A creative arts initiative for young people in Stratford and area has taken flight.
Flight Studio offers a variety of classes and workshops for younger folks, with each day dedicated to a different artistic stream at a studio at the Falstaff Family Centre.
Stratford Festival actor Michelle Giroux said the idea came about during COVID, when she and her husband were at home watching their daughter generating volumes of art work, composing songs and plays.
Giroux said although her family is grateful that Stratford is a vibrant arts community, it was surprisingly underserved for younger residents.
“I was looking for a community project that involved partnerships and collaboration. This idea of a creative arts initiative for kids was born.”
Giroux started reaching out to arts professionals and volunteers that call the Festival City home, and found a home base at the Falstaff Family Centre.
A literal cast of thousands were enthusiastic about the idea and ready to help.
Programs at the Flight Studio include visual art on Mondays with multidisciplinary artist Kellen Hatanaka, choir on Tuesdays with Brooke Dufton, ukulele and guitar on Wednesdays with Eric Lundgren, Thursdays drama arts with educator Jane Czarny and on Saturday, little citizens, ages four to six, can attend a music and drama program.
Giroux said it’s been a joy to watch everything unfold.
“And of course bear witness to the evolution of the young people’s exploration…to see them come out of their shell and collaborate, share ideas, solve problems.”
Giroux said it’s important to normalize arts culture at an early age for young ones and for kids outside of classrooms to connect with their thoughts and feelings.
More information is available at flightstudio.ca.
