About
We believe that out-of-school art & design can serve as a catalyst for engaging young designers, thinkers, and leaders to create real work that makes a big difference in our communities.
Art & design provide a unique platform to learn from, engage with, and contribute to our world. They build the confidence to question, the skills to act, and the passion to create meaningful impact. Each of our projects empowers students to learn creatively and collaboratively to make work that matters.
Projects
How do we do what we do?
Each year, our staff selects a culturally-relevant theme, like architecture or technology, and assembles a team of local experts to inform our curriculum.
We spend six months organizing themes and writing lesson plans! We utilize four teaching semesters, which begin each June with a six-week intensive summer camp.
In the following three seasons (fall, winter, and spring), we tackle one big placemaking project that matches the yearly theme, followed by a series of smaller supporting explorations.
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Science in Color
(2025-26)
An interdisciplinary deep dive into the connections between the scientific process and the colorful world around us. CAN Campers spent time over six weeks learning all about various scientific principles through hands-on experimentation which culminated in an end-of-summer Science Fair at each CAN camp!
Students were able to engage with exciting experiments like 'radioactive' slime, turmeric sun printing, and making our own DIY paint!
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CAN Bands Together
(2024-25)
An introduction into music and performance through instrument exploration, song writing, and show rehearsal. Students worked over the course of six weeks to prepare for an End-of-Summer performance for friends and family.
Campers prepared costumes and backdrops, wrote and practiced scripts, all while collaborating in order to create a showcase of their accomplishments!
Our Friend, Earth (2022-23)
A series of studies in biodiversity, climate change, natural resources, sustainability, upcycling, and activism.
Students participate in projects that connect them to their community and the environment, exploring our relationship with the planet and how we can make a difference.
the kids' table: reheated
(2023-24)
A series of studies and reintroduction to culinary arts, cultural differences within food practices, food preparation skills, and trying lots of new things!
Students participated in projects like Restaurant Development week, Chopped Jr. competitions, making homemade ice cream, and learning how to read recipes.
HOMESTate (2020-21)
A series of studies in the cultures and peoples of Michigan, with a focus on the environment, art, industry, food, and civic engagement.
Students participate in projects like creating flags that represent their community, design their own Michigan-based pizza company, built Heidelberg Project-inspired sculptures, and planting seed bombs to grow bee-friendly flowers.
Strive to Thrive (2021-22)
A series of studies in social, emotional, physical, and community wellness.
Students participate in projects like creating worry friends, emoji pop art, connecting emotions through music and movement, designing a social circles puzzle, and more.
The Kids' Table (2019-20)
A series of studies in the culinary arts, utilitarian uses for food, restaurant development, and expanding cultural & taste horizons.
Students participated in projects like creating a community compost bin, learning how to can and pickle, creating urban farm dioramas, and Chopped Jr. competitions.
The Construction Zone (2017-18)
A series of studies in architecture, placemaking, and community.
Students participated in projects like painting silhouette tracings of their bodies in the Mitchell Elementary cafeteria, designing a custom mural focusing on the basic elements and principles of art, and using vernacular materials to build shelters.
Ready. Set. Tech! (2018-19)
A series of studies in technology and how it shapes our world.
Students participated in projects like designing Rube Goldberg machines, creating stop motion animation clips, and exploring internet safety and the impact of cyberbullying.
Y(our) Environment (2016-17)
A series of studies in clean air, wind, and solar energy.
Students participated in projects like building custom mosaic planters from recycled materials and tiles, creating solar light sculptures, and designing windmills -- all while studying how each of these projects cleans the air and uses clean energy.
Community Cats (2015-16)
CAN Art & Design pilot project in collaboration with the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Students researched, designed, and constructed shelters for the stray cats in Ann Arbor which were placed throughout the community.
Arts advisory Council
2024
Devyn Kadlec
Louey Guillen
Chris Seguin
Katie Williams
John Luther
Jennifer Sheppard