REACH hosts Walk-in Wednesday art

Sophia Potter
Editor In Chief

Free art and new friends are just down the street from LCC at REACH Community Art Center.

Each week, teaching artists Ingrid Weimer and Danielle Tice host Walk-in Wednesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at REACH, located on 1804 S. Washington Ave. in Lansing.

Several families consider themselves “REACH regulars” and come to Walk-in Wednesdays, among other programs, every season.

“I love coming to Walk-In Wednesday with my granddaughter because it’s a time for us to bond,” said Elizabeth Copland.

“It’s really helped me realize how much art is important; not just to Leni – because it’s very important to her – but it’s also important to me as well!”

Elizabeth Copland.and granddaughter Leni bond on Walk-in Wednesday.  Photo by Sophia Potter

Projects are simple yet engaging enough for artists of all ages. Anyone is welcome to attend. Classes take place in two separate rooms to allow some choice between a more lively or relaxed atmosphere.

Programs like Walk-In Wednesday are core to the mission at REACH, which is a “vibrant non-profit community art center offering creative out-of-school engagement in the arts for all ages and abilities with classes and workshops taught by local teaching artists,” according to its website.

Upcoming classes include torn paper landscape collage, nature prints, and even Tim Burton-inspired charcoal selfies!

As the name implies, walk-ins are always welcome; however, classes are filling up quickly this fall. To explore and register for classes, click here.

Interested in the mission of REACH, but looking for something else? There are still some free or low-cost programs to take part in.

Right after Walk-in Wednesday, REACH offers life drawing from 6 to 8 p.m., taught by Elyse Gambino, for $10 per class. Models are semi clothed, and artists must be at least 13 to participate.

While figure drawing can seem intimidating, the atmosphere and approach at REACH makes it anything but.

“All materials are provided for you to stand or sit at an easel,” says the class description. “All are welcome, come as you are, no experience needed.”