
By Sama Marwan,
In an innovative initiative aimed at fostering creativity and artistic expression among children in rural areas of Michigan, the “Artworks Road Trip” program has been launched, offering free art workshops for children aged 7 to 13. The program is designed to provide educational opportunities for children who may face barriers accessing traditional art programs due to financial constraints or lack of transportation.
The program kicked off on June 20 in the city of Reed City, where children participated in a workshop to create fairy houses using simple materials like cardboard tubes and boxes. Participants also prepared their own healthy lunches, promoting independence and nutritional awareness.
The initiative is supported by the Mecosta County Council and the Big Rapids Rotary Club, and is offered free of charge to local children. Additional workshops are scheduled to take place this summer in communities such as Morley Stanwood and Wheatland Township.
This program stands as a model for how art and education can be brought to children in rural communities, reflecting a strong commitment by the local community to ensuring access to educational and cultural experiences for children across the state.