Hope Network and MOISD’s Education Center
In 2015, Hope Network West Michigan partnered with Artworks to provide regularly scheduled art instruction and programming for their clients. In 2018, MOISD’s Education Center students began participating in this program. Adults and students with developmental and cognitive disabilities are taught by Artworks education professionals. Thanks to MACC support, this art program has been available to Hope Network clients and MOISD students at no charge.
This activity is supported by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council, administered by Lowell Area Arts Council LLC.
Meet our Instructors!
ruth vermeer
I am Ruth Vermeer. I have the privilege to instruct our Special Needs Adults on a bi-monthly basis. My journey through art began as a young girl back in Valparaiso, Indiana. Art and band were always favorite parts of my day. I started my higher education with a focus on serving the special needs population. The university I attended didn't have that focus and I ended up switching my Elementary Ed major to Home Economics. After graduation I ended up working at Spring Hill Camp in Evart, MI for the summer which sparked my interest in Outdoor Education and Wilderness Education. After working two years in the retail clothing industry, I returned to camp for one year then headed to Western Illinois to secure my Masters in Recreation and Parks Administration. I completed a Wilderness Education Association program and returned to camp for the next 18 years. My Master's education and leadership roles at camp broadened my life experience. Upon leaving camp, I took the Education Directorship at Artworks for almost 4 years. During my tenure as Director, I was frustrated because I didn't have time to teach. I love learning about the process artists have employed to achieve their art. I left my position because of health issues and after recovery was able to rejoin the Artworks family in a teaching role. Our Hope Network friends are a delight to serve as well as the Summer Campers, another joy in my life! I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve our community through the mission of Artworks.
nancy randall
My name is Nancy Fenstermacher Randall. l was born and raised on a farm just outside of Big Rapids. I married, moved to Pretty Lake, raised two girls, and had beauty salon for 30 years. When the youngest daughter went to college, I took up basket weaving to fill my extra time. I also joined a basket guild in Mt Pleasant and met Jeannette Fleury. We team teach once a month at Artworks. For the past four years I have worked [at Artworks] with Ruth Vermeer and the Hope Network artists. I have loved it from the first day. They each are SPECIAL people and we have a chance to work with many different mediums – chalk, paints, and pottery.
