Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Join Maggie McClellan for a six week session of slam poetry with the option to perform at Spectrum Record Lounge at the end of the summer. Can’t do all six weeks? That’s okay! Select which classes you can attend and drop in then. Register now!

$10 per session/$50 for full 6 week program

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Join Maggie McClellan for a six week session of slam poetry with the option to perform at Spectrum Record Lounge at the end of the summer. Can’t do all six weeks? That’s okay! Select which classes you can attend and drop in then. Register now!

$10 per session/$50 for full 6 week program

Discover What Makes Cape Girardeau Special
Discover all the reasons why Cape is Home at the Young Professional Council's exciting expo! Explore volunteer opportunities, local activities, recreational sports leagues, shopping, dining, and more. This event celebrates everything that makes Cape Girardeau a vibrant and welcoming community. Come discover all the ways to connect, get involved, and see why Cape is more than just a place to work... it's where you belong!

Come see our Assistant Director at the Arts Council booth to learn more about our organization!

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Join us for our GRAND REOPENING in our beautiful new space within the Scout Hall building! We have lots of fun things in store…

12:00 PM: Ribbon Cutting with the Cape Chamber of Commerce
12:30 - 5:00 PM: More details coming soon…
5:00 - 8:00 PM: First Friday with the Arts Opening Reception

Our gallery will feature all new artwork by our wonderful Visual Arts Cooperative artists. Come enjoy free wine and refreshments as you peruse the gallery for a new piece of artwork for your home!

This will also be the official relaunch of First Friday with the Arts!

Board & Brush will have a special Make and Take workshop, Yoga East Healing Arts Studio will have FREE yoga, The Reynolds House will have a special art exhibition, AND MORE!

Stay tuned for more info about which businesses will be celebrating with us.

Providing artists of EVERY discipline (visual, literary, performing, culinary, AND healing) with the skills they need to succeed is integral to the proliferation of the arts, and the sustainability of local economies. We are so honored that Cape Girardeau was selected for this FREE two-day workshop on the business of art, offered by the Mid-America Arts Alliance and Missouri Arts Council.

EVENT INFORMATION

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Artists living within a 75 minute radius of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Age Requirement: 18+

Location: Scout Hall, 420 Broadway St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Total Workshop Hours: 10 hours

Homework Hours: 1 hour

Workshop Size: 25 Artists, 3 Facilitators

Materials Provided: Artist INC Express Workbook and Welcome Packet

Workshop Dates & Times:

• Day 1: Saturday, June 7, 2025, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm CDT

• Day 2: Sunday, June 8, 2025, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm CDT

Partner Organizations: Missouri Arts Council and Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

DESCRIPTION

Artist INC Express helps artists, of any discipline, develop the building blocks for a thriving and enduring arts practice.

Led by a team of experienced, working artists, this ten-hour, hands-on workshop helps artists like you address specific needs and challenges that you’ll face throughout your career. Through discussions, activities, and hands-on exercises, your artist-facilitators, and your new network of peer artists, will help you set goals for your practice, write about your work, and build a personal brand. 

Artist INC Express is a slimmed down, yet still highly active, version of the popular eight-week Artist INC Live program, which has been completed by more than 1,500 artists since 2009. Artist INC Express explores those same core concepts of how to build a lasting arts practice in a shorter, more flexible format, to help reach a broader audience of artists.  

If you sign on for Artist INC Express, you are asked to commit to the entire ten-hour workshop, as exercises build on one another and participants develop deep relationships with their fellow artists over the two sessions. Be ready to participate throughout in group discussions, hands-on exercises, and small group work. 

And just know, it’s not over when it’s over. Right away, Artist INC Express activates a network of artists in your community, leading to more peer-to-peer resource sharing, collaborations, and support long after the workshop concludes.

SCHEDULE

Artist INC Express workshops are divided into two 5-hour sessions.

Session 1 – June 7, 2025, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm  CDT

• What Works

• Success Inventory

• Eulogy

• ADEP Analysis

• SMART Goal Setting

• Funding a Practice

Session 2 – June 8, 2025, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm CDT

• Marketing

• Branding

• Elevator Speech

• Formal Tool Kit (biography, artist statement, resume/CV)

• Building Long-Term Relationships

Artist INC Express Agenda (In Person – 2 Days)

ARTIST PEER FACILITATORS

All Artist INC Express workshops are facilitated by a team of experienced, working artists. Artist Peer Facilitators for this workshop are: JerMarco Britton, Sukanya Mani, and Colin McLaughlin. 

REGISTRATION 

All registrants must register individually. There is no application process or participation fee. Registrants must meet the eligibility requirements identified above. All supplies, lunch, and snacks will be provided at the workshop. Workshops fill quickly.  More emails with additional details will be sent from M-AAA’s Artist Services email, artistservices@maaa.org. Please add the Artist Services email to your address book. Artist INC Express is brought to you in collaboration with Missouri Arts Council and Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact artistservices@maaa.org.

Join Maggie McClellan for a six week session of slam poetry with the option to perform at Spectrum Record Lounge at the end of the summer. Can’t do all six weeks? That’s okay! Select which classes you can attend and drop in then. Register now!

$10 per session/$50 for full 6 week program

Mark your calendar for Pride in the Park 2025! Come out and enjoy the day with food trucks, vendor/business booths, a doggy drag show, music and other entertainment, with a Drag Show to end the day. We will be there with PFLAG creating an interactive art project. Come say hello and help us make it beautiful!

Providing artists of EVERY discipline (visual, literary, performing, culinary, AND healing) with the skills they need to succeed is integral to the proliferation of the arts, and the sustainability of local economies. We are so honored that Cape Girardeau was selected for this FREE two-day workshop on the business of art, offered by the Mid-America Arts Alliance and Missouri Arts Council.

EVENT INFORMATION

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Artists living within a 75 minute radius of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Age Requirement: 18+

Location: Scout Hall, 420 Broadway St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Total Workshop Hours: 10 hours

Homework Hours: 1 hour

Workshop Size: 25 Artists, 3 Facilitators

Materials Provided: Artist INC Express Workbook and Welcome Packet

Workshop Dates & Times:

• Day 1: Saturday, June 7, 2025, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm CDT

• Day 2: Sunday, June 8, 2025, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm CDT

Partner Organizations: Missouri Arts Council and Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

DESCRIPTION

Artist INC Express helps artists, of any discipline, develop the building blocks for a thriving and enduring arts practice.

Led by a team of experienced, working artists, this ten-hour, hands-on workshop helps artists like you address specific needs and challenges that you’ll face throughout your career. Through discussions, activities, and hands-on exercises, your artist-facilitators, and your new network of peer artists, will help you set goals for your practice, write about your work, and build a personal brand. 

Artist INC Express is a slimmed down, yet still highly active, version of the popular eight-week Artist INC Live program, which has been completed by more than 1,500 artists since 2009. Artist INC Express explores those same core concepts of how to build a lasting arts practice in a shorter, more flexible format, to help reach a broader audience of artists.  

If you sign on for Artist INC Express, you are asked to commit to the entire ten-hour workshop, as exercises build on one another and participants develop deep relationships with their fellow artists over the two sessions. Be ready to participate throughout in group discussions, hands-on exercises, and small group work. 

And just know, it’s not over when it’s over. Right away, Artist INC Express activates a network of artists in your community, leading to more peer-to-peer resource sharing, collaborations, and support long after the workshop concludes.

SCHEDULE

Artist INC Express workshops are divided into two 5-hour sessions.

Session 1 – June 7, 2025, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm  CDT

• What Works

• Success Inventory

• Eulogy

• ADEP Analysis

• SMART Goal Setting

• Funding a Practice

Session 2 – June 8, 2025, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm CDT

• Marketing

• Branding

• Elevator Speech

• Formal Tool Kit (biography, artist statement, resume/CV)

• Building Long-Term Relationships

Artist INC Express Agenda (In Person – 2 Days)

ARTIST PEER FACILITATORS

All Artist INC Express workshops are facilitated by a team of experienced, working artists. Artist Peer Facilitators for this workshop are: JerMarco Britton, Sukanya Mani, and Colin McLaughlin. 

REGISTRATION 

All registrants must register individually. There is no application process or participation fee. Registrants must meet the eligibility requirements identified above. All supplies, lunch, and snacks will be provided at the workshop. Workshops fill quickly.  More emails with additional details will be sent from M-AAA’s Artist Services email, artistservices@maaa.org. Please add the Artist Services email to your address book. Artist INC Express is brought to you in collaboration with Missouri Arts Council and Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact artistservices@maaa.org.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Join Maggie McClellan for a six week session of slam poetry with the option to perform at Spectrum Record Lounge at the end of the summer. Can’t do all six weeks? That’s okay! Select which classes you can attend and drop in then. Register now!

$10 per session/$50 for full 6 week program

The gallery will be closed in observance of Juneteenth.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Our gallery will be closed in observance of Independence Day. First Friday with the Arts will be moved to the second Friday, July 11th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM.

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Adventures in Art: Multimedia, students will create two and three dimensional art using a variety of mediums.

This class is for ages 6-9 and takes place from Monday, July 7th through Friday, July 11th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Adventures in Art: Multimedia, students will create two and three dimensional art using a variety of mediums.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 7th through Friday, July 11th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Adventures in Art: Multimedia, students will create two and three dimensional art using a variety of mediums.

This class is for ages 6-9 and takes place from Monday, July 7th through Friday, July 11th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Adventures in Art: Multimedia, students will create two and three dimensional art using a variety of mediums.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 7th through Friday, July 11th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Adventures in Art: Multimedia, students will create two and three dimensional art using a variety of mediums.

This class is for ages 6-9 and takes place from Monday, July 7th through Friday, July 11th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Adventures in Art: Multimedia, students will create two and three dimensional art using a variety of mediums.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 7th through Friday, July 11th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Adventures in Art: Multimedia, students will create two and three dimensional art using a variety of mediums.

This class is for ages 6-9 and takes place from Monday, July 7th through Friday, July 11th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Adventures in Art: Multimedia, students will create two and three dimensional art using a variety of mediums.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 7th through Friday, July 11th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Adventures in Art: Multimedia, students will create two and three dimensional art using a variety of mediums.

This class is for ages 6-9 and takes place from Monday, July 7th through Friday, July 11th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Adventures in Art: Multimedia, students will create two and three dimensional art using a variety of mediums.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 7th through Friday, July 11th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

Join us for Second Friday with the Arts! Since First Friday falls on Independence Day this July, we will see you on the 11th.

Our gallery will feature all new artwork by our wonderful Visual Arts Cooperative artists. Come enjoy free wine and refreshments as you peruse the gallery for a new piece of artwork for your home!

Stay tuned for which Friends of First Friday will be celebrating with us.

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 6-9 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 6-9 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 6-9 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 6-9 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 6-9 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

This year's theme is Passport to Imagination where students will find inspiration from cultures throughout the ages! In Ceramics, students will hand build their creations.

This class is for ages 10-14 and takes place from Monday, July 21st through Friday, July 25th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Register your child now!

Join us for First Friday with the Arts!

Our gallery will feature all new artwork by our wonderful Visual Arts Cooperative artists. Come enjoy free wine and refreshments as you peruse the gallery for a new piece of artwork for your home!

Click here for more info about which Friends of First Friday will be celebrating with us.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Join us for First Friday with the Arts!

Our gallery will feature all new artwork by our wonderful Visual Arts Cooperative artists. Come enjoy free wine and refreshments as you peruse the gallery for a new piece of artwork for your home!

Click here for more info about which Friends of First Friday will be celebrating with us.

Through partnership with local organizations, such as Blue Sky Community Services and Morning Star Behavioral Associates, the Arts Council is able to host Artism, an in-gallery art program for adults with disabilities.

We believe that when offering classes to underserved students, it is important for the teacher to be part of their community. Our Director, Kelly Downes, is a certified art educator so she worked closely with our dear friend and Arts Council member, Taylor Crowe, to build and teach the program in 2023.

Taylor is a painter, comic artist, and animator with autism. His artistic achievements include receiving a degree in animation from the California Institute of Technology, working as a comic artist for the Southeast Missourian, illustrating a children’s book titled Maybe That’s Autism, and showing monthly artwork as a Visual Arts Cooperative artist in our gallery. After the first sessions of Artism, we are thrilled that Taylor was able to add teacher to his already impressive resume!

What Do Students Learn?
Since our students have different ability levels, we make sure to provide classwork that can be enriching to everyone. So far, students have learned color mixing, painting with acrylic, collage making, etching and carving ceramic tiles, and more! While learning new artistic practices, students are also able to work on their motor skills. Cutting images with scissors and painting within the lines of a design are just two examples of fine motor skill enrichment that can take place during an art class.

Students also learn that their disability does not define them as a creative. Having positive role models, such as Taylor, as their instructors helps students see that they are able to achieve their dreams with hard work and dedication. We wholeheartedly believe in the power of art and creative problem-solving and know that these students have the potential to do great things in our community.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During guitar class, individuals learn the basics of guitar, such as proper posture, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they work together to learn songs and encourage each other to establish practice habits.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

Join us for First Friday with the Arts!

Our gallery will feature all new artwork by our wonderful Visual Arts Cooperative artists. Come enjoy free wine and refreshments as you peruse the gallery for a new piece of artwork for your home!

Click here for more info about which Friends of First Friday will be celebrating with us.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

Join us for First Friday with the Arts!

Our gallery will feature all new artwork by our wonderful Visual Arts Cooperative artists. Come enjoy free wine and refreshments as you peruse the gallery for a new piece of artwork for your home!

Click here for more info about which Friends of First Friday will be celebrating with us.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.

Join us for First Friday with the Arts!

Our gallery will feature all new artwork by our wonderful Visual Arts Cooperative artists. Come enjoy free wine and refreshments as you peruse the gallery for a new piece of artwork for your home!

Click here for more info about which Friends of First Friday will be celebrating with us.

Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.

Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.

The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.

During painting class, individuals learn the basics of painting with oil. Once they have learned the practice, they are encouraged to use their creative freedom to manipulate their image as they explore color mixing, application, and the healing nature of painting.