CultureWorks Transformative Art + Design Academy

06/12/2026

So grateful for all the artists, dancers, musicians, teachers, preachers, interns, and staff who invested in Awakening this week! It’s a joy to be a part of this vibrant community of worship, reflection, and creative expression.

Many thanks to community-wide support and our church partners who help make this collaboration possible, including Fellowship Reformed Church, Hope Church RCA, Trinity Church Holland, and All Saints' Episcopal Church of Saugatuck!

06/09/2026

We’re so excited for this new 6-week ensemble class taught by Lauren Garza! For students entering 6th-8th grades, with 1-2 years of experience in violin, viola, cello, or bass, this class will provide opportunities to grow in techniques and leadership over the summer.

Lauren Garza is a violist, educator, and founder of Harmony Scholars, where she leads inclusive, experiential music programs rooted in equity and access. She is principal violist of the Holland Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly with her trio, Shoreline Strings. A passionate advocate for diverse and student-centered learning, Lauren was part of the 2023–24 Teaching Artist Training Institute Lab Cohort. She also serves as lead teaching artist and program manager for Tune Up, an El Sistema-inspired after-school program in Muskegon.
She holds a Doctorate and Master’s in Music Performance from Michigan State University, and a Bachelor’s from Hope College.

Many thanks to and for funding summer arts education!

06/08/2026

Today we kicked off another session of visual art with students! We began by creating ink washes while reflecting on the spaces and places that make us feel most genuinely ourselves. Over the course of this week, we’ll be adding layers of handwriting and colored cardstock as we continue our reflection. 🖼️✨

06/03/2026

The end of the school year means fun screenprinting sessions with high schoolers from Black River! This time around, we looked to the work of Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. for inspiration. In doing so, we channeled output and process over perfection. Each student laid out their type on InDesign and cut out a stencil to add texture with spray paint. 🌟

06/02/2026

Such a joy and an honor to celebrate the beginning of Pride Month at the Governor’s residence this afternoon!

On behalf of the students, staff, and board of , I shared this beloved piece of art designed by Suzy Parker that I hand printed for Holland Pride Fest in 2024.

I’m so grateful for the ways in which Governor Whitmer, her staff, the Civil Rights Commission, and the LGBTQ+ Commission of Michigan have supported our students and our community over the last 8 years. May we all continue to work toward the day when all our neighbors can live with authenticity, dignity, and safety in our beautiful state.

Thank you, Governor Gretchen Whitmer!

05/26/2026

Have a kiddo who’s interested in learning the violin or viola? Look no further! 🎻

Summer Strings at CultureWorks is back in partnership with Harmony Scholars. Join us this summer for a fun, supportive introduction to strings and music-making!

🔗 Head to thecultureworks.org/classes to sign up today.

05/22/2026

What a beautiful evening to celebrate the dedication of Jason Quigno’s sculpture, Zhoondige-Kwe (Strong Hearted Woman) at its new home !

Miigwech to for sharing his heart and his artistry, to Jim and Donna Brooks for their generosity and support of the arts, to the musicians who welcomed and carried our spirits, and to the Holland Museum for inviting us into relationship with living history.

05/21/2026

We’re so grateful to be celebrating 15 years of providing accessible, transformative art programs!

Thanks to TheLakeshoreWM for this article, and to all who make our programs possible through generous support!

Holland nonprofit expands free programs, helping teens find belonging, confidence, and creative outlets while community support fuels rapid growth and access. Holland nonprofit expands free programs, helping teens find belonging, confidence, and creative outlets while community support fuels rapid growth and access.

- Read the full Lakeshore story bit.ly/4dtPADy

05/20/2026

Nerds at work!

Miranda and Evan are testing out hummingbird robotics kits from . We ❤️ coding - stay tuned for future classes in kinetic sculpture, wearable robotic fashion, and more

05/18/2026

Registrations for our Summer Classes go live this Thursday, May 21st at 5:00 PM! Head to thecultureworks.org/classes to preview our offerings and course descriptions. We’re excited to be offering some new mediums and returning favorites. 🎨✨