REACH Studio Art Center keeps creative juices flowing

Art lessons aren’t as ubiquitous as they were a couple of decades ago.

Programs that encourage creativity are often among the first ones cut from budgets, leaving kids — and adults— with little exposure to making cool, creative stuff.

But not at REACH Studio Art Center. The nonprofit neighborhood space for arts education and civic engagement keeps arts and creativity front-and-center for Lansing’s REO Town residents and beyond.

REACH’s programs are dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth, urban revitalization and strengthening community.

REACH connects artists with local residents, brings diverse individuals and groups together and creates an atmosphere of shared pride and creative problem-solving.

Through grants from the Capital Region Community Foundation and many other supporters, REACH is able to offer a broad range of art programs, including “Teentrepreneurs: Art Means Business,” where teens choose an art concentration and produce art to sell in different local venues, and “Puppets!” which brought together professional puppeteers, actors, volunteers and Lansing youth to experience all aspects of creating puppet theater.