TRAVERSE CITY -- Teens and tweens have a new option in Traverse City for fun and art, participation and community.
Newly renamed Studio 7 Arts, the former the Just Imagine Creative Center is emphasizing this dynamic age group in a range of program offerings. From monthly Teen Art Cafes and seasonal parties to classes and a teen girls group, Studio 7 Arts is zeroed in on this transitional life phase. The new name reflects the new mission, summed up by the tagline "where you R you."
Using arts as a foundation for communication and connection is a natural fit for this age group, providing a positive expressive outlet. For example, teen program coordinator Tara Carroll, an art therapist and counselor, offers free art workshops for teen girls. Underwritten by a grant from the Michigan Women's Foundation, Xpress U is held weekly and features art, journaling, writing and music.
"It kind of gives them a voice in what's going on," said Carroll, noting the organization is also looking at program ideas for adolescent males. "Teens don't often like to talk about what's going on and this gives them a vehicle to express themselves."
Founder Laurie Gonda helped launch Just Imagine in a former church on 14th Street in 2004. While offering a range of program options -- including classes, workshops, social gatherings and special events -- for all ages, the organization became increasingly aware of a gap in the community for programs aimed at teens/tweens. Youth uninterested in or wanting more than structured after-school or weekend activities such as sports, music or dance had few choices or opportunities.
Studio 7 Arts has geared up to provide a place for teens to build self-confidence and creative problem-solving skills, using art as the foundation. Programs for adults will continue to be offered but the emphasis of the organization will be on serving teens/tweens.
"They have so much to offer and share, (they) just needed more avenues to do so and a fun reason to share their creative ideas and talents," said Gonda, who termed teens/tweens a "fun and interesting" age group.
"It has to be positive and fun to be encouraging and transformational," said Gonda, Studio 7's president and creative director. "We don't need to constantly think about how challenging life is. We just need to jump in and trust the creative process."
Tapping the word of mouth among young people is crucial as Studio 7 Arts continues its new focus. Instead of imposing their ideas, Carroll and Gonda plus art teacher Merrily Bauer and Claire Crandell-Koski, program and event consultant, are looking for leadership from teens/tweens and suggestions for programs.
"Basically we're trying to create a teen advisory committee so we can get their ideas," Carroll said.
The ongoing monthly Teen Art Café, which meets the first Saturday evening each month, this week will offer dinner and a movie, then snow paint and murals in January and ethnic cooking in February. Another upcoming option is a monthly Song Busters Karaoke gathering for ages 11-14 starting Dec. 19.
This summer, the Teen Voices: Video/Performance Project immersed participants in media production and editing, with additional projects to come. Other ideas include a variety of media projects that bring teens into the community and also teach them necessary skills.
"This is the little engine that could," said Crandell-Koski of Studio 7 Arts. "This is one of the best-kept secrets here in Traverse City."
For information, call 932-9808 or see www.studio7arts.com.
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