We hosted a one-of-a-kind Detroit Art Walk. We gave local 6th graders a chance to make their own Pewabic-style tile at Art in Motion on the Avenue of Fashion. They got a felting demonstration at Detroit Fiber Works.

The arts scene on Livernois is vibrant and exciting and it was so fun to share it with the kids. “We learned how art is uniting our community. And even more importantly we learned that having creative outlets reduces stress, a leading cause of heart disease. Keep your heart healthy and have fun while exploring your creative side!" recapped Gesu teacher Mary Hall.

Everyone knows that 6th graders are amongst the harshest critics on the planet and can he brutal in their honesty. Nonetheless, 80% said the Art Walk made them more interested in/more likely to do art in the future, and nearly 3/4 said they felt the knowledge they gained would make them healthier in the long run We are blown away with this result! We were not, however, surprised to learn that more than half of the 6th graders didn’t know stress was a major causal factor of heart disease. The results give validation to our core message and how important it is to get this message out. It demonstrates that we can - and will - make a big difference. A seriously big difference.

Photos: Roy and Kim Tandy helping the boys with their tiles; Mandisa Smith gives the kids a felting demonstration at Detroit Fiber Works; Detroit Fiber Works on Livernois Ave.; Roy Sims, Angela Sims, Kim Tandy (Detroit’s District 2 Manager), Kay Willingham (Art in Motion), Mandisa Smith (Detroit Fiber Works); Roy in front of Art in Motion; Kay Willingham inspiring the students; Roy thanking the bus driver)