their disabilities don't define who they are or what they can do. Inclusive programming is empowering for everyone."

Outside of the classroom, Blackbird Arts is spearheading Benchmark, a community arts project. By joining together artists or writers with a school or community group, they transform dull benches into works of art. Because each bench needs funding, Blackbird relies on sponsorship from individuals and businesses for this program. Currently 17 benches are waiting to be sponsored before their artful makeovers can begin.

In the future, Blackbird Arts hopes to continue Benchmark, introduce a community garden to their efforts, work even more with the community and continue to foster and grow relationships with artists in the area while being innovative, inclusive and understanding of all who have the desire to learn.

To learn more about Blackbird Arts or to sign up for classes, visit their website.

Julia Woehrer is a freelance writer, photographer and Internet content manager. She attended the School of Art and Design at Northern Michigan University where she concentrated in photography and minored in journalism. She volunteers at a local no-kill cat shelter and enjoys spending time with her cats, Bella and Macy.