Wayne Center for the Arts (WCA) and Liberty Preparatory School have partnered for their fifth year to bring enriching arts education to students. Liberty Prep, a charter school serving students in Wayne County, offers a personalized, supportive learning environment designed to help students succeed academically and personally. Recognizing the transformative power of the arts, this partnership integrates creativity into education, providing a space for students to explore, express, and grow.
The program spans 28 weeks, with WCA instructors leading twice-weekly sessions during the school day. This year, in addition to visual arts, students can engage in hands-on clay projects. Led by instructors Lacey Huffman and Roberta Myers, students are exposed to diverse artistic methods and materials. While Huffman, an experienced painter and educator, brings her expertise in visual arts, Myers offers her passion for ceramics, emphasizing its therapeutic and expressive benefits.
“The Wayne Center for the Arts provides the students at Liberty Prep with not just an exciting experience, but a way to express themselves through a creative outlet while simultaneously learning about art history and theory.” Joseph Weisend, Liberty Preparatory School Principal.
Originally intended to complement Art Appreciation lessons, the program evolved into a hands-on elective that students actively choose to join. These classes have become a highlight of the school week, fostering a sense of achievement, creative exploration, and personal connection among participants. The collaboration underscores the belief that art can be a powerful tool for enhancing self-esteem, reducing stress, and building social-emotional skills.
The collaboration also emphasizes equity in education. With 90% of Liberty Prep’s students qualifying for free lunch, the arts serve as a critical support system, addressing both educational and emotional needs. Research from the National Endowment for the Arts underscores the positive impact of arts engagement on academic performance and social outcomes, especially for students from underserved backgrounds.
By integrating the arts into their curriculum, Liberty Prep and WCA are addressing vital community needs while fostering future opportunities. This initiative helps students develop skills that go beyond the classroom—creative problem-solving, resilience, and collaboration—all of which are essential for success in academic and professional settings.
“The Wayne County Center for the Arts program provides us students with enjoyable activities and lessons to look forward to each week. The lessons are always easy to follow, informative, and most importantly they are a fun outlet to express ourselves with. It is always a joy to do.” Sharet A. Grade 12.
Through their shared commitment to accessibility and community enrichment, WCA and Liberty Prep exemplify how innovative partnerships can empower students, transform lives, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for creativity.
This program is made possible through support from the Children’s Resource Fund at the Wayne County Community Foundation.