News & Views

Glen Arbor Arts Center Partners with LIFT 

The Glen Arbor Arts Center (GAAC) and Leelanau Investing for Teens (LIFT) are thrilled to announce their partnership to offer monthly art classes to Glen Lake Middle School students. This exciting initiative is made possible by a generous donation from the Glen Lake Women's Club.

A Commitment to Youth Arts Education

This partnership brings together Glen Arbor Arts Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching community life through the arts, and LIFT, Leelanau County’s only free after-school program for 6th to 12th graders. Through this collaboration, middle school students participating in LIFT have the opportunity to explore various art forms in 12 separate art classes hosted by GAAC. Classes may be held at GAAC's Glen Arbor and Thoreson Farm locations or other exciting area sites. The partnership allows for 8-12 students per month to attend an art class with transportation covered by LIFT and art programming provided by GAAC.

"LIFT aims to provide teens with experiences they might not have access to outside of programming, hoping to unlock new lifelong passions." —Emily Worden, Program Development Director.

Program Timeline and Classes

The partnership started in April 2024 and will continue through April 2025 or until all 12 classes are fulfilled. GAAC and LIFT are hopeful to extend the partnership into the future. Sessions are scheduled to run after school during the school year, with special scheduling during the summer months. So far classes have included Gelli Printing, Suminagashi Marbling, Charcoal Drawing, and Pottery Wheel Throwing.

 

A Bright Future for Youth Arts

This partnership underscores the commitment of GAAC and LIFT to foster artistic exploration and community among middle school students in Leelanau County. With the support of the Glen Lake Women's Club, this initiative will open doors for young artists to explore their creativity and develop new skills in a nurturing environment.

"The Glen Arbor Arts Center is excited about our partnership with LIFT to offer Glen Lake Middle School students year-round access to high-quality art classes, where they can explore their creativity and connect with their inner artist." —Kristie McCaw, Program Manager, Glen Arbor Arts Center