From Crafternoons on the first and third Sundays of the month to writing sessions every Thursday evening to monthly collage and 'zine clubs on 'Maker Mondays,' The Arthouse Folk School in downtown Macomb offers unique classes and get-togethers for experienced creative types, along with those just starting to unleash their creative side.
Amanda Dean, founder and creative director behind the Macomb Creative Collab (MC2), offers the folk school space for people to come together to create (or pop in for some solo creative time) at 133 S. Randolph St., Ste. 210 in the downtown Masonic Building. She currently hosts a suite of recurring events for artists and makers, and is continuing to hammer out more structured classes and workshops for late May and beyond. Programs, including dates, times and complete descriptions, can be found on her website at arthousefolkschool.com.
Upcoming events for the remainder of the month include one this Sunday: the Screen-Free Sunday Crafternoon from 1-4 p.m. This is an opportunity for makers of all ages and skill levels to create in the company of others. People are welcome to bring a craft project from home or start something new using supplies in the community craft 'supply-brary.' 'In June, the folk school will offer several programs celebrating Pride month, including a two-part 'Queer Ecology' series and a Pride-themed Crafternoon event,' said Dean. 'We've also got a book club for artists that meets every Wednesday evening to discuss our current selection and work on creative exercises together. Next month, we're starting an e-newsletter to highlight Arthouse Folk School events, instructors, DIY projects, and announcements. These will also be published on our website.'
Currently, Dean also posts on the school's Facebook page, but she's working to pivot more toward the monthly newsletter and website to keep people informed of the goings-on.
'We've really started to hit our stride, and I have more teachers and instructors interested in leading special programs,' she shared. 'We're already looking ahead to fall, and plan to offer sewing classes, an ASL (American Sign Language) class, bookbinding, watercolors, weaving and some general sampler classes for creative novices to explore new media.'
An open house is planned from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 18 to provide an opportunity for anyone unfamiliar with the school to learn more.
'We want the school to be a welcoming place for people of all skill-levels and backgrounds,' Dean pointed out.
She has also created a monthly membership program, which provides additional, members-only benefits. Memberships are $25/month, which gets members 25% off classes. While most recurring events are free or very low-cost ($5 or less to cover supplies), those that are instructor-led have a fee set by the instructor, Dean explained. Family memberships are $40/month, with students/low-income memberships set at $10/month.
'Starting in June, we'll have open studio hours for members only, along with a few other perks,' she added.
Dean's other book club, 'Words & Deeds,' is also exploring a new venture: 'Macomb Repair & Share,' in which people who have a skill – fixing a bike, sewing, and the like – volunteer their time for a few hours at a community event, such as the Farmers Market, to provide their service to others at no cost.
'We're actively seeking people who have a skill they're willing to share with the community,' Dean added.
To volunteer for a Repair & Share event, or for more information on programs at the Arthouse Folk School, visit arthousefolkschool.com.
