Experience. Express. Expand Your Creativity.
In 2020, Creative 360 celebrates 25 years as a not-for-profit community arts and wellness organization. 25 years ago, Cynthia Keefe and Linda Z. Smith founded “The Creative Spirit Center” with a vision to make creativity accessible to all. Since then, the nonprofit has become Creative 360 and welcomed countless people through its doors to experience, express and expand the creative process in all its forms. Our vision, mission and core values are at the heart of everything we do.
Vision
We envision a world in which creativity is integral to every life and its value is recognized.
Mission
To create environments that allow people of all ages and abilities to experience the creative process, and to enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellness through the arts and humanities.
Core Values
Inclusiveness – No matter your age, gender, race, beliefs, skills or life circumstances, you are welcome at Creative 360 and are free to be yourself.
Creativity – We believe that imagination and free expression are essential to any person’s life. We see creativity not as a finished product, but a journey of discovery, so we provide a non-judgmental atmosphere where all work is treasured.
Respect – We respect not only people, but also ideas. We are open to new and non-traditional programming. We believe in the power of saying “yes”.
Community – We believe that unity and compassion are components of a strong society. We work to bring people together.
Creative 360 offers a diverse array of exhibits, classes, workshops and events for all ages and populations. Our offerings embrace those with disabilities, older adults, people in recovery, veterans, at-risk teens, and gifted and talented youth. Those with Medicaid Community Living Supports may use their CLS budget to pay for classes and workshops.
Express Yourself Artshop is an inclusive art and wellness program designed to make high quality arts education accessible to individuals of all abilities including those with disabilities. Everyone is welcome to take an Artshop class, especially if you prefer to create at a relaxed pace and are interested in receiving more one-on-one coaching.
Our Art Gallery hosts exhibits, curated by Colleen Reed, that change several times throughout the year. All exhibits, including their opening receptions, are free and open to the public. The exhibits are enjoyed by nearly 10,000 visitors each year. In 2015, it was voted Greatest Art Gallery in the Great Lakes Bay by readers of Great Lakes Bay magazine.
Our downtown location at 142 and 144 Ashman Street offers a prime location for workshops that is walking distance from a variety of great local restaurants. Our workshop space also hosts individual studio rooms that artists may rent out for personal use, and a year-round version of our popular "Secondhand Picasso" sale. The other half of our space is a sales gallery featuring art and handmade items created by our Express Yourself Artshop students as well as talented local artists. If you are an artist interested in selling work in our downtown gallery, contact Colleen Reed at creed@becreative360.org. Part of our gallery space includes an interactive art room where all visitors can participate in the creative process and make their mark, so be sure to stop by.
The John Pratt Mosaic House on M20 in Midland has been owned and managed by Creative 360 for more than 20 years. Through tours, teaching opportunities, workshops and seminars, more than 80000 people have experienced the art and message of creativity for all people including those with mental illness.
Activities at Creative 360 are supported in part by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, Midland Area Community Foundation, the Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundations and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.