The Center for Creativity & Community

10/07/2026

Week 5 ✅

Today, we all learned all about flow art/dancing (and bards!) from Naevys, Bard of Dance and then got to do some ourselves! When we weren't doing that, we ate snacks, played pool, and talked about Halloween. And then the students told us how excited they are for A) Naevys to come back, and B) to carve and paint pumpkins next week!

This is a free after-school program every Tuesday from 3-5PM for all junior high students (grades 6th-8th)!

10/01/2026

Week 4 ✅

This week we learned about ephemeral art, and how art that is short-lived still has immense value! Everyone joined forces and made a chalkboard mural, where each artist was allowed to contribute whatever they were moved to contribute. And, of course, the results were magnificent.

We also added our handprints to our handprint wall full of those of previous students, celebrating how our current group of students fits in with all of those who have come before them, that they are part of something larger than themselves, but that they also hold a unique, important place in that larger something.

Then we played pool, foosball, chess, ate snacks, and worked on our unfinished projects from previous weeks!

We will be back next Tuesday, October 6th, from 3-5 pm. This is a free after-school offering for all junior high students!

09/23/2026

Week 3 ✅

On the first day of Fall, we learned about positive and negative space in art and how each helps tell the artist's story. We briefly discussed the Japanese concept of "Notan," a technique that balances dark and light in art, reminding us that we need both darkness and light, not unlike what happens on the Autumn equinox. And then we created in community!

Oh, and we learned about one of the most influential women artists in the United States, Georgia O'Keeffe.

Then we snacked, played pool and foosball, drummed, and played some cards!

We will be back next Tuesday, September 29, from 3-5 pm. This is a free after-school offering for all junior high students!

09/16/2026

Week 2 ✅

Yesterday afternoon, we spent time connecting while painting canvases. Volunteers learned a lot about our students, and we were delighted to see them connect with one another.

The rain let up enough for us to spend time outside... and maybe splash in a puddle or two!

See you next week as Adam leads a creative exercise about Fall!

Remember—The Center is a free after-school offering for students in grades 6-8. Homeschoolers, out-of-towners, and the like are welcome!

09/09/2026

Week 1 ✅

Back with an exquisite collaborative creation!

Take a look at our art below!

We will return next Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 3-5 p.m.

The Center for Creativity & Community is a free after-school opportunity for students in grades 6-8. We offer snacks, mentors, games, educational exposure to diverse creative expressions, and a space for students to be in community.

Next week: connecting with Canvas -- led by our new director, Brian Davis!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to message us.

09/07/2026

Tomorrow | Tuesday | September 8 | 3-5 p.m. | Junior High students | Creativity | Community | Let's. GOOOOO!

Tomorrow is a get to know the Center space and volunteers. Spread the word ... PLEASE! :)

09/01/2026

Seven. Days.

1. Week.

Are you ready?

The volunteers at The Center are ready to welcome students back for our fall semester!

Colored pencils = sharpened
Paints and palettes = organized
Snacks and drinks = stocked

7. Days. Away.

Please spread the word about this FREE after-school opportunity focusing on creativity and community!

08/27/2026

Guess. What.

In less than 2 weeks ...

THE CENTER FOR CREATIVITY & COMMUNITY IS BACK!

And it's FREE for any student in grades 6-8! FREE.

Next week we'll post what September will entail... but for now, know we are deep into creative planning for this community!

Mentors | Snacks | Homework Help | ART | BELONGING | Pool | Foosball | Games | Creativity & Community ... all FREEEEEEE

Let's. Go!

See you on Tuesday, September 8 from 3-5 p.m. at 301 Pekin Street [right behind the Jr. High!]

08/13/2026

It was so great to see some familiar faces and meet new friends at the Lincoln Junior High School open house last night!

We will see ALL JUNIOR HIGH students for our first gathering on Tuesday, September 8, from 3-5 p.m. We are located at 301 Pekin Street, right behind the Jr. High.

Oh, one last thing. This FREE opportunity for creativity and community is for any student in junior high—homeschoolers, WLB and Chester East students, and out-of-town students! We would love to have you :)

08/12/2026

We are honored to receive this grant from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. We share their goal of empowering our students and community to create meaningful change. At The Center, we believe that everyone is creative, that being in community is better than feeling alone, and that together these values help cultivate spaces of curiosity and compassion, making our neighborhoods brave spaces where all can thrive. Thank you, Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, for believing in our vision and helping it become a reality.

Applause for The Center for Creativity & Community in Lincoln - a 2026 Mirza/Arts & Culture Grant recipient!