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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula February 20, 2002 Press Release © 2002 Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies Photos © 2002 Carol Rose

Keweenaw Krayons of Mohawk wins Great Lakes Community Arts Award

MOHAWK -- The Keweenaw Krayons arts program in Mohawk is one of five statewide recipients of the Great Lakes Community Arts Awards, granted by the Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies for 2002.  It is the only community arts program so recognized in the Upper Peninsula this year.

4-H members enjoy fresh cider during one of their fall activities near Mohawk's Ramblin' Rose Arts Center, home of Keweenaw Krayons. The Center provides a meeting place for youth groups like 4-H as well as various art and educational activities for all ages.

It all started in a garden with a few children offering to pull weeds in exchange for art lessons, supplies and a place to work. What was once a beauty salon and small art gallery is now home to children and adults enjoying classes in fiber arts, stained glass, metal working, portrait drawing, pottery making, leather work, quilting, historic costume techniques and hat making.

Carol Rose, Keweenaw Krayons Director, said, "I was thrilled. I think this award puts us in really good standing with arts organizations around the state." 

The program is continuing to grow. There is a drop-in program four nights a week, along with classes most Saturdays from now until May.

Rose also said the program has begun charging modest fees, but that barter for needed goods and services is also accepted. "Our hope is to never deny anyone an art class because of money," said Rose.

Rose also indicates they are seeking scholarships and other financial support to allow key staff to attend the awards ceremony and an accompanying workshop downstate.

Full programming information for Keweenaw Krayons is available on their web page, at http://www.keweenawkrayons.com/.

Award-winning programs represent diversity of cultural activities

Storytelling, cultivating art, Black History Month, dance and theatre are only a few of the words used to describe the diverse range of arts and culture activities represented by this year’s recipients of the Great Lakes Community Arts Awards. 

The awards are presented each year by the Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies (MACAA) to recognize the exceptional achievements and successes of community arts and cultural organizations in the state. In addition to Keweenaw Krayons the 2002 recipients include: Monroe County Library System, Monroe; Flint Youth Theatre, Flint; Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, Kalamazoo and Jackson Storyfest, Jackson.

"Arts and culture come in many forms. The Great Lakes Community Arts Awards recognize the accomplishments of arts and culture in Michigan communities," says Deborah Mikula, executive director, Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies (MACAA). "Arts and culture bring so much to our state -- community building, creativity, awareness of social issues, entertainment, a positive environment and much, much more."

Each award recipient illustrates how arts and culture benefit communities. The following programs in lower Michigan were also recipients of the Great Lakes Community Arts Awards:

Monroe County Library System, Monroe

Each February, the Monroe County Library System presents the Black History Month Blues Series, a countywide celebration of community spirit and cooperation, the important cultural contributions of African Americans and the blues, "the roots of all American music." The concerts and workshops are free for all ages. The 2002 "family reunion" concert will be held Feb. 23.

Flint Youth Theatre, Flint

The Flint Youth Theatre reaches into its community and provides a forum for the community. Its work is tangible proof of the ability of arts to provide more than entertainment – to be a vital catalyst for social change in today’s world. Issues addressed in theatre productions include youth violence, race relations, school shootings and, currently, the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.

Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, Kalamazoo

Wellspring, a modern dance company, has excelled in artistic excellence as well as community impact and outreach. Terry is a dancer, master teacher, choreographer and mentor to many young people. The dance company has grown artistically and administratively for more than 20 years.

Jackson Storyfest, Jackson

Live literature, or storytelling, brings our heritage alive through the spoken word and promotes literacy through listening, retelling, recalling and reenacting stories. The Jackson Storyfest brings Storyfest weekend, public performances and workshops to the Jackson community. Stories are what connect us as human beings…they nourish, teach, entertain and inspire.

The recipients were chosen from nearly 50 nominations. Awards will be presented at a special dinner aboard the Michigan Princess Riverboat on March 21 in conjunction with "Create, Discover & Lead," MACAA’s annual arts management institute. Tickets are $60 each for the dinner and awards presentation. Call MACAA at 800/203-9633 to make your reservation. 

The Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies celebrates its 25^th anniversary in 2002. It exists to support, strengthen and unite community arts and cultural organizations in Michigan.

Read more about Keweenaw Krayons in the Nov. 17, 2001, article, "Keweenaw Krayons' greenhouse under construction." Learn more about Keweenaw Now guest author, Carol Rose.

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