Lake Erie Ink splashes into its sixth year

Youth from Lake Erie Ink's Explore and Express camp learn about public art at LAND Studio.

With the start of the school year comes the start of Ink Spot, Lake Erie Ink’s (LEI) creative after-school program. Ink Spot takes place at LEI’s Coventry location, 2843 Washington Blvd., and its satellite location at Noble Elementary School. Running Monday through Thursday, Ink Spot offers homework assistance and creative expression activities for students of all abilities. The program has expanded this year to welcome third-graders.

An Ink Spot Open House takes place Tuesday, Aug. 23, 3:30–6:30 p.m. Visitors can drop-in to learn more about LEI's program, where students in grades 3–6 participate in activities after school.

LEI’s fall season officially kicks off on Sept. 13 with a college essay writing workshop geared toward helping teens with one of the most difficult parts of applying to colleges: crafting a personal essay.

On Sept. 17, LEI hosts its first 2016 Weekend Ink workshop, titled, “Building New Worlds: Creating Sci-Fi and Fantasy Settings.” Weekend Ink workshops are funded in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

Also, a free open mic night will be held on Sept. 23 where writers of all ages and genres are encouraged to share their words.

LEI recently finished up its sixth exciting summer with the Explore and Express teen camp. Young writers visited places around Cleveland such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the West Side Market, LAND Studio, Terminal Tower and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, learning about their city while enhancing their storytelling abilities. Visit www.lakeerieink.tumblr.com to view some of their work.

For more information about volunteering or enrolling your child in LEI programs, visit www.lakeerieink.org.