Lifelong Creative Growth Through Community
We bring together artists, neighbors, and educators to host classes and events so that we can develop our creative and teaching practices as a community.
Our Vision
Lifelong creative growth for everyone in our community.
Our Mission
We bring together artists, neighbors, and educators to host classes and events so that we can develop our creative and teaching practices as a community.
Why We Exist
We create a space and tools where people can build a community around their creative practice.
It's one thing to take a workshop, or even lessons. It's another to be surrounded by an ongoing intergenerational community of supporters that inspire you and spur you on, through the ups and downs, over the course of your creative life. That's the power of intergenerational, place-based learning community.
Intergenerational Learning
Each age group faces unique barriers to creative practice. By bringing generations together, the strengths of one group help overcome the challenges of another.
Kids
Engaging, self-directed classes, access to supplies, walkable programs, showcasing opportunities
Teens
Inspiring spaces, diverse art forms, mentorship, ways to display work
Young Adults
Structure, affordable space, technical and business skills, community support
Adults
New workshops, sustainable practice, informal connection spaces, income pathways
Elders
Learning new skills, sharing expertise, connecting with younger generations
How We Serve Our Community
RESIDE: Teaching Artist Residency Program
6-month residencies providing teaching artists with free space, mentorship, curriculum development support, and resources to develop their teaching practice. RESIDE empowers artists to lead transformative community-led learning experiences with wrap-around support.
NAS Hub (Brick-and-Mortar)
Our neighborhood studios serve as a meeting place for all ages, hosting multi-year learning communities including BIPOC Art and Theology, Lindy Hop Detroit, Sidewalk Detroit, Etude Open Stage, and Spatial Audio Residency.
NAS Network (Online Platform)
Digital tools that extend in-person learning, helping groups like Forest School, Therapeutic Edgelands, Spatial Audio School, and Soundmapping Collective grow and connect.
Leadership Team
Billy Mark
Executive Director
A CalArts graduate with 15 years of arts education experience, Billy has led workshops at Cranbrook, Wayne State, and the University of Michigan. His work in music, poetry, and theater has been featured at the Detroit Institute of Arts and the California African American Museum.
Martha Burch
Learning Journey Director
Martha holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Michigan State University, with post-graduate coursework in K-12 Educational Administration and a major in Strategic Communication. She oversees all teaching at NAS, including the Community Learning Journey and teaching program development.
Caitlin C. Harvey
Director of Events
A Detroit-based musician and vocalist known for blending folk traditions with experimental textures, Caitlin is also an experienced event coordinator who curates community-centered performances and workshops. She oversees event residencies, performances, and community gatherings.
Rumi Weaver
NAS Network Host
Rumi holds a Bachelor's of Science in Information Technology from Lawrence Technological University and a Master's in Information Science from the University of Michigan. They manage the NAS Network online platform, facilitating digital connections and extending in-person learning communities into the virtual space.
Board of Directors
Jessica Care Moore
Board Member
An acclaimed poet, playwright, and performance artist, Jessica Care Moore is known for her dynamic voice and unapologetic Black feminist perspective. A Detroit native, she founded Moore Black Press and the Black WOMEN Rock! concert series, continuing to influence generations of artists and activists.
Wes Taylor
Board Member
A multidisciplinary artist, designer, and educator, Wes Taylor co-founded Talking Dolls, a Detroit-based creative collective. As an Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, he explores Black identity and cultural memory while shaping the next generation of socially engaged designers.
Dr. Raven Jones
Board Member
An associate professor at Michigan State University and Detroit native, Dr. Raven Jones is dedicated to creating transformative learning environments centered on equity and empowerment. Appointed by Governor Whitmer to the Michigan Pre-K-12 Literacy Commission, she brings deep expertise in culturally responsive pedagogy.
Dave Richey
Board Member
A strategic thinker and writer, Dave Richey serves as a board member at Simpson and software tool developer at Visa. He brings a unique blend of business acumen and social impact, contributing to global initiatives that drive equity and access while working on his 4th book of epic poetry.
Ariael Surls
Board Member
Ariael Surls is a Muse. An inspiration for anyone that crosses her path. She believes in love & peace, using her voice to make a positive difference in the world around her. She's a simple soul that loves tree hugging & basking in the sun.