Upon stepping into the workspace of Carol Hofgartner, the Founder and Executive Director of Art Road—an organization committed to preserving art in the classroom—I was warmly welcomed by a sign that proclaimed, “Art is Forever.” Yet, it wasn’t merely the words that resonated positively; it was the collage of students, each one a testament to the program’s profound impact, that stayed with me. These children discovered art as a beacon, and their inner creativity radiated through every piece they crafted—an enduring flame that Art Road is dedicated to keeping alive.
Carol Hofgartner’s journey to founding Art Road Nonprofit adds a poignant layer to this narrative. It began almost 20 years ago when, as an architectural liaison for an automotive supplier, she was invited to speak about architecture at a Detroit elementary school career day. During that event, a fifth-grade student boldly declared, “Miss Carol, we do not have art class!” This revelation led to volunteering to teach art twice a month to Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students, inviting artists from various disciplines to share their expertise.
The collaboration between Art Road and DPSCD has proven to be a catalyst for positive change, bringing art classes to over 20,000 elementary and middle school students. This demonstrates the immense impact that community partnerships can have on education. Art Road and The Michigan Glass Project, through their shared vision, have significantly enriched the learning experiences of thousands of students, providing them with invaluable opportunities for artistic expression and development.
“Years ago, I went to a career day and these students said they didn’t have art class,” Hofgartner recalled still in disbelief. “Since 2004 Art Road has brough art class to the Detroit Public Schools as a partner running deep in the community. What’s amazing is when artists give of themselves artist to artist it’s an incredible energy. I’m very fortunate. My parents nurtured my creativity, and I had art in school, and I was able to travel internationally very young. If I didn’t have the arts, I don’t know where I’d be today and that’s what I wanted to give back to these students, a sense of joy and accomplishment.”
In a vibrant display of dedication to the education and artistic development of Detroit’s youth, The Michigan Glass Project continues to shine a light on the city’s schools through its enduring partnership with Art Road. On November 14th, a symbolic torch of support was passed once again, as a $50,000 donation check was presented to Art Road at Thomas Edison Elementary School. This marked another crucial step in a longstanding alliance committed to seamlessly integrating art into the heart of Detroit’s educational system.
The program’s uniqueness lies in its funding model, where thousands of artists and art instructors generously volunteer their time, art, and expertise to sustain this developmental class in schools. This collective effort ensures that inner-city children have the opportunity and resources to delve deep into their imagination and creativity. Art Road takes on the responsibility of fully funding the programming, alleviating the DPSCD schools from the strain of seeking and compensating teachers. This approach enables students to benefit from some of the finest art education and experiences without imposing an additional burden on the schools.
“It’s important for students to see themselves and show up how they are,” said Jacquise Purifoy, Art Road Volunteer. Purifoy, who is a lawyer by trade, says she volunteers to ensure children that came up in similar circumstances as her have opportunities to express themselves. “I’ve been able to achieve the things that I have because I’m able to see what it’s like as a youth. It’s important for those of us who are in the positions that we are in to come back and give back so kids can see themselves within adults. It’s challenging to become something you don’t know what it is because you haven’t seen it. Once you achieve certain things, I believe we all have a responsibility to go back and show others the pathway of what’s possible.”
For six consecutive years, Art Road has been the fortunate recipient of The Michigan Glass Project’s annual fundraising extravaganza—an unparalleled glass, music, and arts festival held at the iconic Russell Industrial Center in Detroit each June. This event, characterized by its unique fusion of over 100 renowned glass sculptors, visual artists, and craft vendors, creates an immersive experience for attendees. With over 40 musical artists gracing two stages during the three-day weekend, the festival draws artists and patrons from around the globe.
Allison Key, co-founder and director of The Michigan Glass Project, shared, “The Michigan Glass Project is excited to announce our sixth donation in support of Art Road, totaling $525,000. Our organization is dedicated to uniting artists, musicians, and small businesses in a unique festival environment with a shared mission that transcends individual ego and personal aspirations.”
This substantial donation reaffirms The Michigan Glass Project’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment where artists and community members unite for a common cause. These funds have played a pivotal role in supporting Art Road’s mission of bringing art classes to students in DPSCD since the inception of their partnership.
“I’m a product of Detroit Public Schools so I know that the art programs have always been a little underfunded and without a lot of resources,” said Freddy Diaz, known as Southwest Freddy, a volunteer artist of the Michigan Glass Project. “I’ve always made it a mission with my ability to give back and to be able to provide these kids with a platform to express themselves and have something to create. I think Art Road does a great job at using the money to keep kids engaged and provide them with opportunities. For a long time, art has been an elective that is secondary to education, so having the opportunity to become a resource and reference point to someone is really important so kids can reflect and see they can become artist.”
As the partnership between Art Road and The Michigan Glass Project continues to flourish, the impact on the Detroit community becomes increasingly evident. With each passing year, this collaboration stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and the collective efforts of passionate individuals dedicated to nurturing the artistic potential of the next generation. Together, they continue to illuminate the path for Detroit’s young minds, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-assurance that will undoubtedly shape the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
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