By Kristi Spencer

In Carthage, Missouri, there’s a new place where kids can channel their creativity after school. Thanks to Cheryl Church, artCentral has become the go-to spot for young artists eager to express themselves. Cheryl turned her retirement into a mission to create a safe, inspiring space for kids. A former educator with 25 years under her belt, she knows firsthand how art can change lives. She recalls a conversation with a student that sparked the whole idea: “I wanted to create a safe place for kids. Art can be used as therapy.”

With strong support from the Carthage community and local businesses, Cheryl’s dream of launching an after-school art program became a reality faster than she expected. Now, artCentral is buzzing with energy every Tuesday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., providing a nurturing environment for young artists.

The facility has two remodeled spaces tailored for different age groups. Younger kids can dive into quick, fun projects, while older children work on more complex artistic endeavors that might take a few weeks to complete. Plus, artCentral extends its reach by visiting Steadley Elementary every Thursday to run sessions with the YMCA after-school program, making art accessible to even more kids in the area.

Even though the program is still new, Cheryl is already seeing the impact of these sessions, from a kindergartner who now finds it easier to spend time away from his parents to a child who relishes the freedom to create and make a mess. Cheryl says the program fills a need in the community: “We need to be something for kids to go to that isn’t sports; some would rather create art.”

This initiative wouldn’t be possible without community support, which has helped fund supplies and scholarships and spread the word. The once-quiet building is now a hub of daily activity. “Just two years ago, it was used two weeks out of the year for our summer art camp, and now that door gets opened every day,” Cheryl says.

And Cheryl’s not done dreaming. “I would like to have kids there every day; they could come in and create any day of the week,” she says. She’s looking forward to a time when art is part of these kids’ everyday world.

Thinking about signing your kids up or maybe even taking an adult class yourself? A portion of the fees from the adult classes help support the children’s sessions, making it a great way to give back to the community. The afterschool program costs $10 per class, with parents paying monthly. Here’s how to learn more:

Visit: www.artcentral.org | Call: 417.358.4404 | Stop by: 1110 E. 13th, Carthage, Missouri | Email: [email protected]