Imagination Only Limit
Ladybug Studios announces new program

Consider the premise that our imagination is the only limit to what is possible.  Now, imagine children living in an economically challenged neighborhood in Detroit, whose parents are barely able to make ends meet.  The children are provided with the opportunity to make things with their hands; sculptures formed from their imaginations and brought to life through the use of video animation.  Imagine how this experience would impact their lives, how it would nurture a greater sense of appreciation for what is possible in their lives.  How would you feel if you could turn a ball of clay into an animated story that can be shared on video with your friends and family and viewers from around the world?  I would feel like I could do just about anything and I would want these children to feel the same way about themselves.  With your help, an opportunity like this is possible for these children.

The Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit (CAID) currently operates the Ladybug Studios in Southwest Detroit, a fully functional ceramics studio.  We refer to it as the Bug.  We are expanding the Bug’s programming to include digital animation and computer instruction and we are seeking support to acquire the necessary equipment and supplies.  This new program will incorporate the use of clay modeling instruction in the ceramic studio and writing, drawing, set design and filming instruction and production in what will be our new computer classroom.  Thanks to Southwest Housing Solutions (see enclosed Crain’s Detroit article), the classroom itself is already built with the capacity to hold twelve work stations with computers connected to high speed internet. 

Students in this program will work with students in our new Expose Yourself to Art Radio program, funded by the Kresge Foundation (see enclosed press release). The instructors will select audio pieces created from the radio program and guide students through the process of creating video animations representing the radio stories.  The students will also have an opportunity to create their own stories based on fiction or actual events.  Students will improve self-esteem, writing, speech, and computer skills while acquiring new technical skills such as how to operate a digital camera, design and light a miniature set, and edit sound and video.  The city will benefit as well by having an ongoing youth program that documents on film the positive aspects of Detroit’s arts, culture and neighborhoods. 

We need $28,000 to acquire the equipment, supplies and technical support which will complete the computer lab and allow us to begin offering the animation program to the children.    For example, a student computer will cost $1020, a professional video camera is $2800, the tabletop tripod for the camera will cost $50 and a portable audio recorder costs $145.  We appreciate whatever size gift you may be able to give to help meet our goal.   Our instructors have agreed to donate their services. 

The program will begin with students learning to express and share their story ideas.  It will progress to illustrating their stories on paper, then to building clay characters and sets, filming and editing, and concluding with a world premiere screening at a local movie theatre.  At the premiere donors will be acknowledged and the community will have an opportunity to view the films and meet the filmmakers.  This entire process will be video documented and the footage edited into a documentary by a professional documentary filmmaker.  After the premiere, the students’ works and the documentary will be available online for viewing by people from around the world.  These films will provide a positive view of Detroit and reveal the potential of its youth.   With the ability to reach a large global audience, the impact that the program will have on Detroit’s image is immeasurable.   

A tax deductible contribution in any amount will make you a member of the Bug Club where you will receive an invitation to the premiere, recognition in the film credits, regular program updates via an e-newsletter, VIP invitations to other events and activities at the Bug, and recognition on the Bug website and donor wall. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.  I would enjoy meeting with you to give you a tour of the facilities, meet the instructors, and learn more about this program and our plans and ideas for contributing to Detroit’s cultural growth through youth arts education.

Sincerely,

Aaron Timlin
Executive Director
Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit
aaron@thecaid.org
(313) 899-2243 ext 151

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