Our Teaching Artists
Jenifer Strauss
Performance & Storytelling
2022 Summer Camp Teacher
2022 Art Escapes Teacher
Jenifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan, an elementary education degree from Western Michigan University, and a secondary education degree in Biology from Michigan State University. Jenifer was cofounder of the Center for Imagination, and partner in a collaborative business called Cygnus Storytelling, LLC, whose publications and recordings include Telling Stories: The Cygnus Storytelling Handbook, and a CD called U Tell A Tale: Stories Told Through-U. Her recording; Michigan Legends and Lore: Stories from Shore to Shore, was released in the fall of 2009 and focuses on Michigan History. Since 1997, Jen has been listed in the Michigan Humanities Council Touring Arts Directory, a grant source for program fees. She is the owner and consultant for Story Be Told.
You can learn more about Jen and her practices on her website at: storybetold.com
Kellen Blackburn
Dance
2022 Summer Camp Teacher
I have been dancing ever since I was a little kid. My experiences go beyond styles such as Ballroom, Celtic, Ballet, Hip Hop, and many more. I have danced in competitions such as Swingshift and the Stars, Art Bomb and others.
I am very excited to teach another dance routine to the wonderful Arts for All community! It always warms my heart to see everyone come together to be able to pull off moves that make some professionals drop their jaws!
See you on the first day of class!
Phil Wilson
Ceramics
2022 Summer Camp Teacher
2022 Art Escapes Teacher
For 30 years Phil has worked with porcelain as a studio potter, developing functional and decorative pottery with an emphasis on contemporary design and elegant utility. His work has been featured in galleries and art fairs around the country.
He has pursued a parallel career teaching with clay in his studio, school classrooms, and art centers, special events and other environments. Much of his work has been with special education classrooms and impaired populations from nursing homes to classroom groups and as an artist in residence with Very Special Arts (VSA) organization in Michigan. He co-owns ClaySpaceTC , a community ceramics studio. He currently lives in northern Michigan with his wife and dogs and woods and fields and water.
Jay Laura
Music, Yoga, Juggling, and Creative Movement
2022 Summer Camp Teacher
2022 Art Escapes Teacher
Jay is a lifelong musician and pianist. His passion is sharing the healing power of music therapy and acting as a conduit through which the universal power of music can be used to connect and inspire people of all ages.
Amber Coulter
Art Journaling
2022 Art Escapes Teacher
Born and raised in Northern Michigan, Amber is a self proclaimed permission giver and creativity coach. She has been making art her whole life, but found a love for Art Journaling, book binding, and everything Mixed Media after having two daughters.