CeCe loved creating art, and her abilities became apparent at an early age. She started taking afterschool classes at Chesterton Art Center in middle school. Later, she joined the Teen Arts Group that provides opportunities for learning and growth for young artists interested in pursuing professional arts experiences.
Chesterton Art Center brings people together through the power of creativity. Children interact with art for the first time; teens like CeCe develop their artistic voices; adults rekindle creative practices; seniors find connection; and community members of all ages benefit from events and outreach programs. A $30,000 capital grant from the Porter County Community Foundation supported the 116 Expansion Project, enabling the organization to increase class offerings, serve more students, grow their team, and host public programs in a welcoming and accessible space.
“We’ve been able to make art more accessible to more people while still being a place where artists can exhibit and sell their work,” said Hannah Hammond-Hagman, Executive Director. “We want to give folks a place where they can come, create, discover something about themselves, and find some joy.”
A partnership between her high school and Chesterton Art Center gave CeCe an opportunity to intern and discover her passion for teaching. Now a college student, CeCe is studying art education, a path she may not have taken without this experience.
Your philanthropy has helped Chesterton Art Center expand and reach more community members of all ages and artistic abilities. Thank you for being part of this impactful, community-building work.
Pictures: Hannah Hammond-Hagman, Chesterton Art Center Executive Director (above); CeCe demonstrates pottery wheel throwing (below).
