It’s no secret that the North Shore is a hub of creativity—over the years, we’ve featured countless regional artists in the pages of Northern Wilds. All artists have to start somewhere, and many local organizations offer programs designed to nurture Lake Superior’s youngest artists.
Engaging School-Aged Children in Art
From its earliest days, the Grand Marais Art Colony has helped foster art opportunities for youth, from programs with the local school districts to summer youth camps. This year, the Grand Marais Art Colony is continuing the tradition of offering after-school clubs through the fall and winter. These clubs take place during the window of time between the end of the school day and the end of the work day—an opportunity for kids to have a safe and creative space while supporting families.
“We are a small communal ecosystem here in Cook County and this is one way we can both inspire kids to continue using their imagination and also support working parents,” said Art Colony Director Ruth Pszwaro.
The Art Colony’s after-school clubs meet over the course of several weeks, led by artist instructors. The programs introduce students to mediums such as ceramics and printmaking, and typically culminate with a pop-up show where family members and friends can come see the students’ work.
“Kids bring such great energy and enthusiasm to their creative work and into the studios and I love that we can provide opportunities for kids to get out of the box and explore materials and their imaginations,” Pszwaro said. “There are so many studies that show how arts engagement improves self-esteem, well-being, and allows for multiple narratives.”
Farther up the shore, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery runs PA Day Art Camps for school-age children throughout the year. According to Marcoms Coordinator Bob Gravelle, these day-long camps offer kids the opportunity to enjoy the Gallery’s exhibitions, learn new skills, and cultivate creativity.
“Each PA Day Art Camp offers a variety of mediums that can include painting, printmaking, sculpting, collage, sgraffito, and more,” Gravelle said.
The next PA Day Art Camp is scheduled for November 15. The Gallery also offers programming throughout the year, which includes thematic exploration with multiple mediums or skill development using a specific medium.
Nurturing the Youngest Artists
While many art programs are geared toward older children, it’s never too early to start experimenting with art. One person who knows this well is Alison Kilpo, the owner of Growing Little Loves in Duluth. Growing Little Loves is a children’s process art studio, with programs for kids as young as eight months. In a world where art is often seen as a product, process art takes a different approach, and allows artists of all ages to explore the world and their surroundings through creativity. For young children, this type of exploration combines creativity with other important skills like motor skills, social development, and problem-solving.
“Process-based art is freeing, allowing the little artists to engage in the materials as they desire which usually ends up with a piece of art they are proud of and own,” Kilpo said.
Kilpo said that Babe Group, for kids aged 8 months to 2 years, has a free-flowing format that follows each little artist’s pace. Children get to explore collaborative art, sensory bins, water play, and more. At each session, the young artists add a layer to their individual art projects, which they take home at the end of six weeks.
As an art therapist and a parent, this process-based form of art was something that Kilpo saw a need for in the community—not only for children but for their caregivers as well.
“Growing Little Loves is obviously built for little artists, however it’s also created for caregivers to have the opportunity to socialize as well,” Kilpo said. “Many friendships have started in the studio. Many Babe Group kiddos have had their first interactions with other kiddos in the studio. Growing Little Loves offers a place for families to get out of the house year-round, in all weather, and to socialize in a safe and engaging setting thoughtfully created for kiddos.”
Art for All
While the Lake Superior region has a robust art scene, not all students in the area have access to the same art opportunities. Meeting that need is something the Duluth Art Institute (DAI) strives to do through free programming for kids and teens.
One of these programs is the Teen Open Art Studio, which meets as an after-school option. This grant-funded program is open to youth age 12 to 16, and has a self-directed format—art supplies are provided, and teens are encouraged both to express themselves and their creativity and to build new connections with their art community.
Christina Woods, executive director of the DAI, said, “We have seen all sorts of creativity, from comic book illustration, to crochet, to sculpting-clay figures at open studios.”
In addition to the open studios, the DAI also hosts periodic events called Free ArtDAI. These all-ages events are often focused around a season or holiday, and offer a welcoming way for families and youth to dip their toes into making art while enjoying free snacks and beverages.
“Everybody at the DAI is passionate about removing barriers to arts access, so we are thrilled to host free activities like Free ArtDAI and Teen Open Studio to bring more arts opportunities to young people that may not have much visual art in their school days,” Woods said.
