Columbia Academy Art Exploration

We recently wrapped up an Art Exploration program at Columbia Academy in NE Minneapolis led by Artist Mentor Joe Davis. Here’s what Joe writes:

“The students at Columbia are full of creativity and curiosity! We started our sessions with personal check-ins and several rounds of fun writing prompts like Lightning Poetry, exploring their passions and interests.

Eventually we took to the stage in the theater room where they performed their original work and gave each other helpful feedback. 

During our time together, I was impressed by how nonjudgmental and supportive they were of each other. It was a joy to see them open up, share vulnerably and courageously, and ultimately build confidence and community through creative expression.” 

Recent Posts

  • Liberia Art Camp 2026

    By James Prowd – Art Camp Director We are grateful for this year’s edition of the Inverted Arts/Mission of Hope annual Art Camp. The much anticipated Camp was marked by young children bringing their talents and gifts to life through diverse arts disciplines. This year’s edition, which was centered around the theme “What’s Right With You?” …

  • Joe Davis Album Release Party

    Hey friends in the Minneapolis area. Here’s a concert you don’t want to miss. Joe Davis and The Poetic Diaspora are having their album release party Saturday, February 21st at the Northrop Auditorium. Joe is a multi-talented creative genius who uses his platforms to work tirelessly toward community healing, reconciliation, liberation and flourishing. He is…

  • Thank You!

    2025 – wow! What a year it was! Fifteen Art Camps and Art Exploration Programs, sixteen scholarship students, eight business partners, the hiring of our new Kenya Director, Seth Luchemos, and over 1700 students discovering they are made for something great! Thank you for investing in these talented young people who are using their creativity to transform their…

  • Upendo Art Camp

    by Seth Luchemos IA Kenya Director The Upendo Art Camp took place in Kakamega, Kenya from December 14-19, bringing together students and Artist Mentors for a week of creative learning, skill development, and personal growth. The team traveled from Nairobi on December 14th, officially began the camp on December 15th, and concluded with a showcase…

  • $29,150 Raised! Thank you!

    WOW! Thanks to your extreme generosity we blew past our goal of $25,000 and raised $29,150 during Give to the Max November 20th and Giving Tuesday December 2nd! These additional funds will allow us to support new projects that have been proposed by our partners in Kenya and Liberia, including additional scholarships and new music…

  • FFA Art Camp

    November 17th–22nd, 2025 | Buruburu Estate, Nairobi  By Seth Luchemos – IA Kenya Director The November edition of the Friends Fellowship Assembly (FFA) Art Camp was held from 17th to 22nd November in Buruburu Estate, Nairobi, bringing together 65 children for a week of creativity, mentorship, and faith-centered inspiration. Continuing our overarching theme, “Grateful Heart,…