Cadillac Art Workshops

FEBRUARY 2026

Empowering Young Artists in Cadillac

Artist Inspiration > Preliminary Sketches > DIGITAL CONCEPT MOCKUPS > Product Design

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you walk into a classroom full of middle schoolers and ask them to engage and take part in some artistic expression. Recently, I had the privilege of hosting five art workshops at a middle school in Cadillac, MI, and the experience was very inspiring. I worked with the art teacher Ms. Leach at Mackinaw Trail Middle School to come up with a plan for the art sessions.

Finding Inspiration in Tradition

We kicked off each session with a deep dive into the concept of artistic inspiration. We talked about how the things we see in our daily lives (nature, architecture, patterns) can be used to create something entirely new.

Because the Arts Council of Cadillac is featuring Ukrainian-style artwork for an upcoming event, we focused our lens on the vibrant traditions of Ukrainian art. Using the large monitor at the front of the class, we explored:

• The intricate geometric patterns of traditional embroidery.

• The symbolic storytelling found in Pysanky (egg decoration).

• The bold colors of floral crowns (Vinok) and rhythmic fabric patterns.

The Creative Spark AND SKETCHING

After the presentation, the energy shifted into high gear. The students broke into small groups for 15-minute "lightning" sketching sessions. As I walked around the room, I saw everything from hesitant first marks to bold, sweeping lines. My goal was simple: provide encouragement and help them see the potential in their own ideas.

The results were amazing.

They tapped into the creativity and didn’t hold back on ideas.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Once the sketches were finished, I took photos of their work and sent them to my laptop and into some graphics software (Photoshop). I wanted to show the students that their "quick sketches" were actually the foundation for professional-grade design.

I developed a series of real-life mockups, showing how their drawings could be transformed into:

• Vibrant community murals.

• Professional album covers for local musicians.

• Sleek posters and retail apparel.

Seeing their own work presented in a professional slideshow was a "lightbulb moment" for many of them.

It bridged the gap between a classroom assignment and a real-world career in the arts.

From the Classroom CONCEPTS to REALITY

The project didn’t end in the classroom. In collaboration with the Cadillac arts organizations and a traveling band (The Antivillains) playing at the upcoming arts event, we selected one of the student-led design elements and turned it into a limited-edition t-shirt, crediting the sponsors and performers and students on the back of the shirt design.

Organization include:

Gopherwood Concerts, Jam & Bread, Cadillac Arts Council, Youth Advisory Committee, Mackinaw Trail Middle School

Thanks to our sponsoring organizations, these designs have been professionally printed in Toledo, OH by JUPmode. These shirts will be available for purchase at the event, serving as both a promotion for the arts council and a lasting keepsake for the students and the community.

Final Reflections

This experience reminded me why community art initiatives are so vital. It wasn't just about teaching Ukrainian motifs; it was about showing these students that their creativity matters and their voice has a place in the art world.

Huge thanks to Marla Courtney, Mackinaw Trail Middle School, The Antivillains, Gopherwood Concerts, Jam & Bread, Cadillac Arts Council, and all the sponsors who made this possible.

I can’t wait to see these designs out in the wild!