What does FLY do?
FLY Children’s Art Center is a mobile art studio that brings meaningful art making experiences into Ypsilanti and surrounding communities. FLY brings art supplies and studio staff to public schools and community centers, creating an open studio environment for children right where they are.

How did FLY come about?
FLY began in October of 2009  as a resource for families in the Ypsilanti area. FLY creates places for children to practice art making in a fun and abundant environment.

Who Benefits?
In the first six months of FLY, we have hosted 59 open studio sessions for over 140 children. Nearly half of these children attended free of charge.

Where are FLY classes held?
FLY is a completely mobile operation. We have hosted open studio session in community centers and inside public schools, and at events in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and Westland.

What is an open studio session?
An open studio session at FLY means that the children direct their own project. Children choose their own supplies and work on ideas of their own imagining. Children at FLY are the designers, builders and critics of their work. At FLY, all children are makers.

Why is self directed play important?
Children need practice being decision makers, solution finders, and risk takers. In our culture, children are often rewarded for following directions and acting out other peoples ideas. To build the skill set they will need as adults, they  must be given a chance to try things on their own.

What does FLY stand for?
For the Love of Ypsilanti. You could also say For the Love of Youth.

What can I do to help?
You can sign up to be a volunteer in one of our open studio sessions. You can make a tax deductible donation to FLY to help pay for our supplies.