An after-school program aimed at sparking creativity in children is now offered at the Old Art Building in Leland.
Tracy Smedes-Hepler leads the program, which grew from her arts exploration business, Tearwater T.
“I began the summer with classes in my house and it went very well, but there wasn’t much room,” she said.
Smedes-Hepler found a “home” at the Old Art Building (OAB) in Leland, where she has hosted “sold out” sessions for children in grades K-2.
It’s a natural progression for the bachelor-degreed creative known to many through her 13 years teaching at the Leelanau Children’s Center.
Coordinating with Leland Public School, students are transported from school to the OAB and greeted by Smedes-Hepler when they get off the bus at about 3:30 p.m. and get to the fun after a snack.
They gather in a room that was used to store OAB chairs but now is a “beautiful art space,” that can accommodate up to 10 art explorers.
Much of the program draws upon a book from the Leland Library, which is just a short walk away.
Last fall, the group was focused on “Monster Mama” by Liz Rosenberg and illustrated by Stephen Gammell. The book tells the story of Patrick Edward’s mother, who is a monster. When he has friends over, she stays in a big cave. But when three “bullies” try to steal Patrick’s dessert, monster mama comes out to help (after Patrick lets out a monstrous roar of his own). The book explores feelings and how someone may look happy on the outside and feel differently within.
Illustrations are an explosion of color with a “dripping” effect, a technique employed by the class.
“We used a spattering technique,” said Smedes-Hepler, laughing as she added that one of the kids looked like he had rainbow sprinkles on his face at the end of the session. “They are making connections to books and feelings of the artists and tap into their innate creativity.”
Sessions for grades K-2 for January are full as well as February and March dates.
However, students in grades 3-5 are also invited to join in the fun. The class, held on Thursday afternoons, is filled to capacity for this month.
“These kids are wildly creative,” Smedes-Hepler said. “They created a playlist of music for me to play during class.”
There are still slots available at this grade level on Feb. 1, 8, 15, and 22 and March 7, 14, and 21.
It’s also becoming a family affair. Smedes-Hepler is offering a Family Art Night, an evening of process-art designed to be enjoyed by the whole family to cultivate creative relationships within themselves and the community.
This month’s Family Night, set for Friday, Jan. 26, has been sold out.
The family-focused event will explore BIG art pieces and the work of Petitt Halilaj, a Kosovo sculptor and installation artist who was first inspired to create when he was introduced to art as a way to heal trauma at a refugee camp after fleeing the Yugoslav Wars at the age of 13 with his family.
He began his art journey with felt tip markers, using them to document his personal story. His art is focused on the history of his country of origin and often includes large sculptures of birds and flowers. “Making art helped him feel connected to his home, which was no longer there,” Smedes- Hepler said.
Halilaj was recently chosen to do a sculptural installation on the roof garden of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
“It’s all about finding places kids have a feeling of belonging,” she said. “We’re all artists. You don’t have to be good — just create.”
Registration information is available at oldartbuilding.com.
