The Glen Arbor Arts Center (GAAC) and Leelanau Investing for Teens (LIFT) have announced the renewal of their partnership for a second year, continuing to provide monthly art classes for Glen Lake Middle School students. This impactful initiative remains possible through the generous support of the Glen Lake Women’s Club.
GAAC, 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, are thrilled to continue this collaboration. “LIFT’s partnership with Glen Arbor Arts Center has allowed our teens to explore the world of art when they otherwise wouldn’t have the chance,” said Stefanie Murphy, LIFT Glen Lake Middle School Program Coordinator. “I’ve seen students blossom from their lessons, take their experiences, and apply them elsewhere.
“One student who struggled to challenge herself creatively comes to mind who, after joining GAAC classes, decided to join the school’s theater and choir programs.”
Through this program, middle school students at Glen Lake involved with LIFT will have the opportunity to explore a range of artistic mediums in 12 professionally guided art classes hosted by GAAC. Classes will be held at GAAC’s Glen Arbor and Thoreson Farm locations. Each session welcomes 8-12 students, with transportation provided by LIFT and art instruction facilitated by GAAC.
The renewed partnership extends the program from April 2025 through March 2026, ensuring another year of inspiring, hands-on art experiences. Sessions will continue to be scheduled after school during the academic year, with additional offerings during the summer months.
Over the past year, students explored a wide array of creative disciplines—diving into expressive forms like Gelli printing, marbling, and holidaythemed painting; honing technical skills through charcoal drawing, pottery wheel throwing, and coil building with clay; and stretching their imaginations with character design, printmaking, and art journal creation. Teen weaving, fused glass, and mixed media projects further expanded their exploration. Each session was guided by a rotating assortment of dedicated and talented artist instructors, who brought their own unique expertise and enthusiasm to every class.
GAAC and LIFT are excited to continue this momentum in the coming year. New classes include resist dye bandanas, needle felted landscapes, and variations of gelli printing, pottery wheel throwing, handbuilding with clay, and fused glass.
For more information about the program and partnership, please contact: Glen Arbor Arts Center glenarborart.org.
