Our Story.
Inspired by the story of Bezalel, a young craftsmen in the book of Exodus, The Bezalel Project was founded by Detroit-based artist, Yvette Rock, in 2003 as a program offering from YouthWorks-Detroit. The Bezalel Project emerged from the firm belief that in each child lies endless potential. Potential for creativity, for leadership, for joy, and for life.
A free summer camp and after-school program, The Bezalel Project provides young people from the ages of 8 to 13 in the Russell Woods/Nardin Park neighborhood with a safe space to discover and embrace their God-given gifts and identity. Through exposure to the arts, the development of strong relationships with our staff, volunteers, and peers, our kids are equipped for the fullness of life.
At Bezalel, our kids create. They make messes. They play. They learn. They laugh. They lead. They grow.
At Bezalel, kids are given the space to be kids.
Our Mission.
Arts.
Our youth are instructed first and foremost to see the arts as a tool for self-expression and discovery. Using a mixture of art therapy techniques and technical instruction, each child is given a safe space to explore and create. Children are introduced to both historical and modern artists in order to spark creativity and inspire a life-long pursuit of the arts.
Leadership.
Our youth are taught principles of restorative justice, peacemaking and nonviolence, as well as character virtues vital to growing as changemakers within their community. They are empowered to help plan our art shows, lead projects and activities, and to take part in neighborhood and community planning efforts.
Academics.
Our youth are given individual reading tutoring each day program is held. Using principles of arts integration, core curriculum elements are brought into several of our art projects.
Our Schedule.
During the Year.
During the academic school year, program is held Monday through Wednesday, from the hours of 4 to 6. During these hours, children are are given time for reading, small group sharing, and a team building game. Following this, kids are given a snack, and an hour of time studio time. Throughout the year, students can expect to participate in various field trips throughout the city, each of them intended to encourage youth to embrace their culture, their gifts, and their identity.
Summer Break.
During the months of June and July, Bezalel becomes a summer arts and day camp. Held Monday to Thursday from the hours of 10 to 2, we spend these months pressing even deeper into our three pillars of arts, leadership, and academics.
