CLOUD 9 WORKSHOP CONNECT KIDS WITH ART
Who:
Kelcey Kalumbula, founder and president
What:
Cloud 9 Workshop
Where:
5205 W. North Ave, Milwaukee
When:
Established in 2012
Nine years ago, Kelcey Kalumbula’s vision came to fruition. She wanted to establish a place where children could explore art, people in the community could enhance relationships, and which would allow her the time and flexibility she needed for her family. The place she created, Cloud 9 Workshop, has become that and more.
Cloud 9 Workshop features a variety of eco-friendly and affordable experiences, including art workshops and creativity-based events and parties. As the website explains, the studio provides people from toddlers to adults with “meaningful and memorable experiences to build, sew, print, craft, paint and dream.”
It is also a hub for celebrations, which can take the pressure off hosting an event in one’s home. Area parents have found that art parties allow them to treat children and friends to a fun, interactive and educational birthday — without having to plan all the details, entertain in a smaller home and clean up afterward.
But the most important part is the art experience. It’s essential for people to engage in acts of creativity, Kalumbula, 43, said. She developed the concept for Cloud 9 based on her experiences as an event planner, art educator, mother and advocate for and observer of children.
Cloud 9’s inviting studio space inspires creativity.
Stuff vs. Experiences
“People are recognizing that ‘stuff’ is not the important thing. Experiences are becoming more and more popular, and people are seeking great experiences to share with others.”
— Kelcey Kalumbula
“Some things can’t be communicated with words, or shared, or processed with words,” she said. “Art can help serve that and build relationships. Art provides a way for people to share an experience together and bond.”
Cloud 9’s inviting space at 5205 W North Ave. is alive with art-making every time on-site programs are in progress.
“We want families and kids to have a lot of fun and share that together,” Kalumbula said. “The community is interested in that for their kids. People are recognizing that ‘stuff’ is not the important thing. Experiences are becoming more and more popular, and people are seeking great experiences to share with others.”
The central location draws people from local neighborhoods and across the metro area. Kalumbula selected it not just for the space but because it is close to school and work for her family – husband and educator Kasongo, and their children Lyndia, 13; Yoli, 11; and Utezi, 9. The fact that businesses on the block are now all women-owned is also a plus.
Kalumbula has continued to enhance programming as her children have become busier and more independent, Cloud 9 parents and children have inspired new ideas, and outside influences have forced change. For example, Cloud 9 held outdoor summer camps because of the pandemic. It also offers DYI take-home art project kits and art-making retreats for universities and businesses now.
“Every project and every venture has constraints, and some are enabling constraints,” Kalumbula said. “Even with COVID, I looked around our community and found what there was to enjoy for staycations, to notice what brings joy on a day-to-day basis.”
“Businesses and institutions are recognizing that creativity and working collaboratively, or even next to each other, can be inspiring and even unifying,” she added. “We are exploring more opportunities to make that happen.”
Kalumbula opened the studio’s doors to a new business idea because of the pandemic. In the studio’s front space, a pay-what-you-can grocer, The Greater Good(s), provides fresh produce on a regular basis to the community.
“With COVID, I thought what can we do with the space?” Kalumbula said. “I suggested a friend pilot her market idea in the studio, she did and made something great come from the challenge.”
Programming now follows schedules for the school year and the summer, and private bookings also fill up the calendar. Workshops are developed not just for their potential as great experiences, but also for learning.
“We teach skills so that when someone has an idea they know how to make it happen,” Kalumbula said.
While some view art as static, something to be observed, for Kalumbula art is both experiential and transformative.
“Making art provides an opportunity for each individual to process ideas and learn where they are in the world,” she said. “It empowers people to do things themselves, on their own.”
All photos: Rob Gustafson